The Duskbloods: An Exclusive Experience for Nintendo Switch 2
From Software is making waves with the announcement of their upcoming title, The Duskbloods, set to be a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. Slated for release in 2026, this new multiplayer RPG has sparked significant discussion among fans, particularly those enthralled by the critically acclaimed Elden Ring. The decision to limit the game to a single console has left many feeling unsettled.
Historically, From Software has embraced a multiplatform approach, resembling their earlier exclusive releases like Demon’s Souls for PlayStation. This shift back to platform exclusivity has elicited discontent from the gaming community, who are eager to experience the new title across various systems.
The distinct gothic aesthetics of The Duskbloods have drawn parallels to the PlayStation 4 exclusive, Bloodborne. Reactions on social media are mixed, with some expressing concern about the performance of the game on a handheld console. For instance, user @level45warrior questioned whether the game would operate smoothly:
“ah. exclusive. cant wait to play this at 18 fps”
Another voice, @Ironable, framed the exclusivity as somewhat cruel, arguing that it limits access to a new title from From Software, which is typically celebrated for its wide-reaching appeal:
“Making this exclusive is evil work.”
Meanwhile, user @TayPeak revealed their reluctance to purchase a brand new console solely for one game, alluding to potential future emulation options:
“How long until Switch 2 emulation? Asking for a friend.”
There is hope among some, like @JennaGrip, that the game will eventually release on other platforms:
“Exclusive? That’s lame. Oh well. Hopefully, it’ll get ported eventually.”
Conversely, user @sTiCkYgReENs420 expressed confidence in a future PC release, indicating that early access might be a test run for later versions:
“Yall have fun with the full length tech demo. I’ll wait for the pc release that fixes everything.”
Concerns about graphics and performance were also raised by user @spelt3r, who compared it unfavorably to existing options like the Steam Deck:
“looks worse and looks like it runs worse than elden ring on steamdeck. foul exclusive.”
Fans can look forward to more details about The Duskbloods on April 4, during an upcoming interview with project director Hidetaka Miyazaki, the acclaimed mind behind previous hits such as Bloodborne, Dark Souls 3, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring. Additionally, with the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition arriving on the Switch later this year, Nintendo enthusiasts have plenty to anticipate.
The Launch Date for The Duskbloods
As highlighted during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event, The Duskbloods will be exclusive to the new hybrid console. The reasons behind this exclusivity remain unclear—whether it reflects a time-limited agreement or if Nintendo has ownership rights reminiscent of Sony’s associations with titles like Bloodborne and Demon’s Souls. Nevertheless, fans can expect an engaging and challenging multiplayer experience when the game launches in 2026.