Elden Ring on Nintendo Switch 2: Performance Woes at Gamescom 2025

Reports from Gamescom 2025 attendees have painted a concerning picture for fans eagerly awaiting Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2. Those who managed to get hands-on time with the game at the Cologne, Germany event came away deeply troubled by what they experienced, particularly regarding the game's performance in handheld mode.

According to multiple sources on the show floor, the critically acclaimed title is suffering from severe frame rate issues, with some sections of the game reportedly dropping to as low as 15 frames per second. This has left many questioning whether FromSoftware's masterpiece will be properly optimized before its anticipated release later this year.

"It felt like I was playing a game from twenty years ago," one attendee mentioned while waiting in line for another demo. "The world is beautiful, but when you're trying to dodge a boss attack and the game suddenly chugs, it completely breaks the experience."

What is Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition?

The Tarnished Edition, announced during a Nintendo Direct for Switch 2 back in April, is meant to be the definitive version of FromSoftware's open-world epic. It includes the base game, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion (which launched to universal acclaim in 2024), and exclusive content such as special armor sets, weapons, and customization options.

While the Nintendo Switch 2 version will remain exclusive to the platform, Bandai Namco has confirmed that the additional content will eventually make its way to other platforms. This was welcome news for existing players on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC who didn't want to double-dip just for a few cosmetic items.

NintendoLife journalist Felix Sanchez was particularly vocal about the performance issues, stating in a recent video: "It's really bad, and I understand why they don't want you to see this, because wowie zowie, it is terrible." Sanchez went on to compare the experience to playing Ocarina of Time, noting that the frame rate frequently dipped below acceptable levels.

No Footage Allowed

In what many are interpreting as damage control, Bandai Namco has reportedly prohibited attendees from recording footage of the game during the demo sessions. This unusual restriction has only fueled speculation about the severity of the performance issues.

"They were extremely strict about phones and cameras," noted one content creator who wished to remain anonymous. "Usually at these events you can at least take photos, but security was watching everyone like hawks. That tells you something right there."

The situation is particularly disappointing given the Nintendo Switch 2's improved hardware specifications over its predecessor. Many had hoped that the new console would finally allow third-party developers to bring their most demanding titles to a Nintendo platform without significant compromises.

Hope on the Horizon?

Despite the current state of the game, there's still reason for optimism. With no specific release date announced beyond a general 2025 window, FromSoftware and Bandai Namco still have time to optimize the experience. The recent ESRB rating suggests that the core game is complete, with technical refinements likely being the focus of remaining development efforts.

Industry analysts point out that demo builds at trade shows are often older versions that don't represent the current state of development. "What we're seeing at Gamescom could be months old," explained tech analyst Maria Chen. "Optimization is typically one of the final stages of development, so I wouldn't panic just yet."

However, some have expressed concern about FromSoftware's current workload. The studio is simultaneously developing The Duskbloods, a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive scheduled for 2026, and recently launched Elden Ring Nightreign. This ambitious slate has led some to wonder if the team might be spreading itself too thin.

"FromSoftware has an incredible track record, but they're not magicians," said veteran game developer Thomas Wright. "Porting a game as complex as Elden Ring to new hardware while maintaining quality across multiple other projects is a monumental task. Something has to give."

The Stakes Are High

For Nintendo, securing a proper version of Elden Ring for the Switch 2 represents a major coup. The original game has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and won numerous Game of the Year awards. Having such a prestigious title available on their platform would help cement the Switch 2's appeal to hardcore gamers—a demographic that Nintendo has sometimes struggled to fully capture.

For FromSoftware and Bandai Namco, delivering a subpar port could damage their reputation for quality. The studio has built incredible goodwill with fans over the past decade, and releasing Elden Ring in a technically compromised state would risk squandering that trust.

One industry insider suggested that a delay might be the most prudent course of action. "Better to push it to early 2026 and get it right than rush it out for holiday 2025 and disappoint everyone," they said. "The Switch 2 will have plenty of other launch window titles to keep players busy."

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition be fixed by release?

While there's no official statement from Bandai Namco addressing the performance concerns, there's still time before the 2025 release window closes. The fact that the game has received its ESRB rating suggests development is progressing, with optimization likely being a focus area.

Can the Nintendo Switch 2 actually handle Elden Ring?

On paper, the Switch 2's hardware should be capable of running Elden Ring with appropriate optimizations. However, the reports from Gamescom suggest that significant work remains to be done to achieve acceptable performance, particularly in handheld mode.

Is FromSoftware developing the port themselves?

Neither Bandai Namco nor FromSoftware has confirmed whether the port is being handled internally or by an external studio. Some speculate that the performance issues might be related to outsourced development, but this remains unconfirmed.

What frame rate and resolution is the game targeting?

No official technical specifications have been announced. Most Switch 2 titles aim for 30fps at 720p in handheld mode and 1080p when docked, but the final targets for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition remain unknown.

Will the exclusive content ever come to other platforms?

Yes! While the Tarnished Edition itself will remain exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, Bandai Namco has confirmed that the new armor, weapons, and customization options will eventually be available on other platforms through updates or DLC.