In the latest installment of Nintendo's Creator's Voice series, Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of the Final Fantasy Remake series, announced that Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will be released on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This news is exciting for fans eager to experience the enhanced version of the game on Nintendo's new handheld console.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is an expanded version of the 2020 PS4 release, Final Fantasy VII Remake, which is the first chapter in a planned trilogy that reimagines the iconic 1997 PlayStation RPG. Intergrade, optimized for the PS5, features upgraded graphics and lighting, as well as the Intermission DLC, which introduces the adventures of the spirited ninja Yuffie in Midgar.
Currently, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is available on PS5 and PC. However, Hamaguchi highlighted that the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2 will allow for a full-spec recreation of Midgar, bringing the game to Nintendo's portable platform. "With the power of the Switch 2, we can now recreate Midgar with full specs," he stated.
Hamaguchi also emphasized the convenience of playing the game in handheld mode on the Switch 2, noting, "Being able to play this game on the Switch 2 in handheld mode means you can play it on the train while commuting to work." This portability will enhance the social aspect of the game, allowing players to easily share and discuss their progress with others.The Switch 2 version will feature GameChat, enabling players to communicate with friends during gameplay and share their screens in real-time. Hamaguchi expressed his excitement about the game's portability, saying, "I’m very excited to see this game playable on a portable system," and expressed optimism about fostering a strong partnership between Nintendo and the Final Fantasy brand.
While only Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade has been confirmed for the Switch 2, Hamaguchi hinted at future releases, stating, "I hope players are looking forward to the Final Fantasy VII Remake series on Switch 2." This suggests that subsequent entries in the trilogy, including Rebirth and the final chapter, may also make their way to the Switch 2.
The Final Fantasy series, which initially launched on Nintendo consoles, made a significant transition to the PlayStation 1 with Final Fantasy VII, the first 3D entry in the series, in 1997. With the remake, fans will see Final Fantasy VII return to Nintendo hardware, marking a significant milestone in the franchise's history.
