Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Performance on Switch 2: Digital Foundry Delivers Optimistic Early Analysis

Square Enix's critically acclaimed RPG franchise is expanding its reach with the upcoming release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Nintendo Switch 2.

Announced for a June 3rd launch during the recent Nintendo Partner Direct, this highly anticipated installment is set to bring an ambitious, next-generation sequel to Nintendo's eagerly awaited new hardware platform.

Following the monumental success of Final Fantasy VII Remake and Square Enix's proven legacy of bringing blockbuster titles to the Nintendo ecosystem, industry experts and fans alike are eager to see how Rebirth will fare on the Switch 2.

In the wake of the announcement, Digital Foundry — renowned for its in-depth technical analysis of gaming hardware and software — examined the initial gameplay footage showcased during the event.

Their analysis provides a fact-based look at the expected performance and graphical fidelity of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Nintendo Switch 2 when compared to its PlayStation 5 counterpart.

Digital Foundry noted that while the Switch 2 edition displays obvious technical compromises, it still delivers an impressive experience for portable hardware.

Environmental elements such as set dressing and foliage have been scaled back, and textures appear at a lower resolution than those found on the PS5 version.

However, these adjustments are considered reasonable, and most players will find the differences negligible unless directly comparing both versions side-by-side.

On first playthrough, the graphical concessions are unlikely to disrupt immersion or enjoyment on the Switch 2’s screen. According to Digital Foundry’s assessment, the trailer for Rebirth appears to run at a native 720p resolution internally— a reduction from Remake's launch, but a justified decision considering the increased demands of the sequel.

The team also identified certain frame pacing issues present in the footage, echoing similar early marketing materials for Remake that Square Enix ultimately resolved prior to release.

Digital Foundry concluded that, while there are clear downgrades from the PS5 version, performance and visual quality seem comparable to what players might expect from the Steam Deck, itself known for strong portable performance. Summing up their review, the Digital Foundry team maintained a largely optimistic outlook: "The Switch 2 version achieves an impressive balance, sacrificing little to bring this visually rich game to a flexible, mobile-focused platform." Our own review of Remake on Switch 2 earlier this year echoed this sentiment, noting that "even locked at 30fps, the gameplay and visuals remain highly engaging and satisfying." With Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s June release date fast approaching, additional technical breakdowns and marketing footage are sure to follow.

For now, Square Enix appears to be setting a high bar for AAA experiences on Nintendo Switch 2, ensuring dedicated fans and newcomers alike can experience this beloved RPG adventure in a portable format without significant compromise.