Elden Ring’s Messy Switch 2 Port Opens a Pandora’s Box FromSoftware Desperately Needs to Close

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The “Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition” is scheduled for release later this year, which will make FromSoftware‘s highly-acclaimed open-world masterpiece available on the Nintendo Switch 2. This news has created a buzz of excitement, particularly among those who missed out on the game at its launch due to their choice of hardware. However, early previews of “Elden Ring” on Switch 2 suggest some potential issues may arise.

It seems that according to sources like IGN and Nintendo Life, the Tarnished Edition of Elden Ring is reportedly running sluggishly, with a rather messy appearance. Players who’ve tried it at this year’s Gamescom have described it as surprisingly poor, with Nintendo Life’s Felix Sanchez stating that the frame rate (FPS) resembles around 20 frames per second, occasionally dropping to 15 in certain areas. The textures have been criticized as muddy and of low resolution, suggesting that the game doesn’t seem to prioritize visual quality over performance.

This development is especially disheartening when considering the handheld market’s standards: devices like the Steam Deck have been smoothly running Elden Ring for several years now, making this a concerning sign for the upcoming Switch 2. However, there’s speculation that this current state of shoddiness might be attributable to FromSoftware, which could potentially lead to challenges ahead.

At Gamescom, FromSoftware did not permit any recording of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, which could be interpreted as backing up claims about potential technical issues within the game.

FromSoftware Needs to Get a Grip on Switch 2 Hardware Before The Duskbloods

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Paints a Grim Picture of Nintendo-FromSoftware Relations

Nintendo and FromSoftware haven’t historically worked too closely together, with only “Dark Souls Remastered” being a significant collaboration on the original Nintendo Switch. However, it seems that this relationship may be warming up, as suggested by the release of “Elden Ring” on the platform, and also by “The Duskbloods”, a soulslike game from FromSoftware exclusively for the next-generation Nintendo Switch.

The decision by FromSoftware to collaborate so closely with Nintendo, after a long period of distance between them, is quite significant and would have been thrilling if not for the recent news about Elden Ring. However, if Elden Ring struggles to run smoothly on the Switch 2, then it raises questions about Duskbloods, an open-world game with more complex multiplayer features, scheduled for release in 2026. FromSoftware will need to reassure gamers, especially those who bought a Switch 2 under the impression of getting a powerful exclusive title from them.

The Duskbloods Will Probably Run Better Than Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, but FromSoftware Needs Damage Control Anyway

When situations like these arise, it’s essential to keep in mind that game development can be intricate and multi-faceted. There might be numerous elements causing issues with Elden Ring on the Nintendo Switch 2, and each case will differ for The Duskbloods. Notably, The Duskbloods is being developed specifically for the Switch 2, enabling FromSoftware to create the game considering the console’s unique features. Furthermore, the performance problems faced by Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition could potentially provide FromSoftware with useful insights into developing games for the Switch 2, turning this setback into a long-term benefit.

From a business standpoint, it’s crucial for FromSoftware to ensure that Elden Ring performs optimally before its release on the Switch 2. If Nintendo’s first major collaboration with them in years is marred by poor performance, it could create an unpleasant precedent ahead of Duskbloods. Essentially, the launch of both FromSoftware and the Switch 2 should be successful to avoid a challenging sales journey for Duskbloods. If Cyberpunk 2077 can function smoothly on the Switch 2, then it’s feasible that Elden Ring can also meet expectations.

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2025-08-21 22:36