Bandai Namco Entertainment and FromSoftware have officially announced the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2, bundling the 2022 base game with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and new content. Pre-orders opened on June 11, 2026, with a release date set for August 28, 2026.
Game Content and Pricing
The Tarnished Edition includes the following:
- The original Elden Ring game.
- The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, which introduces new areas, bosses, gear, weapons, and armor, continuing the narrative involving Miquella.
- Two new Starting Classes: the Knight of Idis and the Heavy Knight.
- New character armor and customization options for Torrent, the player's spectral steed.
The Switch 2 physical edition is priced at $80 and uses Nintendo's "Game-Key Card" system. This cartridge validates the game for download from the Nintendo eShop rather than containing the full game data. The game's file size is listed as 75 GB. According to Nintendo, an initial internet connection is required to download the game, but subsequent play does not require an internet connection as long as the cartridge is inserted.
The new content (armor, weapons, and Torrent customization) will be released for other platforms as a separate downloadable content pack called the Tarnished Pack, with an expected price of $10.
Pre-orders are open digitally through the Nintendo eShop and at retail stores.
Release History and Development
Elden Ring was originally released in 2022, directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, with world-building contributions from George R.R. Martin. The game has sold 30 million units worldwide and received over 400 "Game of the Year" nominations.
The Switch 2 version was initially scheduled for a 2025 release. Early hands-on testing in 2025 reportedly identified performance issues. The developer delayed the release to 2026 to address these performance concerns and has stated the game is now ready for release.
Retail and Distribution Context
The Game-Key Card system is Nintendo's solution for distributing large game files without using higher-capacity, more expensive cartridges. Some consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with this model, citing concerns about long-term game ownership and access if games are removed from digital storefronts. A consumer advocacy group called "Stop Killing Games" is seeking legal changes in the UK and EU concerning the ability of companies to disable purchased games.
Regarding pricing, Nintendo announced that, starting in April 2026, it will charge $10 less for digital versions of its first-party games compared to their physical versions. It has not been confirmed whether Bandai Namco will adopt this pricing model for the digital version of Elden Ring Tarnished Edition. A digital listing for the game exists without a confirmed price.