In the latest video in Nintendo’s Creator’s Voice series, Final Fantasy Remake series director Naoki Hamaguchi revealed that Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will be getting a Switch 2 release.
Intergrade is the expanded PS5 version of the 2020 PS4 release Final Fantasy VII Remake, the first chapter in the remake trilogy that greatly expands upon the classic 1997 PS1 RPG Final Fantasy VII. Final Fantasy VII Remake Integrade made some improvements to the PS4 version’s graphics and lighting, and also included Remake’s Intermission DLC, which centers on plucky ninja Yuffie’s arrival in Midgar.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Integrade is currently available on PS5 and PC. However, Hamaguchi revealed that with the Switch 2’s improvements over its predecessor, it will be possible to bring the game to Nintendo’s handheld platform. “With the power of the Switch 2, we can now recreate Midgar with full specs,” he stated.
“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,” Hamaguchi added, saying that the portability will also make it easier for people to directly discuss and show others the game and their progress.
The Switch 2 version will also incorporate GameChat, enabling players to talk to friends while playing and share their screens in real time. “I’m very excited to see this game playable on a portable system,” Hamaguchi enthused, adding that “I have high hopes that we can build a strong partnership between Nintendo and the Final Fantasy brand.”
Although only Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade has been confirmed for Switch 2 so far, Hamaguchi ended with, “I hope players are looking forward to the Final Fantasy VII Remake series on Switch 2,” suggesting that Rebirth and the upcoming final entry in the trilogy will also see Switch 2 releases in the future.
Of course, the Final Fantasy series originally started out on Nintendo consoles, before switching to the PlayStation 1 and its CD-ROM format for Final Fantasy VII, the first 3D entry, in 1997. With the remake, it seems that FFVII will finally be available on Nintendo hardware.
Verity Townsend is a Japan-based freelance writer who previously served as editor, contributor and translator for the game news site Automaton West. She has also written about Japanese culture and movies for various publications.
