What's Happening?
FromSoftware has announced a delay in the release of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2, pushing the launch to 2026. Originally slated for a 2025 release, the decision was made to allow additional time for performance adjustments.
The game, which includes the base Elden Ring game and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, faced criticism for its performance during pre-launch tests, particularly in handheld mode. Frame rate issues and a confusing button layout were noted as significant problems. FromSoftware has apologized to fans and expressed gratitude for their patience.
Why It's Important?
The delay of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is significant for both the gaming industry and consumers. Elden Ring was a major success, being the second best-selling game in the U.S. in 2022. The delay highlights the challenges of adapting high-performance games to handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2. This decision may impact Nintendo's console sales and FromSoftware's reputation, as fans eagerly await a polished version of the game. The delay also underscores the importance of performance quality in gaming, as poor performance can lead to negative reviews and decreased sales.
What's Next?
FromSoftware will continue to work on performance improvements for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition. The company has not provided a specific release date in 2026, leaving room for further adjustments. Fans and industry analysts will be watching closely for updates on the game's development. The delay may prompt other developers to reassess their own release schedules for high-profile games on the Switch 2, potentially leading to a broader industry trend of prioritizing performance over release timelines.
