Elden Ring plays much better than I'd expected on Switch 2, but it isn't without its flaws

Summary

The Nintendo Switch 2 may have its hardware limits, but that hasn't stopped Nintendo and other publishers from attempting to bring some of the most demanding and massive games to the handheld. Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is one such ambitious release. In this hands-on piece, the editor shares that the game plays surprisingly well on the Switch 2, far exceeding expectations, though it is not without flaws. The analysis focuses on frame rate stability, visual quality, loading times, and control responsiveness. In handheld mode, the game delivers impressive fluidity, maintaining high frame rates in most areas, which is a pleasant surprise. However, certain complex scenes or intense battles can cause frame drops and dynamic resolution scaling. Additionally, the small text and UI elements in portable mode may strain eyes during long sessions, a common issue with handheld ports. Despite these shortcomings, the overall experience is far more playable than many would assume, making it an enticing option for exploring the Lands Between on the go. The success of this port demonstrates that the Switch 2 has the capacity to handle larger-scale games, setting a positive precedent for future AAA titles on the platform. For players weighing whether to pick up this version, the review offers valuable insights and sparks industry discussion on balancing hardware capabilities with game…