Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition release moved to 2026 for optimization

GAMING NEWS Rine Ikarus - Oct 27, 2025, 09:44

Nintendo Switch 2 owners eager to journey through the Lands Between will have to wait a little longer. FromSoftware has officially delayed Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition from its original 2025 release window to sometime in 2026, citing the need for “performance adjustments.”

FromSoftware Aims for a Smoother Adventure on Switch 2

In a statement shared via the official Elden Ring X account, the studio explained that while development “continues wholeheartedly toward release,” the team decided to move the launch to 2026 to ensure a stable experience on Nintendo’s new hardware. “We apologize to players looking forward to the game and thank you for your patience and support,” the post reads.

While development on #ELDENRING Tarnished Edition continues wholeheartedly toward release, we have decided to move the launch to 2026 to allow time for performance adjustments.

We apologize to players looking forward to the game and thank you for your patience and support. pic.twitter.com/TsLrhAWIGc
— ELDEN RING (@ELDENRING) October 23, 2025

The decision follows concerning early impressions from Gamescom 2025, where attendees reported major frame rate dips and visual instability when running Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on the Switch 2. Performance reportedly dropped to as low as 15 FPS in certain open-world sections, making the delay feel less like a setback and more like a necessary step toward a smoother experience.

This enhanced version of the award-winning action RPG bundles the base game with its acclaimed Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, introducing new armor, weapons, and classes — including the Knight of Ides and the Heavy Knight. When it finally arrives, players will be able to experience the full Elden Ring journey in handheld form — something fans have been dreaming of since the game’s 2022 debut.

FromSoftware’s decision to take extra time reflects its commitment to ensuring this adaptation matches the studio’s reputation for polish and performance. For fans who can’t wait until 2026, Elden Ring and its upcoming spin-off Elden Ring: Nightreign remain available on other platforms — both offering vast worlds filled with mystery, challenge, and triumph.

And don’t forget to check our game price comparator to find the best prices for Elden Ring and Elden Ring: Nightreign. With adventures this grand, it’s always worth getting the best deal before setting foot in the Lands Between.

FromSoftware delays Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition to 2026

FromSoftware Aims for a Smoother Adventure on Switch 2

Rine Ikarus