Nintendo Switch 2 Critic Reviews

Despite fears and delays, Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is an excellent way to experience FromSoftware's intimidating yet flexible open world masterpiece, whether you're discovering The Lands Between for the first time or a glutton for punishment back for more.

A near-perfect port of FromSoftware’s masterpiece, Elden Ring sings on Switch 2. Minimal pop-in and occasionally stuttery enemy animations are easily overlooked when performance is otherwise so slick in handheld mode. If you want to play Elden Ring on the go, this is simply the best way to do it.

Despite minor technical flaws, Elden Ring remains a masterpiece on the Nintendo Switch 2 as well.

The memorable Elden Ring from the acclaimed FromSoftware has arrived on the Nintendo Switch 2 with a highly satisfying level of quality. This cross-gen game is one of the most captivating open-world experiences we’ve ever played, and the Switch 2 port lets you fully enjoy its charms.

A well-made port for Switch 2: Even at 30 frames and on the small screen, Elden Ring has lost none of its fascination.

In acknowledging that the Switch 2 port of Elden Ring isn’t quite up to the standard of the game playing on the PlayStation 5, this review sounds more negative than it should. The differences are a rounding error, and what is important is that this masterpiece runs perfectly well on a very portable console.

FromSoftware's epic adventure has only gotten better with time, and playing it in handheld mode on a road trip is an exquisite experience that must be seen to be believed.

This port delivers an impressively sharp and detailed rendition of FromSoftware’s masterpiece on hybrid hardware. The inclusion of the expansion and new classes provides immense value, although the performance frequently dips below its sixty-frame target. Despite small text and connectivity quirks, it remains a breathtaking, essential achievement for handheld gaming.

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition was well worth the wait on Switch 2, bringing us the base Elden Ring experience and the exceptional Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in the same package. Sure, there might be moments where performance slightly dips, but these do little to get in the way of this challenging and grand adventure. For gamers who have never experienced Elden Ring, this is a fantastic way to do so, and for returning players like myself, having this outstanding world available on a handheld is the perfect excuse to return to the Lands Between. Much like how the original Elden Ring was a defining Souls-like of the genre, Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is one of the defining ports on Switch 2, bringing a sprawling action RPG to a hybrid device. It's polished, punishing, and an essential purchase for those looking for their next challenge.

ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 as a surprisingly accomplished adaptation of one of the most remarkable games of recent years. Despite the hardware’s natural limitations, it preserves the game’s scale, atmosphere and sense of exploration remarkably well, with consistent performance and visuals that are particularly impressive in handheld mode. With Shadow of the Erdtree included, this is a complete and compelling version for anyone who wants to explore the Lands Between away from the TV.