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 making its way to the Nintendo Switch 2. This exciting news comes as a significant development for fans of the iconic RPG series.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is an enhanced version of the 2020 PS4 release, Final Fantasy VII Remake, which serves as the first installment in a trilogy that reimagines the legendary 1997 PlayStation 1 game, Final Fantasy VII. Intergrade, designed for the PS5, boasts upgraded graphics and lighting, alongside the Intermission DLC, which introduces the adventures of the spirited ninja Yuffie in Midgar.
Currently available on PS5 and PC, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is set to leverage the improved capabilities of the Switch 2. Hamaguchi expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "With the power of the Switch 2, we can now recreate Midgar with full specs." This advancement will allow players to experience the game in handheld mode, making it ideal for commuting or playing on the go. Hamaguchi highlighted the portability, noting, "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 also mentioned that this feature will facilitate easier sharing and discussion of the game among players.
The Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will introduce GameChat, a feature that enables in-game voice communication and real-time screen sharing with friends. Hamaguchi is thrilled about this addition, stating, "I’m very excited to see this game playable on a portable system," and he expressed optimism about 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 potential future releases, saying, "I hope players are looking forward to the Final Fantasy VII Remake series on Switch 2." This suggests that Rebirth and the concluding chapter of the trilogy might also find their way to Nintendo's new console.
The Final Fantasy series has a storied history with Nintendo, having originated on their consoles before transitioning to the PlayStation with Final Fantasy VII in 1997, which marked the series' shift to 3D gaming. With the remake series, Final Fantasy VII will now return to Nintendo hardware, closing a significant loop in its storied legacy.