Nintendo recently took a bold step with the release of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2, showcasing their ambition to bring large-scale games to their console. This edition of the critically acclaimed game allows players to venture into The Lands Between, a vast world filled with formidable foes and challenges. Despite technical limitations, including a 30 FPS cap and long loading times, the experience remains captivating.
Gameplay Adjustments on the Switch 2
For players familiar with Elden Ring on PC, adjusting to the Switch 2’s controls and performance might require some adaptation. The game’s 30 FPS frame rate can be a stark change for those accustomed to the smooth 60 FPS on other platforms. Control differences, such as pressing ‘A’ to dodge and ‘X’ to interact as opposed to ‘B’ and ‘Y’ on the Xbox controller, also require some getting used to. Nonetheless, with time, these become less noticeable, allowing players to immerse themselves in the game.
Performance Across Key Stages
As players reach the accomplishments of conquering Margit and Godrick at Stormveil, the initial focus on frame rates begins to fade. Players quickly adapt to the game’s rhythm, learning to time dodges and attacks accurately. While most of the game runs smoothly in docked mode, occasional frame drops occur, mostly noticeable during fast-paced sections, such as the pursuit of the Academy Glintstone Key in Liurnia of the Lakes. Despite this, the Tarnished Edition impressively retains the visual allure of the original.
Challenges with Fast-Paced Bosses
Performance issues become more apparent in battles with agile bosses. The Red Wolf of Radagon, a swift opponent in Liurnia of the Lakes, particularly highlights these challenges. Frame drops occur when the wolf unleashes its magical sword attacks, making evasion difficult. Many players resort to using ranged attacks, like the Reduvia Dagger, to maintain a safe distance. Conversely, fights with other major bosses such as Rennala progress smoothly, much like earlier encounters with Margit and Godrick.
Future Prospects and Concerns
The Tarnished Edition comes with new Starting Classes, which introduce fresh elements to the gameplay, including a Light Greatsword. While this adds excitement for long-time players replaying with new characters, there is an underlying apprehension regarding the performance against later bosses, especially in the upcoming DLC. Divine Beast Dancing Lion and Messmer the Impaler, known for their demanding combat, raise questions about how these battles will unfold on the Switch 2.
Particularly concerning is the final boss of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, Promised Consort Radahn. This formidable opponent not only tests player skills but also places demands on the gaming hardware. Previous experiences with Radahn on a PC revealed struggles with both difficulty and hardware performance during intense Gravity attacks. How the Nintendo Switch 2 copes with such challenging encounters remains to be seen, as players continue their journey through The Lands Between and venture into the Realm of Shadow once more.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.