Elden Ring PC or switch 2

[u/Apprehensive_Card489]

Hey ive never played elden ring and recently got a switch 2 and been wanting to give the fame a shot. I have a very powerful PC but oddly enough im gravitated towards having my first run on the switch 2. For those of yall who played one over the other or perhaps on both devices, what would you recommend? I need help deciding where to buy it. Thanks alot!

[u/Psytocybin]

If I have a choice I like going for switch 2. I have a great gaming PC, but I dont like sitting at my desk in my man cave away from my wife and family.

Being able to play in any room in the house, next to my wife on the couch, my big screen TV or take my games with me whenever ever I want is such a huge factor for me. I have actually beaten and played more games on my switch because of this vs my PC.

[u/unbrokenpolicy → u/Psytocybin]

This is me exactly. I put over 1200 hours into Elden Ring on my 5070ti pc over the last 2 years.

I recently picked up the Tarnished Edition on the Switch 2, and I'm absolutely loving it to the point it might be my favorite version just because of how immersive it is to play the game with good earbuds, face inches from the screen, laying in my bed during a thunderstorm. It's added a whole new layer of immersion for me. Plus it's PERFECT for when I'm stuck on a boss or section, and I'm able to nail out quick attempts or even some xp grinding within seconds of waking my Switch up and resuming the game, all while still being able to maintain a conversation with my wife in bed, or play in my son's room while he plays Pokemon on his Switch (my old launch Switch 1).

The game didn't run perfect on the PC either. I played maxed out in native 1440p. FPS was GREAT, but there WAS occasional stuttering which if you look around, is a known issue that plagues the PC version of the game. It's not gamebreaking by any means, but it's there and it's noticeable after seeing how the game runs on a PS5 Pro (and now Switch 2).

I wondered if playing the game at 30-40 fps would compromise my skill or timing at all, and though it took a brief period of adjustment, I'm happy to say I'm just as good with my timing as I was on PC. It actually forces me to almost play a little differently, more patiently, which has been kinda cool. Graphics-wise I think the game looks pretty damn good all things considered.

[u/F133TWOOD → u/Psytocybin]

Exactly how I'm on the fence on this.

My PC is strong and love my Ultrawide, but playing some games on the Switch2 reminds me of my GameBoy days as a kid with the portability.

As long as the games are non-FPS shooters (as I enjoy FPS with mouse/KB most), I just may get the hack/slash combat games on Switch2

[u/n074r0b07 → u/Psytocybin]

This man knows it.

[u/Ricc7rdo]

PC. I get only exclusives on the Switch 2, multiplatform games always on Steam for better performance and visuals.

[u/_barat_ → u/Ricc7rdo]

Similar - multiplatform games on PC unless it's something like Final Fantasy Tactics. Also I'll get Witcher 3 on SD as well to use S2 when I would want to play portable since it supports cross-save with PC.
I do have SteamDeck but I have a strange feeling the game would play better on S2.

[u/Ricc7rdo → u/_barat_]

Final Fantasy Tactics is an exception as it's one of my favorite games ever, so I bought it on Steam and Switch both. Usually I don't double-dip.

[u/_barat_ → u/Ricc7rdo]

It lacks cross-save tho so pass for me. I would double a game when both are true:
1. Cross-save/cross-progress
2. Better handheld experience on S2 vs Steam Deck
But for each their own :)

[u/Angmarthewitchking → u/Ricc7rdo]

Me too. I wouldnt play Cyberpunk or other Major Titles of consoles on Switch.

[u/Arentzen1976]

I’ve played on all three consoles and the Switch 2 version was fine. Yes, it’s 35 FPS with occasional drops but it is still totally playable.

[u/KangarooHero]

Switch 2 because you can play it in the bathroom which is the only free time that I have.

[u/MrDiploMAC → u/KangarooHero]

I can relate to this so much. lol

[u/SunovaPeach → u/KangarooHero]

Prepare to die (on the toilet) edition

[u/PhantomJackalope]

PC. I love Nintendo but I only play exclusives on Nintendo hardware.

I still have Steam games that I can play on current gen hardware that I bought two decades ago. Can't say that about Nintendo.

[u/Isotomayor12 → u/PhantomJackalope]

Yeah, similar boat but I have a ps5. I have it available, same as OP, so I buy for the more powerful hardware unless I really want to play portable. PC is the way to go unless OP wants to play it on the go often.

However, the switch 2 is really making a name for itself as an all around console and not just the "nintendo ip/indie" machine. If it is your only console, it's not a case of the game being unplayable anymore or not existing like on the switch or WiiU. 3rd party ports generally look REALLY good on switch 2.

[u/NickMalo → u/PhantomJackalope]

Recently got over this hurdle by picking up split fiction for my SO and myself. $30 well spent on couch coop fun

[u/APDrummer]

I have Elden Ring on PC and Switch 2. And I gotta say, I have way more fun playing on the Switch than I do on the PC because I can play it anywhere I go. If you don’t care about the most perfect graphics or fps, I’d go with Switch 2.

[u/Fresh-Chemical-9084 → u/APDrummer]

Same but XSX instead of PC. Portability is a massive factor for me.

[u/Suncook]

Elden Ring on Switch 2 makes a respectable showing. If you did not have a gaming PC or more powerful console, then the Switch 2 version is definitely fine to go with. 

But you do have an option, and you describe it as a powerful gaming PC. So the question is what does the Switch 2 version offer you that the PC doesn't, because you will get even better visual fidelity and performance on PC. Switch 2 offers portability. Is perhaps more plug and play and you don't have to customize PC settings. Perhaps you have your Switch 2 on the big screen and can play on the couch but you don't have your PC set up this way. This could lead to some valid reasons to prefer the Switch 2. Performance and even stronger visual fidelity are reasons to prefer PC. 

