Action RPG

Elden Ring on Switch 2: Will It Be a Disaster?

BBG News

It’s exciting to think about playing Elden Ring on the hypothetical Nintendo Switch 2, but I have doubts about its performance. Elden Ring, being From Software’s debut open-world Souls-like game, was among the third-party titles announced for the Switch 2 during Nintendo’s April 2 Direct. The port of Elden Ring for the Switch 2, officially titled Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, was unveiled alongside other titles such as Hitman: World of Assassination, Borderlands 4, EA Sports FC 24, and another FromSoft original, the exclusive for the Switch 2 – The Duskbloods.

The unveiling of the Switch 2 is quite striking, as it seems to be making a strong claim, aiming to demonstrate that it belongs among the top-tier gaming systems. This is evident in its recent announcement of several games initially released for PCs and home consoles. However, I’m not entirely convinced that the Switch 2 is the ideal platform for Elden Ring, and I have some concerns following yesterday’s Direct presentation.

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Trailer Hints At Switch 2 Performance Issues

Torrent Looks A Little Choppy

It’s possible that you didn’t catch it, but the trailer for the Switch 2 version of Elden Ring seems to suggest some potential lower-than-optimal performance. This becomes particularly noticeable from about the 25-second point. In this scene, the player character stands beneath a half-submerged castle, and summons Torrent with a whistle. As they ride off, the frame rate appears to slow down significantly. The camera then pans up to provide a clearer view of the Erdtree and a distant moon, which might indicate further performance issues.

To an untrained observer, it seems like a potential issue with frame rate consistency – a challenge FromSoftware has encountered before, given that it also affected their PS4-exclusive game, Bloodborne. However, there’s still hope for improvement, particularly if the Tarnished Edition has the remaining months of the year to smooth out any kinks. Yet, this issue might hint at potential rendering difficulties The Lands Between could face on the Switch 2.

In this 45-second trailer, we’re only shown one active gameplay moment, and it doesn’t seem to be from a challenging section of the game. There are additional gameplay snippets, however, they’re quite static with characters standing motionless as the camera moves around them, or slowed down by a dramatic slow-motion effect that might conceal any performance flaws. The majority of the trailer relies on cutscenes, which are visually stunning, but also predictably stable due to their nature.

The question arises: Can the Switch 2 handle Elden Ring’s intense boss battles smoothly? While a slight lag may not be noticeable during leisurely rides through tranquil landscapes, it could significantly impact encounters with formidable foes like Malenia. Given that Elden Ring requires swift responses more than most action RPGs, any frame drops or slowdowns on the Switch 2 could transform challenging battles into infuriating trials.

Elden Ring Already Doesn’t Run Well On More Powerful Consoles

How Will It Do On Switch 2?

Elden Ring is not new to encountering performance problems. Upon its launch, it faced considerable issues across all platforms, even on high-end consoles and PCs. Most of these were addressed over time; however, the Tarnished Edition, released three years after the original, seems to have persisting performance troubles despite having ample time to rectify these long-standing issues.

Despite improvements, Elden Ring may still experience occasional lags or stuttering. While some areas run smoothly, heavy combat environments or boss battles with numerous projectiles can cause a temporary drop in frame rate. This game is particularly resource-intensive, and at times, even high-end consoles can struggle to maintain optimal performance.

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit, when it comes to raw power, the specs of the Switch 2 just can’t compare to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. But let’s remember, the Switch 2 is a handheld device, designed for portability, not sheer horsepower. It holds its own against other portable consoles, delivering impressive performance within its niche market. However, when it comes to games that push the limits of even powerful systems, the Switch 2 might struggle to keep up.

Art Direction Carries Elden Ring, & Portability Is A Huge Perk On Switch 2

Elden Ring On Switch 2 Has Its Perks

Regardless of how you look at it, art direction stands out as one of Elden Ring‘s most impressive aspects. From the grandeur of its expansive landscape to the intricacies of its boss designs, and the excitement of exploration, it’s overflowing with beauty and meticulous detail. I can’t help but feel that reducing any part of this for the sake of compatibility with Switch 2 would be a pity – not only for the game itself, but also for those who are experiencing it for the first time, as they should see it in its full splendor.

Indeed, for players who own the potential Switch 2 console, Elden Ring could still be an appealing experience. Given its successful operation on a handheld like the Steam Deck, despite needing to reduce most of its graphical settings to maintain a stable 40 fps, it’s plausible that Elden Ring could perform similarly on Switch 2. The hardware capabilities of Switch 2 are somewhat similar to that of the Steam Deck, with advantages and disadvantages in different areas, suggesting they may achieve comparable performance levels.

One notable advantage of the Tarnished Edition is the convenience of playing Elden Ring on the go. The advancement in handheld gaming is remarkable, moving from 2D monochrome games like Mario to a vast open-world experience. This demonstrates that Nintendo’s new handheld device has much to offer, and for those who haven’t yet invested in a Steam Deck, it could be a compelling reason to make a purchase.

I’d openly acknowledge that it might be premature to rule out the Tarnished Edition at this stage. The initial trailer had some rough edges, but FromSoft still has ample time to enhance its quality. Even if it’s not flawless, many gamers might prioritize portability over smoothness. Of course, the price of the Elden Ring‘s Tarnished Edition on the Switch 2 could potentially be a point of contention, but we’ll see in time if that becomes a significant concern for this edition.

Read More

2025-04-04 05:57

Previous post Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson’s Wild Theory About Robert Irwin’s ‘Bulge’
Next post Corey Feldman’s Darkest Secret Exposed