As a die-hard Souls-like enthusiast who spent countless hours exploring the Lands Between on my PC back in 2022, I couldn't contain my excitement when Bandai Namco announced Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 during the first Nintendo Switch 2 Direct this year. 😊 The prospect of carrying that vast, punishing world in my hands during commutes felt like a dream come true—especially with the inclusion of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC and those alluring new cosmetics for Torrent. But oh, how quickly that thrill turned to apprehension after IGN's scathing video emerged from Gamescom 2025. Watching their footage of the frame rate tanking in handheld mode made my heart sink; it was like seeing a cherished memory tarnished by technical hiccups. As someone who values fluid combat in FromSoftware's masterpieces, I immediately questioned whether this port would live up to the hype or just become another cautionary tale in the studio's rocky history with ports. 🤔 That nagging doubt lingered, and when Bandai Namco responded with their own reel on Facebook, showing the game in handheld mode, I dove in with a mix of hope and skepticism.

The Bandai Namco Reel: A Careful Display

Their video, seemingly a direct counter to IGN's criticisms, featured serene moments like the protagonist standing idly with Milenia at a site of grace under the moonlit sky. 🌙 It was visually stunning, no doubt, but as I watched it, I couldn't help but feel it was too curated—too safe. Why not showcase the chaotic battles in Liurnia or the frenetic horseback chases that define Elden Ring's intensity? This omission struck me as a red flag; it's as if they were hiding the true stress points to avoid exposing potential weaknesses. 😟 I recalled my own struggles with the PC version at launch, where frame drops turned epic boss fights into slideshows, and it took months of patches to stabilize. If Switch 2 owners face similar issues, paying full price for a three-year-old game might feel like a raw deal—especially when newer titles on the system run smoothly. This reel didn't just fail to reassure me; it amplified my fears that we're getting a half-baked experience, begging the question: is Bandai Namco prioritizing marketing over genuine performance?

Performance Woes and Historical Echoes

FromSoftware's track record with ports is etched in my mind like a scar. 🎮 I remember firing up Elden Ring on my high-end PC only to battle stutters and crashes that soured the immersion—it was a rough start that required relentless updates. Now, with the Switch 2 version in the spotlight, I'm haunted by parallels. The IGN footage exposed frame rate plunges in the overworld, which, in handheld mode, could transform exploration from exhilarating to frustrating. As a player who thrives on the game's dynamic encounters, I worry that key elements might be compromised:

• Combat Fluidity: In fast-paced skirmishes, even minor hiccups can lead to unfair deaths—something I dread reliving.

• Visual Fidelity: Will the breathtaking vistas lose their magic on a smaller screen? 🖼️

• Load Times: Lengthy waits between deaths could drain the tension that makes victories so rewarding.

These concerns aren't just technical nitpicks; they're core to the experience. With no release date yet and Bandai Namco's silence on optimization, I'm left pondering if this is a work in progress or a rushed port. Could this be a repeat of the PC fiasco? The Switch 2 hardware is capable—I've seen it handle demanding games—but Elden Ring's scale is monumental. It makes me wonder: will the developers invest the time needed, or leave us grappling with patches post-launch?

Hopes and Lingering Questions

Despite the doubts, a part of me clings to optimism. 🤞 The idea of portable Elden Ring is revolutionary—imagine tackling Malenia's blade dance during a lunch break! But Bandai Namco's approach feels defensive, not transparent. They banned recordings at Gamescom, which only fuels speculation, and their video choice feels like a missed opportunity to win back trust. As a fan, I'd love to see:

• More open demos or beta tests to gather feedback.

• Clear communication on improvements.

• A focus on real-world scenarios, not just tranquil scenes.

This journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions—from elation to concern—and it's far from over. Will they rise to the challenge and deliver a polished gem, or will this edition remain 'tarnished' in more ways than one? The answers might shape not just my purchase decision but the future of FromSoftware ports on Nintendo systems. 🎮 What do you think—will they turn this around, or is caution the best path forward?