Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade Shines on Nintendo Switch 2

The arrival of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the Nintendo Switch 2 marks a significant milestone for third-party support on the new console. This port brings the acclaimed RPG to Nintendo's platform with impressive results that hold up well against its PlayStation counterparts.

While the Switch 2 version doesn't match the graphical fidelity of the PlayStation 5 edition, it delivers a remarkably consistent and visually appealing experience. The port succeeds in making Midgar look beautiful on a Nintendo system for the first time, offering a compelling reason for both newcomers and veterans to dive into Cloud's adventure.

When played on a television, Final Fantasy VII Remake impresses across all aspects of gameplay. The Switch 2 handles the game's fast-paced combat, detailed environments, and cinematic cutscenes with surprising competence. The system targets 1080p resolution while docked, missing out on the Switch 2's highest capabilities but still delivering detailed character models and atmospheric environments.

Performance remains remarkably stable throughout the experience. The game maintains a solid 30 frames per second in both handheld and docked modes, with no noticeable frame drops during intense combat sequences. While occasional hiccups appear during cutscenes, these are minor and only visible to those examining the game with a hypercritical eye.

It's a small shame that it runs at 30 fps both handheld and docked, but I didn't notice a single dropped frame during gameplay.

Visual details that made the original release special remain intact. The way light reflects off Cloud's Buster Sword as you traverse the city still looks impressive, and the game handles large-scale battles with multiple party members without compromise. Some distant NPCs do pop in during exploration of the Sector 7 slums, though this matches the behavior of the original PlayStation 4 version.

Playing in handheld mode proves to be a completely viable way to experience the game. The Switch 2's portable display handles the visual demands well, though some of the minor docked-mode limitations become slightly more noticeable on the smaller screen. Resolution takes the expected hit, and certain details like Cloud's hair appear blurrier in handheld mode.

Despite these trade-offs, the combat system remains smooth and responsive. The game's fast-paced action, which involves swapping between Cloud, Barrett, and Tifa to perform flashy abilities and Limit Breaks, feels just as satisfying on the go. The experience demonstrates how well games originally designed for the PlayStation 4 era scale to the Switch 2's portable format.

• Consistent 30 fps performance during gameplay
• Resolution reduction noticeable but not distracting
• Combat remains fluid and responsive
• Character models retain their visual appeal

This port represents a new era of third-party support for Nintendo systems. Games that released on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 have generally scaled well to the Switch 2, and Final Fantasy VII Remake stands as a prime example of this compatibility.

The Switch 2 version includes the complete Intergrade package for $40, offering exceptional value compared to other publishers' approaches. Unlike Nintendo's separate DLC pricing for older titles, Square Enix has bundled everything together, making this an attractive entry point for new players.

Alongside the main game, players receive Episode INTERmission, the additional campaign starring Yuffie. This bite-sized adventure takes approximately five hours to complete and serves as a solid follow-up to the main story. Yuffie, once an optional party member in the original Final Fantasy VII, now plays a central role in the Remake project's narrative.

Unlike Nintendo, which is still selling Breath of the Wild's nine-year-old DLC content separately, Square Enix has included everything in the Intergrade package for $40.

The complete package makes this version particularly appealing for Nintendo-only gamers who have been waiting for this release. It provides everything needed to experience the full story arc without additional purchases or downloads.

For players returning to Midgar, the Switch 2 version introduces several quality-of-life improvements that make replaying the game more enticing. The ability to fast-forward through cutscenes at 1.5x or 2x speed allows veterans to experience the story again without losing momentum, perfect for those who want to relive key moments while maintaining a brisk pace.

The new Streamlined Progression menu offers options commonly found in modern RPG remasters. These features cater to different play styles, whether players want to experience the story without combat challenges or simply move through the game more efficiently. The system provides flexibility for both newcomers exploring the hype and veterans seeking a faster journey.

• Constant maximum health and magic points
• Infinitely full Limit gauge
• Ability to deal 9999 damage on every hit
• Customizable difficulty adjustments

These options demonstrate how the port accommodates different player needs. First-time players can focus on the narrative and characters without getting stuck on challenging encounters, while returning fans can blast through familiar sections to reach new content or simply enjoy the combat system with reduced friction.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Switch 2 represents a technical achievement that brings a major AAA title to Nintendo's platform without significant compromise. The port succeeds in delivering the complete experience, from the main campaign to the Yuffie DLC, in a package that feels native to the system.

The game's 30 fps performance and 1080p docked resolution may not match the PlayStation 5 version, but the consistency and visual quality make it a standout third-party release for the Switch 2's first year. The addition of streamlined options and fast-forward features enhances replay value significantly.

For Nintendo-focused gamers who have waited for this release, the Switch 2 version provides an excellent opportunity to experience one of the decade's most acclaimed RPGs. The combination of solid performance, complete content inclusion, and thoughtful quality-of-life improvements makes this port a must-play for anyone interested in Cloud's journey through Midgar.