Nintendo Switch 2 was positioned as this huge powerhouse console that can almost compete with Sony’s PS5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series system. For the most part, that has worked, with games like Street Fighter 6 and Cyberpunk 2077 playing well on the handheld. Unfortunately, some of that mystique has been shed somewhat by the recent Elden Ring impressions.
Elden Ring struggling on the hybrid console is somewhat surprising, as the game does run on a PS4. It’s also worth noting that this demo is likely based on an earlier build, and we’re sure that fixes are coming to make sure the game plays well at launch. However, Nintendo not allowing for footage of these impressions sets a bad precedent.
Will this flaw in the Switch 2’s armor ruin its reputation as a powerhouse handheld in the long run? Given how much this system has sold, probably not. Maybe it’s just a bad test build, but the system’s weaknesses being exposed this early isn’t exactly a good thing.
Another Switch 2 Reality Check
Reading about Elden Ring’s poor handheld performance through Nintendo Life and IGN was depressing, but not too surprising. There have been recent games not performing up to par on Nintendo’s fancy current-gen system. Cyberpunk 2077 runs fine, but its Phantom Liberty DLC does chug quite a bit on the handheld, for example.
Borderlands 4 is also coming in with a few setbacks. This version of the game is limited to 30 FPS, which is pretty playable, but disappointing compared to the 60 FPS and more on stronger systems. It also won’t have split-screen co-op, which is pretty depressing since the system is very multiplayer-friendly.
There have also been reports of Hitman 3 not running well on Switch 2, though that has since been patched up. However, this just goes to show that Nintendo’s new system has plenty of weaknesses and might need some more tinkering before it can handle stronger games.
Steam Deck Does What Switch 2 Doesn’t
Gamers are probably annoyed with all the fans telling them how great Valve’s Steam Deck is, as that behavior comes off as elitist and obnoxious. Unfortunately for fans sick of others praising Valve’s machine, the Steam Deck can indeed run Elden Ring without much issue, albeit after some major updates. It might not be a perfect 60, but gamers can play it at around 30 or 40 FPS.
We’re sure that the Switch 2 version will be better once it's all patched up, maybe even outdoing the Steam Deck version in terms of performance. But as it stands, fans can already get a great handheld that can play this FromSoftware masterpiece. Yes, other players need to stop shoving the Steam Deck down other people’s throats, but there’s no denying the truth when it comes to this game.
FromSoftware will definitely patch up Elden Ring on Switch 2 before it comes out later this year. But if those issues are as bad as they sound, we hope the developers take their time with this port. A delay could actually do this game some favors.
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