Elden Ring fans have been eagerly awaiting news about a potential Nintendo Switch 2 port, and recent developments suggest the highly anticipated version may finally be on the horizon. Whereas official confirmation from FromSoftware or Bandai Namco remains pending, multiple industry sources and data miners have pointed to signs that the critically acclaimed action RPG is being prepared for Nintendo’s next-generation console. The buzz intensified after a recent update to the game’s backend files revealed references to unspecified hardware, sparking speculation about a Switch 2 release.
The discussion gained further traction when observant players noticed something unusual in the game’s metadata: two large asterisks appearing after the title in certain internal builds. Though seemingly minor, this detail has fueled theories about regional variations, special editions, or platform-specific branding for the upcoming port. As Nintendo prepares to unveil more details about its successor to the Switch, the possibility of Elden Ring joining the launch lineup has become a focal point for both fans and analysts tracking the evolving console landscape.
To understand the significance of these developments, it’s important to first revisit the game’s original release and its technical demands. Launched in February 2022, Elden Ring quickly became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 20 million copies worldwide within its first year and earning widespread acclaim for its open-world design, deep lore, and challenging gameplay. Built on a modified version of the Dark Souls engine, the game pushed the limits of seventh- and eighth-generation hardware, particularly in terms of memory usage and draw distance.
Given these technical requirements, many initially doubted whether a Switch port—let alone one for the upcoming Switch 2—would be feasible. However, Nintendo’s novel console is expected to feature a significant leap in processing power, potentially closing the gap with current-generation systems like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Reports indicate the Switch 2 may utilize a custom NVIDIA Tegra chip based on the Ampere architecture, which could provide the necessary headroom to run demanding titles like Elden Ring at playable frame rates, and resolutions.
Industry insiders have long speculated about FromSoftware’s interest in expanding Elden Ring’s reach beyond its initial platforms. In a 2023 interview with Bloomberg, the studio’s president, Hidetaka Miyazaki, emphasized the team’s commitment to accessibility without compromising the game’s core vision. While he did not announce any specific ports at the time, Miyazaki acknowledged the value of reaching new audiences through hardware partnerships—a sentiment that aligns with Nintendo’s strategy of courting third-party developers for its next hardware cycle.
Further evidence emerged in late 2023 when dataminers discovered references to “NXGPU” and “NXCPU” in Elden Ring’s code—terms historically associated with Nintendo’s internal codenames for Switch hardware. Whereas these findings were not conclusive, they suggested that FromSoftware had at least explored the technical groundwork for a port. More recently, similar tags reappeared in a February 2024 update, this time accompanied by the enigmatic double asterisks in the title field, reigniting speculation that development efforts had resumed or progressed.
The meaning of the asterisks remains unconfirmed, but analysts have proposed several plausible explanations. One theory links them to regional rating requirements, particularly in markets like Germany or Australia where content descriptors must be prominently displayed. Another suggests they could indicate a “Director’s Cut” or enhanced edition featuring additional content, possibly tied to the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC released in mid-2024. A third possibility is that the symbols serve as internal build markers used during quality assurance testing for the Switch 2 port.
To date, neither FromSoftware nor Bandai Namco has addressed the asterisks directly. A spokesperson for Bandai Namco Entertainment America declined to comment on unannounced projects when contacted by Reuters in early February 2024, stating only that the company “regularly evaluates opportunities to bring our titles to new platforms.” Nintendo has also remained silent on specific third-party titles for the Switch 2, though executives have confirmed that major franchises from external partners will play a key role in the console’s launch strategy.
Despite the lack of official word, the timing of these developments coincides with broader industry shifts. The original Switch, released in 2017, is approaching the end of its lifecycle, and Nintendo has signaled that the Switch 2 will launch no later than early 2025 to maintain momentum. Securing high-profile titles like Elden Ring would be a significant coup, helping to position the new console as a viable destination for hardcore gamers who may have previously overlooked Nintendo’s ecosystem due to perceived performance limitations.
If realized, a Switch 2 port of Elden Ring would represent more than just a technical achievement—it could redefine expectations for what hybrid consoles are capable of delivering. The game’s expansive Lands Between, filled with intricate dungeons, towering bosses, and seamless exploration, would benefit greatly from the portability unique to Nintendo’s form factor. Imagine defeating Malenia, Blade of Miquella, during a commute or exploring the Mountaintops of the Giants from a couch—all without sacrificing visual fidelity or responsiveness.
Such a port would also underscore the growing convergence between console generations. As cloud gaming and cross-platform saves become more prevalent, the distinctions between home and handheld experiences continue to blur. A successful Elden Ring port on Switch 2 could serve as a benchmark for future collaborations between Japanese developers and Nintendo, potentially paving the way for other demanding titles from studios like Atlus, Capcom, or Square Enix to make the jump.
Of course, challenges remain. Optimizing Elden Ring’s complex AI systems, vast open world, and detailed textures for a hybrid architecture requires careful engineering. The Switch 2’s rumored 8GB of RAM—while an upgrade from the original Switch’s 4GB—still falls short of the 16GB found in competing consoles. To compensate, developers would likely need to employ techniques such as dynamic resolution scaling, texture streaming, and level-of-detail adjustments, similar to approaches used in ports of The Witcher 3 and Control to Nintendo’s platform.
Performance targets would also need to be clearly defined. While some fans hope for a 60fps experience, industry analysts suggest a more realistic target might be 30fps with dynamic scaling to maintain stability during intense combat sequences. Resolution could vary between 720p in handheld mode and up to 1080p when docked, depending on the final hardware specifications. These trade-offs would need to be communicated transparently to manage expectations, particularly given the game’s reputation for precision-based combat where frame consistency matters.
For players eager to stay informed, the best course is to monitor official channels. FromSoftware maintains an active presence on Twitter and YouTube, where announcements are typically made. Bandai Namco also provides updates through its global news portal, while Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 showcase, expected mid-2024, will likely reveal confirmed launch titles and technical details.
Until then, the appearance of those two asterisks in Elden Ring’s metadata remains a tantalizing clue—one that reflects both the excitement and uncertainty surrounding one of the most anticipated potential ports in recent gaming history. Whether they signify a regional variant, an enhanced edition, or simply internal testing markers, they have succeeded in keeping the conversation alive.
As the gaming community waits for confirmation, one thing is clear: the demand for Elden Ring on Nintendo’s next console is genuine and growing. If FromSoftware and Bandai Namco decide to move forward, they won’t just be porting a game—they’ll be bringing a modern masterpiece to a new audience in a way that only a hybrid console can enable.
What are your thoughts on the possibility of Elden Ring arriving on Switch 2? Do you think the technical hurdles can be overcome, or should fans temper their expectations? Share your views in the comments below, and feel free to pass this article along to anyone following the latest in gaming hardware and software developments.