Overview
- Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 as a Game-Key Card.
- Game-Key Cards do not contain the game on the cartridge but enable digital downloads for users.
- This information comes from a recent listing found on Play-Asia.
The anticipated physical version of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2 is confirmed to be a Game-Key Card release. This means that customers will not find the entire game on the cartridge itself. Fans are excited as this edition includes the highly acclaimed open-world adventure along with the renowned Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, catering to a multitude of Nintendo gamers.
The launch of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is significant not just for Switch enthusiasts. New gameplay enhancements, including updates like unique armor sets, weapons, and customization options for the adored mount Torrent, will also be accessible for players on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. While this innovation has garnered considerable praise, the Game-Key Card format may leave some players feeling let down.
According to Play-Asia, highlighted by prominent gaming figure Wario64, the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring will utilize the Game-Key Card format. For those unfamiliar, this means that while the cartridge does not include the game data, players can download the digital version by using the card. The card must be present in the console to access the game, akin to traditional physical game cartridges. To avoid confusion, titles released in this format will be labeled appropriately, ensuring buyers are well-informed. Although there is a chance that Play-Asia’s details could be inaccurate, current indications suggest that Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition will indeed adopt this Game-Key Card model.
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Adopts Game-Key Card Format
Elden Ring [Tarnished Edition] for Switch 2 appears to be a game key cart (no game data on card) according to Play-Asia buff.ly/7q3BvS1 — Wario64 (@wario64.bsky.social) 2025-04-03T19:08:03.443Z
The emergence of Game-Key Cards represents a notable shift toward a predominantly digital gaming landscape, raising concerns among fans who favor physical media. Nevertheless, there are positive advancements in how digital game ownership is managed by Nintendo. For instance, the Switch 2 will enable players to share their digital games with friends, mimicking the experience of sharing physical cartridges. This functionality is also set to be introduced in an upcoming update for the original Switch at the end of April.
Currently, there is no official release date for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, but it will not feature in the initial lineup for the Switch 2. Speculation suggests that the release may occur sometime in 2025. Players can anticipate that the new content included in this edition will also be accessible to users on other platforms upon its launch.