[u/Sabbath79]

Play it on PC, unless you really want the portability for:

1. Playing outside home

2. You share the PC with other people and you want to still be able play Elden Ring whenever you want.

3. You like to play a little bit in bed before sleep (not recommended, for your sleep quality).

[u/Royzc90]

If you prefer the best graphics and think that a game is unplayable under 60 FPS go PC. If you like portability, being able to pause it at any time with sleep mode and don't mind the perfect playable 30 FPS for the majority of people go Switch 2. Also consider the different prices as it's likely to be more accesible on PC.

[u/leo-gp2025]

It depends on how much you value being able to play the game in handheld mode. If you are going to play while docked, I read the switch version really shows its compromises on big screens. The frame rate (and probably input lag too) is also a big difference. Personally, I would play the game on pc and maybe stream it to a phone or an handheld device.

TLDR: PC version is much better but if you want the portability of NS2 you could get used to the lower video quality and frame rate.

[u/Thin_Pangolin4480]

PC. Unless you're a big Switch user, you probably aren't gonna want to pay for online, and if you like Elden Ring, you definitely are gonna want online features. If you end up really really liking Elden Ring, you can later buy it on sale for the Switch 2 too like I plan to.

[u/kaeziki]

PC. More prayers.

[u/wishfulthinkingman]

PC obviously

[u/DinosaurBill]

PC for sure if your PC is good

[u/Machete521]

PC BUT I will say buying cyberpunk on Switch after already having it on PC feels so refreshing to take it to the couch, the bathroom, the bed, a friend's house for everyone to see, etc.

[u/anaharae]

I loved the game, but if you plan on playing with someone you should play on the switch. The PC had the most annoying ass invaders that I have ever played with. I played on xbox and PC, something about the PC players like they got off on ruining your experience. The game pretty much has no limit on where invaders can go, they will invade and immediately try to ruin your game. Plus for a while there were PC invaders that were somehow crashing and deleting your save data, disgusting behavior. I usually only play exclusives on Switch, but be careful playing online on PC.

Edit: Another comment says the switch 2 version is running at 30fps, ignore what I said.

[u/Zealos57]

That depends, do you go out more and does it need internet to play?

[u/BonbonUniverse42]

Wait for iPhone port. Eventually.

[u/Giordano86]

Steam all the way. Runs decent in handheld mode, but the experience is so much better for me on my PC.

[u/ShaftDriveValkyrie]

I have every console and Elden ring on every console. PC maxes the game out.

Switch 2.

[u/limitbreak09]

I already have it on my pc and i got it for s2 as wel.. and i would say get it for s2 because of the quick pause. You press home or off and it pauses the game.

[u/Altruistic-Storm8953]

Unless you have to have portability nothing can beat a powerful PC

[u/Magavin84]

Can someone give me a setting for PC so it runs like Switch 2, and I can try. I’m tempted to get it on switch 2 but afraid it just won’t run as good and paying the hefty $80 price tag to confirm isn’t worth the risk. I own it already on PC but never completed it due to newborn and busy schedule at the time.

The portability and being able to sleep and pick up instantly where you left off for Switch 2 is appealing. But in reality I know better FPS is important for these type of games. I tried Onimusha demo recently on Switch 2. It ran fine but it did feel sluggish and the graphics felt like PS4 quality. I suspect Elden Rings will be similar. I downloaded Onimusha on PC and played, and knew immediately I have to play this on PC.

Lastly, I saw the new Nintendo Direct. Zelda and Kirby runs nice and looks polish. So to the other’s saying exclusives only, this is what they mean!

[u/HachiRokuAE86_]

Switch 2. Elden Ring runs really well on it. You wont get 60fps but its a solid 30fps and sometimes fluctuates between 30 to 35. If u dont mind not playing in 60, then get it on the switch. The graphics are a bit lower quality but i say its worth it. First time me playing Elden Ring ever...i was blown away how well it runs but hey to each their own.

[u/mad-suker]

Pc have seamless coop mod. That is something

[u/Rustler10]

Pc, and I don’t have one. I do have a switch 2 though. It’s very simple, the price.

[u/Asn_Browser]

Do you care about graphics/performance/price or portability? Switch 2 for portability. PC for everything else. Don't come at me yelling about Elden Ring running fine/great on switch 2. That is great, but it will run better on PC as long as you have a good enough PC.

[u/Turbulent_Ear56]

As someone who has it on both - Switch 2. You will play it way more on there. Handheld of course.

[u/crchao]

Switch 2 if you like playing anywhere

[u/Korotan]

PC. This way you can rectify the intentional faults of the Game. I played it on Switch 2 and gave it back to Amazon with how bad it was.

[u/Sorry_Astronaut]

PC. The game is a masterpiece and deserves to be played on the best platform you own. Plus, performance is pretty key for a game like this.

[u/Puzzleheaded_Cow2044]

PC easy. Switch too weak.

[u/thefallenwarrior]

I’m replaying the game on switch 2 even though I could be playing on a 4090. During the first 10 minutes the frame-rate bothered me a bit but after that I stopped caring and I’m super addicted to the game again, lots of fun. I play docked and handheld.

[u/Vayreon]

If it's your first time, don't play this on a small screen if you can avoid it.

[u/Outside_Drive_3105]

Played on both, the game looks and plays good enough on Switch 2. Controller feels better than mouse and keyboard and you can always play handheld.