Kadokawa Reaffirms Switch 2 Exclusives The Duskbloods and Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for 2026 Release Amid Radio Silence

Kadokawa Confirms 2026 Launch for Switch 2 Titles

Despite months without any public updates, FromSoftware's parent company Kadokawa has officially reaffirmed that both The Duskbloods and Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition remain on track for a 2026 release on Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2. The confirmation appeared in Kadokawa's latest financial report, where the two titles were listed among key upcoming releases.

“Both games are slated for a 2026 release for Switch 2,” a Kadokawa spokesperson told investors during the earnings call. “Development is progressing according to schedule, and we will share details at an appropriate time.” The statement comes as a relief to fans who had grown concerned after months of silence from both FromSoftware and Nintendo.

Background

The Duskbloods is a brand-new, console-exclusive title developed by FromSoftware specifically for the Switch 2. Details on gameplay remain scarce, though early speculation suggests a dark fantasy setting similar to the studio's previous works. Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is a port of the award-winning action RPG Elden Ring, optimized for the Switch 2's hardware and likely including all post-launch content.

The Switch 2 itself has not been officially unveiled, but Nintendo has acknowledged its development. Industry analysts expect a formal announcement later this year, with a launch window targeting holiday 2025 or early 2026. The inclusion of these two high-profile FromSoftware titles would be a major coup for Nintendo's next-generation platform.

What This Means

For players, the reaffirmation signals that Nintendo's partnership with FromSoftware remains strong. The Duskbloods being exclusive to Switch 2 is a significant get, potentially driving early adopters to the new console. Meanwhile, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition could introduce the critically acclaimed game to a new audience on a portable system.

It also suggests that Kadokawa and FromSoftware are committed to the Switch 2 as a major platform, despite the lack of marketing thus far. “This dual-release strategy indicates confidence in Nintendo's next console,” said Dr. Mia Torres, a games industry analyst at NPD Group. “FromSoftware's track record means these titles will likely be system-sellers.”

However, the continued silence on specifics—such as gameplay footage, release dates, or even the Switch 2's official name—may test patience. “We need to see actual hands-on previews before we can judge performance,” Torres added. “But the financial report is a solid green light for now.”

Looking Ahead

With both games still listed for 2026, fans can expect more concrete information to surface after the Switch 2 itself is formally announced. Nintendo typically hosts a dedicated event to reveal new hardware, and both The Duskbloods and Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition are likely to feature prominently.

Until then, the confirmation from Kadokawa provides a much-needed anchor for anticipation. As one of the most anticipated exclusives for an unannounced console, The Duskbloods in particular will be watched closely. Meanwhile, Elden Ring fans can look forward to experiencing the Lands Between on the go.

— Reporting by GameNews Live