Final Fantasy VII Remake for Nintendo Switch 2: Why Square Enix Waited for Next-Gen Hardware

Final Fantasy VII Remake, developed by Square Enix, represents one of the most celebrated reimaginings in modern gaming.

Since its original launch, fans around the world have speculated about the title’s potential arrival on various platforms, especially Nintendo’s popular console lineup.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, Square Enix’s leadership has provided fresh insight into the critical decisions influencing the game's platform availability and technical direction. During a recent developer interview, Final Fantasy VII Remake co-director and Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi openly discussed the rationale behind not releasing a cloud version of FFVII Remake for the original Nintendo Switch.

This decision is particularly noteworthy given Square Enix’s previous strategy of bringing Kingdom Hearts—another flagship franchise—to the Nintendo Switch via cloud streaming.

"We have always maintained a very productive partnership with Nintendo.

With the original Switch, we did explore cloud-based releases for games like Kingdom Hearts.

However, for Final Fantasy VII Remake, that solution did not align with our goals for the experience," Hamaguchi explained. The Kingdom Hearts series released for the Switch as cloud versions in early 2022, accessible on the Nintendo eShop.

However, Square Enix’s foray into full-price cloud gaming met with mixed feedback from both critics and consumers, citing concerns with performance, connectivity, and value.

Sales results for these releases reportedly fell short of expectations, reinforcing the need for a more robust solution for flagship titles like Final Fantasy VII Remake. When asked why Square Enix prioritized a direct release for the more capable hardware of Nintendo Switch 2, Hamaguchi was candid: "Once we understood the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2, it immediately became a compelling and natural fit for Final Fantasy VII Remake.

The opportunity to deliver the experience natively on the updated hardware is a positive step forward for both the game and our fans." This marks a significant moment for the relationship between Square Enix and Nintendo.

Final Fantasy VII Remake, which first debuted in April 2020 on PlayStation 4 before expanding to PlayStation 5 and PC, has surpassed over 5 million copies sold worldwide, reflecting strong demand among multiplatform audiences.

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, heavily anticipated by both the gaming community and industry analysts, promises substantial advancements in processing power and graphical capability—key factors in facilitating demanding software like FFVII Remake without relying on cloud infrastructure. Kingdom Hearts’ earlier cloud release on Switch provided valuable learning opportunities for Square Enix, underscoring the importance of balancing performance, user expectations, and sales potential.

With Final Fantasy VII Remake poised for release on Nintendo Switch 2, the publisher’s measured approach highlights a commitment to delivering high-quality, native gaming experiences as the platform’s library continues to evolve. No official release date for Final Fantasy VII Remake on Nintendo Switch 2 has been announced, but the collaboration between Square Enix and Nintendo continues to inspire excitement and anticipation among fans eager to see how third-party support shapes the next generation of Nintendo gaming.

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