Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for Switch 2 Receives Promising ESRB Rating

Fans waiting to experience Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 just got some exciting news—the game has officially received an ESRB rating, suggesting its launch may be closer than expected. This enhanced edition bundles the award-winning base game with the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, along with brand-new content exclusive to this version.

🔍 What We Know So Far

Originally teased in April 2025, Tarnished Edition builds upon the original Elden Ring, which was released in 2022 to critical acclaim. While FromSoftware rolled out multiple quality-of-life updates and balance patches post-launch, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion—released in 2024—remains the game’s only major DLC to date. Its success was so significant that it was nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024, competing alongside Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and the winner, Astro Bot.

✅ ESRB Rating Hints at Imminent Launch

As reported by My Nintendo News, the Switch 2 version has now been rated "Mature" by the ESRB. In industry terms, receiving a rating is typically one of the final steps before release, fueling speculation that Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition may be featured during the Bandai Namco Summer Showcase on July 2.

However, the reveal hasn’t come without backlash. Fans were disappointed to learn that the physical edition will be distributed via a Game-Key Card, meaning the full game won’t be included on a cartridge—a trend that continues to frustrate collectors and preservation advocates.

🛡 What’s Included in Tarnished Edition?

Tarnished Edition isn’t just a repackage. It will introduce:

• Two new starting classes
• Expanded character customization
• Additional weapons and gear
• Improved performance leveraging Switch 2’s upgraded hardware

The Switch 2’s capabilities are expected to help Elden Ring perform at a much smoother and more consistent level than would have been possible on the original Switch.

🎬 Elden Ring Universe Expands Beyond Gaming

On a broader note, author George R.R. Martin recently voiced his support for the upcoming Elden Ring movie, currently in development with A24 and director Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation). While details remain scarce, the film is expected to dive deeper into the dark, mythic lore of the Lands Between. No release date has been confirmed.

With its ESRB rating secured, a release date announcement for Tarnished Edition feels imminent—likely at Bandai Namco’s upcoming showcase.