Elden Ring on Switch 2: Should You Double-Dip?

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 28, 2026 for $79.99. It's the complete package: base game, Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, two new starting classes (Heavy Knight and Knight of Idles), exclusive armor sets, and Torrent customization options. If you already own the game on another platform, the new content is available as the Tarnished Pack DLC for ~$3.99.

So the question is simple: is the Switch 2 version worth $80 if you've already beaten it elsewhere?

The Case FOR Double-Dipping

Portable Elden Ring is genuinely compelling. The Lands Between is perfect for handheld play — exploring caves during commutes, grinding runes on the couch, tackling optional bosses in bed. The Steam Deck already proved this concept works, and the Switch 2 makes it more accessible to a wider audience.

Shadow of the Erdtree is included. If you bought the base game at launch ($60) but never picked up the $40 DLC, the Tarnished Edition's $80 price is effectively $20 cheaper than buying both separately on another platform. And the DLC is massive — essentially a full game's worth of content.

Fresh start incentive. The two new starting classes give returning players a genuine reason to start over with a different build. The Heavy Knight's early-game loadout significantly changes how you approach the first 10 hours.

The Case AGAINST Double-Dipping

Performance concerns. Early hands-on reports were mixed. A Gamescom 2025 build drew criticism for handheld performance, though later builds (GDC 2026) were described as running well. The Switch 2's hardware targets a PS4-era GPU — expect 30fps with dynamic resolution. If you're used to 60fps on PS5/PC, the downgrade is noticeable.

$80 for a Game Key Card. The physical version is a download code, not a cartridge with game data. For collectors and physical media fans, this is a dealbreaker. You're paying $80 for what is functionally a digital purchase with extra packaging.

75GB install. That's nearly a third of the Switch 2's 256GB internal storage. You'll likely need a microSD Express card, adding to the effective cost.

The Tarnished Pack exists. If you just want the new classes, armor, and Torrent skins, the ~$3.99 DLC on your existing platform gives you all the new content without rebuying the whole game.

The Verdict

Need accessories for your Switch 2? Check our Ultimate Switch 2 Accessories Guide — especially the microSD Express card section, because 75GB is no joke.