Full Breakdown
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Set for Nintendo Switch 2 Release on August 28, 2026
6/4/2026, 7:57:41 PM
Launch Details
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition launches worldwide on Nintendo Switch 2 on 28 August 2026. The bundle includes the base game, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, two new starting classes, new armor, new weapons, and customization skins for the Spectral Steed Torrent. Physical copies sell for $79.99; digital copies will be available via the eShop.
Background
Elden Ring debuted in February 2022 on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC, earning over 30 million sales and multiple Game of the Year awards. The title was co-created by FromSoftware director Hidetaka Miyazaki and novelist George R.R. Martin. Its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC arrived in June 2024, adding a new storyline and selling 5 million copies in three days. A Switch 2 port was announced with an initial 2025 target.
Timeline
Feb 2022: Elden Ring release. Jun 2024: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Oct 2025: Switch 2 launch delayed for performance adjustments. Aug 28 2026: Tarnished Edition and Tarnish Pack DLC release.
Data
The original game sold >30 million units worldwide; the DLC moved 5 million copies in its first three days. The Tarnished Edition costs $79.99 (physical). The Tarnish Pack DLC price is unannounced, though $5 is widely speculated. New content adds two starting classes, armor, weapons, and Torrent skins.
Official Statements
Bandai Namco’s press release confirmed the 28 August 2026 launch and the inclusion of Shadow of the Erdtree. FromSoftware’s official X post announced the release with a tagline urging players to begin their journey to the Erdtree. The studio also confirmed the extra content will appear as the Tarnish Pack DLC on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S and PC the same day.
Criticism
IGN’s pre-launch hands-on described the Switch 2 build as a severe handheld failure and reported “frame rate drops … significant when turning the camera … combined with a confusing button layout … made combat confusing and exploration fairly dispiriting.” Nintendo Life echoed the concerns, questioning whether the performance tweaks would fully resolve the issues seen at Gamescom.
Conflicts
Sources disagree on the Tarnish Pack DLC price: IGN expects $5, while other outlets say the cost remains unconfirmed. It is also unclear if the DLC will be free for existing Elden Ring owners on non-Switch platforms. No official clarification has been issued.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Your journey to the Erdtree begins here. Rise, Tarnished,” — Elden Ring official X account
- “a disaster in handheld mode” — IGN, pre-launch hands-on report
- “VGC’s Elden Ring review called it “FromSoftware‘s most vital game since Demon’s Souls“.” — Video Game Chronicle review
- “grandiose”, “mysterious” and “a touch more welcoming.” — Aoife Wilson, Eurogamer review
What's Next
FromSoftware has pledged post-launch patches to address Switch 2 performance and UI issues. The Tarnish Pack DLC will be monitored for pricing updates. Fans also anticipate the announced Elden Ring live-action film slated for 2028, though it does not affect the Switch 2 rollout.
