Rumors surrounding Nintendo's upcoming Switch successor are heating up, and a new potential title for the console has set fans buzzing. A definitive edition of Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed 2022 hit, is reportedly in the works for the Switch 2, aiming for a late 2025 release. Virtuos, a studio experienced in porting projects, is rumored to be handling the adaptation, fueling excitement about the console’s potential to support one of the most popular games of the last decade. If true, this news could mark a major leap in third-party support for Nintendo’s next-gen system, solidifying it as a serious contender for major cross-platform releases.
It’s no secret that Elden Ring, with its massive open world and intricate lore penned by Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin, is a monumental game of this generation. The potential addition of this GOTY-winning title to the Switch 2 lineup would be a testament to the system’s power, especially given that Elden Ring launched as a cross-generation title available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows.
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A Technical Feat: Elden Ring on Switch 2
FromSoftware built Elden Ring with impressive versatility, making it accessible across a wide range of consoles. With the Switch 2 expected to meet or even exceed that level of performance, Nintendo’s upcoming console could potentially handle Elden Ring with custom optimizations. Speculation around the Switch 2 suggests it may offer power comparable to the PS4, with added optimizations for modern features. This aligns well with Elden Ring’s flexible design, opening up the possibility for a well-optimized experience on the new console.
Additionally, the rumored inclusion of Shadow of the Erdtree, a sizable DLC that some players have argued could stand alone as a full game, would make this release even more significant. If Nintendo’s next console can provide a satisfying experience for a game of this scale, it would reassure fans that other AAA games could follow.
Elden Ring Signals Growing Third-Party Support
The rumored addition of Elden Ring hints at Nintendo’s increasing efforts to secure high-profile third-party games. Alongside whispers of other major titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and Metaphor ReFantazio coming to the Switch 2, Elden Ring could represent a shift in Nintendo’s console strategy. By aligning itself with current-generation releases, Nintendo might be establishing a different pattern for itself in the industry—one where it doesn’t lag as much behind in hardware capabilities. It’ll instead offer an appealing balance of power and portability.
This strategy would likely appeal to developers, who may be more inclined to bring popular games to a system that no longer presents significant technical limitations. Nintendo’s position between Sony’s and Microsoft’s consoles could encourage publishers to embrace the Switch 2 as a key platform for multi-platform releases.
Nintendo’s Future in a Competitive Market
Historically, Nintendo hasn’t focused on competing directly with Sony and Microsoft in terms of raw console power. Instead, it has carved out a distinct niche with its emphasis on innovation and portability. The success of the original Switch proved that players value flexibility and unique gameplay experiences. However, to maintain that momentum with the Switch 2, Nintendo will need to strike a balance, offering a system powerful enough to support more visually demanding titles while preserving the portability that fans love.
If the Switch 2 can achieve this, it would secure its place in a market where next-gen capabilities are increasingly expected. While it may not need to match the PS5 or Xbox Series X in sheer power, a more advanced Nintendo console with broad third-party support could make it the preferred choice for a new wave of gamers.
With a potential release like Elden Ring: Definitive Edition, Nintendo could be setting the stage for its most competitive and balanced console yet. As rumors continue to swirl, fans can only wait and see if Nintendo will indeed deliver on this vision, potentially redefining its role within the gaming landscape.
- Released
- June 21, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Base Game
- Elden Ring
- Developer(s)
- FromSoftware
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
- Engine
- Proprietary
