In the latest installment of Nintendo's Creator's Voice series, Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of the Final Fantasy Remake series, announced an exciting development: Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is set to be released on the upcoming Switch 2.
Intergrade, the enhanced PS5 version of the 2020 PS4 game Final Fantasy VII Remake, marks the first chapter in a trilogy that reimagines the iconic 1997 PlayStation 1 RPG, Final Fantasy VII. This upgraded version boasts improved graphics and lighting compared to its PS4 counterpart, and includes the Intermission DLC, which focuses on the adventures of the spirited ninja Yuffie in Midgar.
Currently, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is available on PS5 and PC. However, thanks to the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2, Hamaguchi believes it's now feasible to bring the game to Nintendo's handheld console. "With the power of the Switch 2, we can now recreate Midgar with full specs," he explained.
"The ability to play this game on the Switch 2 in handheld mode means you can enjoy it on your commute," Hamaguchi noted, highlighting the convenience of portability. This feature not only allows players to enjoy the game on the go but also facilitates sharing and discussing gameplay with others.The Switch 2 version will also feature GameChat, enabling players to communicate with friends during play and share their screens in real-time. "I’m very excited to see this game playable on a portable system," Hamaguchi shared, expressing his enthusiasm for 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 so far, 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 subsequent entries like Rebirth and the final installment of the trilogy may also be available on the Switch 2.
It's worth noting that the Final Fantasy series began on Nintendo consoles before transitioning to the PlayStation 1 and its CD-ROM format with Final Fantasy VII, the first 3D entry, in 1997. With this remake, fans will finally see Final Fantasy VII on Nintendo hardware once again.