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 launch on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
Intergrade, an enhanced version of the 2020 PS4 game Final Fantasy VII Remake, marks the first chapter in the ambitious trilogy that reimagines the iconic 1997 PlayStation RPG. The PS5 version, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, boasts upgraded graphics and lighting, and introduces the Intermission DLC, which focuses on the adventures of the spirited ninja, Yuffie, in the bustling city of Midgar.
Currently available on PS5 and PC, the game's transition to the Switch 2 is made possible by the console's enhanced capabilities. Hamaguchi expressed enthusiasm about the potential, stating, "With the power of the Switch 2, we can now recreate Midgar with full specs." The portability of the Switch 2 is another highlight, as Hamaguchi noted, "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 feature not only enhances the gaming experience but also facilitates easier sharing and discussion of the game among players.
The Switch 2 version will also feature GameChat, allowing players to communicate with friends and share their screens in real-time. Hamaguchi shared his excitement about the portable system, saying, "I’m very excited to see this game playable on a portable system," and expressed his 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 so far, 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, including Rebirth and the final chapter of the trilogy, may also be available on the new console.
This move brings the Final Fantasy series full circle, as it originally debuted on Nintendo consoles before transitioning to the PlayStation with Final Fantasy VII, the first 3D entry in the series. Now, with the remake, fans can look forward to experiencing FFVII on Nintendo hardware once again.