FromSoftware's next big masterpiece Elden Ring is practically here, and when it releases, it comes to PC, PS4/Xbox One, and PS5/Xbox Series S|X but not Switch. FromSoftware brought Dark Souls to Switch, and with the cross-generational nature of Elden Ring, many are wondering if the game will come to Switch. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about Elden Ring on Nintendo Switch.
FromSoftware and the Nintendo Switch
FromSoftware doesn't have a long history of supporting the Nintendo Switch. In fact, to date, the only game they've released on the platform is Dark Souls: Remastered. However, this is largely due to technical reasons alongside the audience of the Switch.
For example, Dark Souls is a 2011 game. And while its remastered version is graphically more advanced than the original, it's not a particularly demanding game even on the low-powered Switch. This made bringing the game to Switch pretty reasonable.
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Dark Souls 2 is another game that could reasonably come to Switch, but that game hasn't been remastered, and it's not likely to be remastered anytime soon, considering the Scholar of the First Sin versions of the game that came to PS4/Xbox One after the original game launched on PS3/Xbox 360.
Later FromSoftware games, like Dark Souls 3 or Sekiro, are more technically demanding than From's older games, and these would take considerable work and require considerable sacrifice to get them working on Switch. Though, it's certainly possible.
It's simply not likely to happen, unfortunately, because FromSoftware games are dark, gritty, and tough, and the audience for these kinds of games generally plays on platforms outside of Switch that can offer higher resolutions, better framerates, that kind of thing.
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So, when a release like Dark Souls: Remastered comes around and the Switch could reasonably run the game, From will bring the game to Switch. Outside of that, though, there's not much reason to expect FromSoftware games, in general, will come to Switch.
Elden Ring, FromSoftware, and Nintendo Switch
The hype for Elden Ring is very real and very intense. People have been desperately anticipating this game for years. Ever since it was announced as an open-world ARPG even vaguely in the style of Dark Souls with a world created by none other than Game of Thrones' George R. R. Martin, fans were sold.
By all accounts, Elden Ring is set to be a massive success, too. The network test went great, people's experiences with the game are coming out, and according to everyone, it really is a masterpiece, the game that everybody hoped it would be. For gamers, the release of Elden Ring is likely the biggest moment in gaming this year.
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So, with all the interest, naturally, FromSoftware will want to bring the game to as many platforms as possible. Get the game into the hands of as many gamers as possible. Steam Deck likely won't have too much trouble getting the game up and running, so what about Nintendo Switch?
The bad news is that a Nintendo Switch port of Elden Ring is very unlikely to ever happen. This is the most technically and graphically demanding FromSoftware game to date, and the Nintendo Switch isn't nearly as powerful as even a PS4 or an Xbox One. With major sacrifices and some technical wizardry, it might be possible to bring Elden Ring to Switch, but it probably wouldn't make for a very good product.
This may sound like bad news for Switch fans, and to an extent it is, but all hope isn't lost. There's still another way Elden Ring could realistically be playable on Nintendo Switch, just not by running on the Switch's own local hardware.
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How Elden Ring Could Come to Switch: Game Streaming
Some games not really a good fit for the Switch's hardware come to Switch by making huge cuts to the level of detail, resolution, and FPS. Plus, they throw in a little programming genius too to make it all possible. Games like Doom or Wolfenstein on Switch fall into this category.
Certain games, though, come to Switch by way of game streaming. They aren't actually running locally on Switch, players instead stream the game from a server directly to their Switch. Depending on your internet connection, this will add latency to the experience, but it also allows Switch to play games it couldn't otherwise play.
Switch Game Streaming is a thing, and certain games on Switch run entirely on a server. This category of games includes Control, Dying Light 2, Hitman 3, and more. Games that are offered through Switch Cloud Streaming all tend to be graphically demanding AAA games that could otherwise not work on Switch.
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Elden Ring could well be offered through this service. Nintendo streaming works differently from game streaming competitors like Stadia. It's not a service you sign up for or a monthly subscription, you simply buy a game streaming game on Switch, and then you'll be able to play the game without a cartridge or a download.
Now, the latency inherent to game streaming won't feel great in a game like Elden Ring. FromSoftware games often come down to tight timing and quick responses to what is often a serious challenge. Lag spikes that interrupt gameplay could be massively frustrating.
However, FromSoftware games on Switch at all require some level of sacrifice. With a smaller screen and less powerful hardware, playing on Switch will never be the best way to play. Though, it could give options to a massive playerbase.
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