Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Has a Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date, Additional Content Also Available to Buy on Other Platforms

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Launches on Nintendo Switch 2 in August 2026

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 28, 2026, as confirmed by FromSoftware. Alongside the Switch 2 release, the additional content included in the Tarnished Edition will also be available to buy on other platforms on the same day via the Tarnished Pack DLC. This move ensures that players across multiple systems can access the new features and enhancements without needing to own a Switch 2.

The $79.99 Tarnished Edition includes the base game, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, new weapons, and the ability to customize Torrent, players’ faithful Spectral Steed, with armor skins. Also included are two new starting classes, adding even more variety to the gameplay experience. Publisher Bandai Namco confirmed that the new content will be available for purchase on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam. However, the cost of the Tarnished Pack DLC has not been disclosed yet, though industry analysts expect it to be priced around $5.

Delayed for Performance Improvements

Originally planned for a 2025 launch, the Switch 2 version of FromSoftware’s 2022 Game of the Year-winning fantasy RPG was delayed to this year to “allow time for performance adjustments.” This delay was largely attributed to the need to address the technical concerns raised by those who had tested the Tarnished Edition on Switch 2 in a pre-launch state.

Many players, including those at IGN, had firsthand experience with the early Switch 2 version of the game. During gamescom last year, IGN described Elden Ring on Switch 2 as “a disaster in handheld mode.” The review highlighted significant frame rate drops when turning the camera while exploring areas outside the tutorial, combined with a confusing button layout on the Switch 2, which made combat confusing and exploration dispiriting. These issues were a major concern for players who wanted a smooth and immersive experience on the handheld console.

With the August 2026 launch date approaching, fans are hopeful that these performance issues have been addressed. The final version of the game is expected to deliver a more stable and enjoyable experience on Nintendo Switch 2, ensuring that the game runs smoothly on all platforms.

What's Next for Elden Ring?

The arrival of Elden Ring on Switch 2 marks the completion of the game’s platform availability, as it has now launched on all major systems. The game has already sold over 30 million copies worldwide, a testament to its widespread appeal and success.

With the multiplayer spinoff, Elden Ring: Nightreign, now over a year old, fans are eager to know what FromSoftware has in store next. While the Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods, has been released this year, speculation about a sequel or new content continues. In December 2024, Elden Ring director and FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki stated that the developer was not currently considering making Elden Ring 2, but he did not rule out the possibility in the future.

If a sequel is not on the horizon, fans can look forward to an upcoming Elden Ring movie, which is currently in development. This further indicates that the Elden Ring universe is expanding beyond the game itself, offering new opportunities for engagement with the franchise.