In the latest installment of Nintendo's Creator's Voice series, Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of the Final Fantasy Remake series, shared exciting news about the future of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. This enhanced PS5 version of the 2020 PS4 release, which marks the first chapter in the expansive remake trilogy of the iconic 1997 PS1 RPG Final Fantasy VII, is set to make its way to the upcoming Switch 2.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, currently available on PS5 and PC, offers improved graphics and lighting compared to its PS4 counterpart. It also introduces the Intermission DLC, featuring the adventures of the spirited ninja Yuffie in Midgar.
Hamaguchi revealed that the advanced capabilities of the Switch 2 will enable the team to bring the full experience of Midgar to Nintendo's new handheld platform. "With the power of the Switch 2, we can now recreate Midgar with full specs," he stated, highlighting the potential for a seamless gaming experience.
The director emphasized the convenience and social aspects of playing on the Switch 2, 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." This portability will facilitate direct discussions and sharing of gameplay progress with others.
Additionally, the Switch 2 version will integrate GameChat, allowing players to communicate with friends and share their screens in real time during gameplay. Hamaguchi expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I’m very excited to see this game playable on a portable system," and he hopes 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 thus far, Hamaguchi hinted at the possibility of future releases in the trilogy, including Rebirth and the final entry, on the new console. He concluded by expressing his hopes that fans are eagerly anticipating the Final Fantasy VII Remake series on the Switch 2.
This move brings the Final Fantasy series back to its roots, as it originally debuted on Nintendo consoles before transitioning to the PlayStation 1 and its CD-ROM format with the groundbreaking 3D game, Final Fantasy VII, in 1997. With the remake, fans will finally see FFVII return to Nintendo hardware.