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 Switch 2. This version of the game, initially released on the PS4 in 2020 and later enhanced for the PS5, marks the first chapter in the ambitious remake trilogy that revisits the iconic 1997 PlayStation 1 RPG, Final Fantasy VII. Intergrade not only boasts enhanced graphics and lighting over its PS4 counterpart but also includes the Intermission DLC, which introduces the energetic ninja Yuffie as she explores Midgar.
Currently available on PS5 and PC, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is set to make its way to Nintendo's next-generation handheld console, the Switch 2. Hamaguchi expressed excitement about the capabilities of the Switch 2, stating, "With the power of the Switch 2, we can now recreate Midgar with full specs." The portability of the Switch 2 will allow players to enjoy the game on the go, such as during a commute, and facilitate direct discussions and demonstrations of the game among players.
The Switch 2 version will also feature GameChat, allowing players to communicate with friends during gameplay and share their screens in real time. Hamaguchi shared his enthusiasm, saying, "I’m very excited to see this game playable on a portable system," and expressed hopes for a strong partnership between Nintendo and the Final Fantasy brand.
While only Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade has been confirmed for the Switch 2 at this point, Hamaguchi hinted at the potential for the entire trilogy, including Rebirth and the final installment, to be released on the platform. This development is a significant return to Nintendo for the Final Fantasy series, which originally debuted on Nintendo consoles before moving to the PlayStation 1 with Final Fantasy VII in 1997, marking its transition to 3D gaming. With the remake, fans can look forward to experiencing FFVII on Nintendo hardware once again.
