Square Enix confirmed a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy XIV during the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2026 in Anaheim, announcing an arrival window of August 2026 tied to the game's upcoming Evercold expansion.
Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida unveiled Evercold and delivered multiple systems and content updates — while Square Enix President and CEO Takashi Kiryu formally announced the Switch 2 release and related subscription details.
The Switch 2 edition will launch in August 2026 with an early access period planned ahead of official service to test server stability.
Square Enix has said the Switch 2 version will require a separate monthly subscription from other platforms; players will not need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play, and accounts already subscribed on other platforms will be eligible for a 50% discount on the Switch 2 subscription.
During his keynote, Yoshida introduced the Evercold teaser and positioned it as the start of the Godless Realms Saga.
He also revealed a high-profile crossover: an alliance raid series titled Evangelion: Ghosts of Desire, produced in collaboration with khara, Inc., the studio behind the Evangelion franchise.
Yoshida announced a major combat overhaul arriving with Evercold, featuring two parallel battle-system options.
He clarified that 'Reborn Mode' will retain the current combat system and job mechanics, while 'Evolved Mode' will prioritize distinct job identities and new approaches to class design.
New jobs introduced in Evercold will be playable only within Evolved Mode.
The Evercold expansion will raise the level cap from 100 to 110 and add two new jobs (a tank and a physical ranged DPS), new cities and areas, massive constructs and threats, new allies, dungeons, trials, a new raid series, an Ultimate raid, and PvP updates.
Broader quality-of-life and progression changes include a Seasons reward structure, an Armoury Update to better support multiple jobs, and expanded character customization.
Square Enix also laid out the Patch 7.5x roadmap leading to 8.0: Patch 7.5 releases April 28 (new main scenario quests, a new Trial and Echoes of Vana'diel Part 3); Patch 7.51 on June 2 (new Cosmic Exploration star 'Auxesia', new Custom Deliveries and the Dancing Mad Ultimate raid); Patch 7.55 on July 28 (Hildibrand content updates and Phantom Weapon quests); and Patch 7.56 on September 8 (new main scenario quests and the introduction of beastmaster).
On April 28 the Free Trial will expand to include Shadowbringers content up to Patch 5.58, enabling new players to experience substantial portions of the saga.
Square Enix noted the game has surpassed 30 million registered accounts.
More details, trailers, and official materials are available from Square Enix and the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival coverage.
Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida unveiled Evercold and delivered multiple systems and content updates — while Square Enix President and CEO Takashi Kiryu formally announced the Switch 2 release and related subscription details.
The Switch 2 edition will launch in August 2026 with an early access period planned ahead of official service to test server stability.
Square Enix has said the Switch 2 version will require a separate monthly subscription from other platforms; players will not need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play, and accounts already subscribed on other platforms will be eligible for a 50% discount on the Switch 2 subscription.
During his keynote, Yoshida introduced the Evercold teaser and positioned it as the start of the Godless Realms Saga.
He also revealed a high-profile crossover: an alliance raid series titled Evangelion: Ghosts of Desire, produced in collaboration with khara, Inc., the studio behind the Evangelion franchise.
Yoshida announced a major combat overhaul arriving with Evercold, featuring two parallel battle-system options.
He clarified that 'Reborn Mode' will retain the current combat system and job mechanics, while 'Evolved Mode' will prioritize distinct job identities and new approaches to class design.
New jobs introduced in Evercold will be playable only within Evolved Mode.
The Evercold expansion will raise the level cap from 100 to 110 and add two new jobs (a tank and a physical ranged DPS), new cities and areas, massive constructs and threats, new allies, dungeons, trials, a new raid series, an Ultimate raid, and PvP updates.
Broader quality-of-life and progression changes include a Seasons reward structure, an Armoury Update to better support multiple jobs, and expanded character customization.
Square Enix also laid out the Patch 7.5x roadmap leading to 8.0: Patch 7.5 releases April 28 (new main scenario quests, a new Trial and Echoes of Vana'diel Part 3); Patch 7.51 on June 2 (new Cosmic Exploration star 'Auxesia', new Custom Deliveries and the Dancing Mad Ultimate raid); Patch 7.55 on July 28 (Hildibrand content updates and Phantom Weapon quests); and Patch 7.56 on September 8 (new main scenario quests and the introduction of beastmaster).
On April 28 the Free Trial will expand to include Shadowbringers content up to Patch 5.58, enabling new players to experience substantial portions of the saga.
Square Enix noted the game has surpassed 30 million registered accounts.
More details, trailers, and official materials are available from Square Enix and the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival coverage.