Fans waiting to explore The Lands Between on Nintendo’s next console will have to wait a bit longer. FromSoftware and Bandai Namco have confirmed that Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 has been delayed, pushing its release from the originally expected 2025 window into sometime in 2026. The developers explained that the decision was made to resolve significant performance issues that emerged during testing.
The Switch 2 version was never given a fixed release date for 2025, but it had been widely anticipated to arrive before the end of the year. Now, that timeline has shifted by several months, leaving players uncertain about the exact launch window. Based on the current statements, the most realistic estimate places the game’s release around mid-to-late 2026, depending on how long optimization takes.
According to multiple reports, the main reason for the delay involves critical performance and stability problemsidentified in the current development builds. Early test footage and trade-show demos reportedly revealed uneven frame rates and occasional stuttering, particularly in handheld mode on the upcoming Switch 2 hardware. Some insiders suggested that these issues became more visible during complex open-world areas, prompting the team to dedicate additional time to polish and rework the port’s technical foundation
FromSoftware addressed the delay in an official statement shared across social media, saying:
“While development on Elden Ring: 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.”
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.
— ELDEN RING (@ELDENRING) October 23, 2025
We apologize to players looking forward to the game and thank you for your patience and support. pic.twitter.com/TsLrhAWIGc
The developers added that “additional time is required for performance improvements and quality assurance”, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining the standards that made Elden Ring a global success. The tone of their message reflects a focus on delivering the best possible experience on Nintendo’s new hardware, even if it means a longer wait.
Many players have expressed understanding toward the delay, noting that technical optimization is particularly challenging when adapting a massive open-world title like Elden Ring to a portable-hybrid console. The consensus among fans is clear: they would rather wait for a stable, high-quality version than receive a rushed release that fails to meet expectations.
For now, the confirmed details remain minimal. The game will arrive in 2026, but the specific release window has not been finalized. What is certain is that Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition remains one of the most anticipated launches for the Switch 2, and its developers seem determined to ensure it performs as smoothly as possible when it finally lands.
