Elden Ring Performs Smoothly on Switch 2 During My Cafe Test—Exciting News for Fans!

Elden Ring is an outstanding video game that delivers the signature FromSoftware combat fans love, featuring a plethora of boss encounters that are mostly unique and enjoyable. With extensive character build customization, a stunningly vast open world ripe for exploration, an engaging narrative filled with hidden secrets, and a substantial DLC that could stand alone as a game, it’s no wonder this title has garnered widespread acclaim and continues to be cherished by players years after its release.

I’m a huge fan of Elden Ring! However, when I was asked to review the Tarnished Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2, I wasn’t exactly thrilled. I had already poured over 100 hours into the main game and an additional 40 or so into the DLC when it first launched. I even had a brief hands-on with the Tarnished Edition at a preview event earlier this year, where I concluded that yes, it was indeed Elden Ring on the Switch 2! The game is fantastic, but I didn’t feel the need to dive back in. What more could I add?

Surprisingly, after revisiting it for this review, I discovered one more thing to mention: playing Elden Ring in public is actually quite enjoyable. Picture this: a cozy coffee shop with comfy chairs, sipping on a hot London fog while you game.

Before the Tarnished Edition, Elden Ring was technically playable on the go for those with a Steam Deck. I own one, but it’s not the most portable option for public gaming. It’s bulky, lacks a convenient kickstand, and requires you to hold it in your hands unless you want to lug around a controller. With the Switch 2, I can set it on the table, prop it up with the kickstand, detach the Joy-Cons, and lean back while enjoying the soothing ambiance of café music. Every time I die (which happens often), I can take a calming sip of tea. I stay relaxed, and thankfully, my cat isn’t here to interfere with my gameplay. Life is good.

In every other aspect, my initial impressions from the preview hold true: this is Elden Ring on the Switch 2! There were initial concerns about performance based on early previews, but those issues were resolved by the time I got my hands on it earlier this year, and they remain fixed now. The game runs smoothly, with only occasional minor framerate drops. Sure, it doesn’t look quite as stunning as it does on a PS5 or Xbox Series, but that’s not a dealbreaker. The gameplay remains solid, and the visuals are still impressive, especially when standing on a cliff’s edge gazing at the Erdtree, sunlight filtering through the clouds amidst a backdrop of crumbling ruins.

It’s worth noting that the Tarnished Edition doesn’t introduce any significant new features. There are four new armor sets, some customization options for Torrent, and two new starting classes. Unfortunately, two of those armor sets are tied to the new classes, Heavy Knight and Idus Knight. I tried the Idus Knight but quickly swapped out my armor for a tunic I found from a knight early in Limgrave because it offered better stats. I think I wore that same tunic during my first playthrough. It’s a shame because the new starting armor looked fantastic. The addition of these classes felt underwhelming; players will likely customize their stats and gear almost immediately anyway. The Idus Knight is essentially a lower-level Samurai with different equipment. These changes didn’t enhance my experience and will likely be forgotten after the first hour of gameplay.

On the bright side, this release includes the fantastic Shadow of the Erdtree DLC right from the start, which is a great bonus.

But really, who cares? It’s Elden Ring on the Switch 2! I can easily take it on a plane, a train, to bars, or even rooftop wine parties. I can enjoy it outside on a patio with a cold drink as the sun sets. I know this is just reiterating the main selling point of the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, but I haven’t taken my Switch 2 out much since its launch last year. Elden Ring, one of the best games of 2022 and arguably the decade, is the perfect reason to change that. Treat yourself to a latte or, later in the day, a nice glass of pinot noir, pull out your Switch 2, and dive in.