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 Switch 2. This version, initially launched on the PS5 in 2020 as an enhanced edition of the PS4's Final Fantasy VII Remake, marks the first chapter in a trilogy that significantly expands upon the iconic 1997 PlayStation RPG, Final Fantasy VII.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade not only boasts upgraded graphics and lighting compared to its PS4 counterpart but also includes the Intermission DLC, which introduces the spirited ninja Yuffie to the bustling city of Midgar. Currently, Intergrade is accessible on PS5 and PC, but Hamaguchi highlighted that the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2 will allow the game to be fully realized on Nintendo's new handheld console. "With the power of the Switch 2, we can now recreate Midgar with full specs," he explained.
Hamaguchi also emphasized the convenience of playing Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade in handheld mode on the Switch 2. "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," he said, noting that the portability would facilitate easier sharing and discussion of the game and personal progress with others.
The Switch 2 version will further enhance the gaming experience by incorporating GameChat, allowing players to communicate with friends during gameplay and share their screens in real time. Hamaguchi expressed his excitement about the game's availability on a portable system, hoping to foster a robust partnership between Nintendo and the Final Fantasy brand.
While only Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade has been confirmed for the Switch 2 to date, Hamaguchi hinted at future releases, saying, "I hope players are looking forward to the Final Fantasy VII Remake series on Switch 2." This suggests that the subsequent entries, Rebirth and the final installment of the trilogy, may also make their way to the Switch 2.
The Final Fantasy series, which began on Nintendo consoles, transitioned to the PlayStation 1 with Final Fantasy VII in 1997, marking the franchise's first venture into 3D gaming. With the remake series now coming to Nintendo's hardware, fans of the series can look forward to experiencing this beloved game on a new platform.
