Final Fantasy 7 Remake Launches on Nintendo Switch 2: Naoki Hamaguchi Reflects on Bringing the Series to New Hardware

After more than two decades, Square Enix returns to Nintendo hardware with the highly anticipated Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, officially launching on Nintendo Switch 2 on January 22, 2026.

As one of the most influential RPGs of all time, Final Fantasy 7's arrival on the new Nintendo console marks a significant milestone for long-standing fans and a new generation of players alike.

Naoki Hamaguchi, co-director of the project and a veteran member of Square Enix’s acclaimed creative team, has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Cloud Strife’s iconic journey and paving the way for the franchise’s future. In a recent discussion with Nintendo Everything, Hamaguchi reflected on what bringing Final Fantasy 7 Remake to Nintendo Switch 2 personally meant to him.

"Square Enix is entering an exciting new chapter with fresh leadership, and there’s a strong vision guiding us," Hamaguchi noted.

"When Nintendo first disclosed the technical capabilities of Switch 2, I immediately saw the potential for optimizing Final Fantasy 7 Remake for Nintendo’s audience." Historically, Square Enix maintained strong relations with Nintendo, experimenting with cloud versions of other flagship titles on the original Switch, including the Kingdom Hearts series.

However, as Hamaguchi explained, “We didn't feel cloud streaming was the right solution for Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

Once we understood Switch 2’s hardware, it became clear this was the right home for a native version.” The transition to Switch 2 was not without its technical challenges.

At global gaming showcases like Gamescom and PAX West, the game’s performance on the console garnered positive feedback.

Hamaguchi highlighted the effort devoted to maintaining the title’s visual fidelity, especially in handheld mode.

"A major technical hurdle was balancing power consumption with high-quality visuals.

Our engineers developed optimized rendering methods, ensuring the experience remained faithful to what PlayStation fans expect." Designing for a portable system also influenced how pivotal story moments were adapted.

Hamaguchi stated that character expressions and nuanced lighting setups became a development focus.

“We reevaluated our approach from the PlayStation 5 version, implementing new post-effects and environmental adjustments so that the game’s emotional impact would resonate just as powerfully in handheld play.” Looking forward, fans can anticipate the rest of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake saga arriving on Switch 2, with development on Part 2 already underway for the platform.

Hamaguchi emphasized the series' broadened reach: "It’s very meaningful to see Final Fantasy available on both Switch 2 and Xbox.

We're only at the beginning of bringing these stories to a wider audience." Throughout the development process, Hamaguchi remained grounded in the core themes that made the original 1997 game so memorable.

He described the Remake as a "rebuild, not a rewrite," emphasizing that while the game’s foundational messages of life and legacy endure, it has been thoroughly updated for a new era of players.

"Part 3 is progressing well, and alongside Part 2’s launch on Switch 2, we aim to deliver experiences both familiar and fresh for longtime fans." When asked about the impact he hopes to achieve, Hamaguchi shared that childhood experiences with Final Fantasy inspired his career, and he hopes the Remake will equally influence a new generation.

His enthusiasm for game creation and storytelling is palpable, a sentiment mirrored by the many who eagerly await the next chapter of this legendary series on Nintendo’s latest platform. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade's arrival on Nintendo Switch 2 is a significant moment for RPG fans and the continued partnership between Square Enix and Nintendo.

As the Remake saga extends onto new hardware, the beloved story of Cloud, Sephiroth, and Midgar gains renewed vitality and accessibility for players worldwide.

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