Elden Ring on Switch 2 is a surprisingly good port

When Elden Ring first landed on the Nintendo Switch 2, many fans were greeted with a slightly rough performance. This initial experience prompted publisher Bandai Namco to strategically delay the launch, aiming to fine-tune the game’s experience for the hybrid console. Now, as we approach the new release date of August 28th in 2026, the extra time in the development oven has certainly smoothed out the experience, though there are still some nuances to consider.

Video producer Jake Dekker spent over a week diving deep into the game, testing it in both docked and handheld modes to assess the performance. His findings offered a candid look at what the Switch 2 version delivers. While the game maintains a consistent frame rate, it does not quite reach the pinnacle of smoothness expected by some.

“While there are certainly frame rate drops, it never hits the lows that we saw in some of that preview footage,” Dekker explained. He noted that while performance is better, the frame rate is still far from perfect. For those who played the game on more powerful platforms like PC, Xbox Series X, or PlayStation 5, the difference is noticeable; the Switch 2 version does not achieve the smooth 60 frames per second that those versions offered, which was somewhat disappointing.

Testing across different modes revealed that the experience varies. While docked mode generally holds a consistent 30fps, handheld play introduces frame rate fluctuations. Dekker suggested that these drops, while present, do not render the game unplayable, but they do detract from the flawless experience some players are accustomed to.

Despite the frame rate considerations, the content packed into the version of the game released on the Switch 2 is substantial. The Tarnished Edition includes both Elden Ring and its critically acclaimed Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. This package, priced at $80, offers new visual enhancements, including unique skins for the steed Torrent, exclusive armor sets, and two new classes: the Heavy Knight and the Idus Knight.

Whether this package offers the ideal value depends on your priorities. If the smooth 60fps experience is a dealbreaker, some players might look toward other titles, such as The Duskbloods, which is showing promise for a smoother souls-like feel when it eventually launches for the Switch 2.

Ultimately, the Switch 2 version of Elden Ring provides a solid, expansive adventure. For players who enjoy the world of Dark Souls and its incredible lore, this version offers a robust experience, even with a cinematic 30fps frame rate, ensuring that the adventure remains epic regardless of the technical specifications.