Published on: June 15, 2024
With anticipation building around Nintendo's next-generation hardware, the question of which major third-party titles will make their way to Nintendo’s ecosystem looms large.
Among the franchises frequently discussed is Square Enix's flagship MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV Online.
Despite the Nintendo Switch boasting a robust library—including several entries from the legendary Final Fantasy series—Final Fantasy XIV Online has yet to make an appearance on any Nintendo platform.
Final Fantasy XIV Online, directed and produced by industry veteran Naoki Yoshida (known popularly as Yoshi-P), continues to expand its player base since its 2013 relaunch as 'A Realm Reborn.' The game has surpassed 30 million registered players worldwide, making it one of the most successful MMORPGs to date.
In a recent conversation with Easy Allies, Yoshida addressed the possibility of a Nintendo release.
He conveyed that it has been his longstanding aspiration for over a decade to make Final Fantasy XIV Online accessible on as many devices as possible.
Speaking to the importance of platform inclusivity, Yoshida acknowledged the enduring efforts that led to the Xbox release, noting that such undertakings demand patience and persistence.
He expressed a clear desire, stating that bringing Final Fantasy XIV Online to a Nintendo console remains a strong goal for the development team.
Yoshida explained, "For more than ten years, my dream has been to allow players to enjoy Final Fantasy XIV regardless of device, accessing the same world and servers together.
It took years of discussion to bring the game to Xbox, and we are certainly interested in making our title available on a Nintendo platform.
Our team remains committed to exploring this possibility and will continue to put forth our best efforts."
While current indications suggest that Final Fantasy XIV Online is unlikely to appear on the existing Nintendo Switch, Yoshida’s comments suggest that future Nintendo hardware—most notably the anticipated Switch successor—could be the new target for a potential release.
Nintendo has already announced plans to reveal its next-generation hardware during the current fiscal year, aligning with Yoshida’s statements about ongoing and future efforts.
Players should note, however, that past MMORPG launches on Nintendo systems have sometimes been limited by region or implemented via cloud streaming.
For example, Dragon Quest X Online remains exclusive to Japan on Switch, while Phantasy Star Online 2 utilizes cloud technology.
Square Enix has not confirmed any specific release plans or regions should Final Fantasy XIV Online come to Nintendo’s forthcoming console.
Most recently, Final Fantasy XIV Online launched successfully on Xbox, with a generous free trial that allows new players to experience the base game and its first two expansions.
This move further underscores Square Enix's commitment to breaking down platform barriers and broadening the game's community.
For now, Final Fantasy fans and MMO enthusiasts must remain patient, but Yoshida’s unwavering commitment keep hopes alive for an eventual Nintendo release.
Stay tuned to future Nintendo Direct presentations and official announcements for potential updates regarding Final Fantasy XIV Online on Nintendo’s next-generation platform.
Final Fantasy Nintendo Switch Square Enix Nintendo Switch Enix Switch successor Square Naoki Yoshida Final Fantasy XIV Online Nintendo Direct Xbox