Elden Ring: Tarnished EditionCredit: Bandai NamcoJust about one more sleep until Nintendo Switch 2 fans get their own Tarnished Edition of Elden Ring. The August 28 release date is just about here, but exactly when can you start playing? I'll let you know that and everything else you'll need when it's go time. Let's talk video games.DetailInfoRelease dateFriday, August 28, 2026PlatformNintendo Switch 2, exclusivelyUnlock timeNot published by Bandai Namco, FromSoftware or Nintendo, but bet on midnight ET.What usually happenseShop titles typically unlock at midnight local console time. Unconfirmed for this release.Price$79.99, or £64.99 in the UKPhysical formatGame-Key Card, which still requires a downloadFile size41.0 GBIncludedBase game plus the Shadow of the Erdtree expansionPerformance30fps target docked and handheld, upscaled 4K docked, 1080p handheldOnline1 to 6 players, requires Nintendo Switch Online. No cross-play.DeveloperFromSoftwarePublisherBandai Namco EntertainmentMetacritic91 across 31 reviewsNo publisher has posted a clock time. Bandai Namco, FromSoftware and Nintendo have all stayed quiet on the hour, and eShop preloads typically go live at midnight local console time rather than all at once worldwide. On the question of what is different here, reviewers landed on a 30fps target in both modes with DLSS doing the upscaling. The GTA 6 showcase premieres on Netflix at 3 p.m. ET Thursday and hits Rockstar’s YouTube channel at 9 p.m. ET the same night. While most of the world will be talking about the official Grand Theft Auto 6 reveal, a sect of diehard Elden Ring fans on Switch 2 will be locked in to the Tarnished Edition. Perhaps even some folks who own multiple consoles will be interested in seeing what's new or different on the Switch 2 compared to other versions.Nintendo users are often in their own world as they remain the console community that seemingly has the most limited access to the major titles conquering the industry on PlayStation, Xbox and even PC. Because of that, it's gratifying to see such a huge and successful title like Elden Ring land on Switch 2.Play Puzzles & Games on ForbesMore Nintendo Switch 2 CoverageThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered on Nintendo Switch 2 - Release Date and InfoSplatoon Raiders Release Time: When Can You Start Playing?Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Release Date, Pre-Order And Switch 2 SurpriseWhat Reviewers Gave Elden Ring Tarnished EditionScores as listed by OpenCritic.OutletScoreDualShockers9.5 out of 10RPG Fan95TechRadar Gaming5 out of 5Nintendo Life9 out of 10Nintendo Insider9 out of 10GamingBolt9 out of 10Hobby Consolas89TheSixthAxis8 out of 10What Tarnished Edition AddsContents as listed by Bandai Namco.AdditionDetailHeavy KnightA new starting class built around armor and defenseIdes KnightA new starting class built around dexterity and agilityNew armor setsIncluded with the new classesTorrent customizationAppearance options for the spectral steedShadow of the ErdtreeThe full expansion, bundled inPre-order bonusThe Ring and Ring of Miquella gestures