FromSoftware’s punishing yet beloved action RPG has wasted no time making its presence felt on Nintendo’s newest hardware. Despite a lengthy wait that spanned more than three years after the game’s original launch, Elden Ring has stormed straight to the number one spot on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts, giving the long-delayed port a remarkably strong start.
A Long Road to Nintendo’s Latest Console
When Elden Ring first launched in February 2022, it arrived on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC — but Nintendo fans were left watching from the sidelines. For years, a Switch version seemed like little more than a pipe dream, with the original console’s hardware widely considered too limited to handle the sprawling Lands Between.
That all changed with the Nintendo Switch 2. With significantly more powerful internals, Nintendo’s new system finally made a faithful Elden Ring experience possible on a Nintendo platform, and the title shipped as part of the console’s launch lineup in the form of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition.
What the Tarnished Edition Offers
The Switch 2 release isn’t just a barebones port. The Tarnished Edition bundles the full base game together with the acclaimed Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, giving newcomers the complete Elden Ring experience in a single package.
Features Tailored for Switch 2
Beyond the included DLC, the port takes advantage of the Switch 2’s improved hardware with enhanced visuals, faster loading times, and support for the system’s unique control options. The ability to take one of gaming’s most demanding open worlds on the go appears to be a major selling point — and clearly, one that players are responding to.
Why the Port Is Dominating the Charts
Elden Ring’s instant rise to the top of the eShop rankings is hardly a surprise when you consider the circumstances. The Switch 2 launched with a relatively lean first-party lineup, leaving a window open for major third-party titles to capture player attention. Few games carry the weight of Elden Ring, which has sold tens of millions of copies worldwide and earned Game of the Year honors in 2022.
There’s also the portability factor. Soulslike games have traditionally been tethered to home consoles and gaming PCs, and the promise of battling Malenia or exploring the Erdtree from a handheld device is a genuinely novel proposition. For many Switch 2 owners, this is their first opportunity to experience FromSoftware’s masterpiece without buying additional hardware.
Momentum for FromSoftware in 2025
The Switch 2 success caps off a busy stretch for the studio, which also released the co-op spinoff Elden Ring Nightreign in 2025. With the Tarnished Edition off to a hot start, FromSoftware and publisher Bandai Namco have reason to feel confident about the game’s legs on Nintendo’s platform heading into the holiday season and beyond.
Ready to Become the Elden Lord?
If you’re picking up a Nintendo Switch 2 — or shopping for one — Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is already shaping up to be one of the console’s essential titles. You can find great deals on Elden Ring game codes, Nintendo eShop gift cards, and more at TURGAME.com, your go-to store for digital game keys and gift cards at competitive prices.
Source: This article is based on reporting by GameRant.