The Nintendo Switch 2 port of FromSoftware’s Elden RingTarnished Edition has surfaced in pre-order listings with a striking price difference that could test the patience—and wallets—of fans eager for the game on the next-gen console.
The Switch 2 iteration is priced at $79.99, a sharp increase from the base Elden Ring edition’s $59.99 launch price on previous Switch models. This jump aligns with Nintendo’s strategy of charging more for new hardware, but it also raises questions about whether the performance gains justify the cost.
The Switch 2 version is expected to deliver noticeable improvements over its predecessor, including faster load times and potentially higher resolution, though exact technical specifications remain under wraps. However, the price tag introduces a key consideration for players deciding when—or if—to upgrade their consoles for this title alone.
For enterprise buyers or institutions considering bulk purchases, the premium could strain budget allocations unless the game’s additional features prove compelling enough to offset the higher cost. Meanwhile, casual players may find themselves weighing whether the incremental benefits are worth the extra expense compared to waiting for potential price drops on older hardware.
The release window also adds complexity: while no official date has been announced, leaks suggest it could arrive in late 2024 or early 2025. This timing may force buyers to choose between paying a premium upfront or risking compatibility with existing Switch systems if the game isn’t ported to future updates.
The core question for potential buyers isn’t just about performance, but about value. The $79.99 price positions this as a luxury purchase rather than an essential upgrade, especially when contrasted with other games that have launched at more modest prices on the Switch 2. Whether that premium holds long-term will depend on how aggressively Nintendo adjusts pricing—or if players simply opt to stick with older consoles and wait for deals.
