The recent announcement confirming Elden Ring`s release on the Nintendo Switch 2 was largely anticipated, given the console`s projected power upgrade over its predecessor. However, the sheer scale of Elden Ring raised immediate questions about its performance on the new hardware. Current reports suggest that a demo of the game, showcased at Gamescom, is unfortunately suffering from significant frame rate drops. Moreover, staff from Bandai Namco, the game`s publisher, were reportedly preventing attendees from recording any footage of the demo.
In a video shared by Nintendo Life, video producer Felix Sanchez recounted his hands-on experience with Elden Ring on the Switch 2. Sanchez`s assessment was blunt: “It`s really bad, and I understand why they don`t want you to see this, because wow, it is terrible.” He further corroborated that recording gameplay, whether through direct capture or even by filming over someone`s shoulder, was explicitly prohibited.
Sanchez voiced skepticism that the game would be released in its current state, likening the gameplay fluidity to that of “Ocarina of Time,” noting a consistent frame rate of around 20 frames per second, with occasional dips to as low as 15 frames per second.
It`s important to highlight that Sanchez tested the game in handheld mode. While the tutorial segment ran acceptably for the most part, performance dramatically deteriorated once he ventured into the sprawling open-world section of the game.
As of now, an official release date for Elden Ring on Switch 2 has not been set, although it is expected to launch sometime this year. This timeframe does provide an opportunity for developers to address and refine these reported performance issues. Nevertheless, how effectively the Switch 2 ultimately handles the expansive world of Elden Ring will only become clear upon its official release.