Screenshot by Bonus Action
When I first heard Final Fantasy VII Remake was coming to Switch 2, I was admittedly hesitant. Many of the bigger games that have ported to the new Nintendo console have struggled with rushed optimization, poor graphics, and the feeling that maybe the Switch 2 isn’t the home console competitor we were hoping for. This was until I booted up FFVII Remake and was blown away.
THIS IS A SPOILER-FREE REVIEW.
Remake is already a bit of an older game, making it slightly less graphically demanding than Rebirth. Despite this, the game has stunning graphics and was a breakout release for the PlayStation 4 when it first released in April of 2020. I was very worried about how this highly polished reimagining would look on a small screen, if it would struggle at 30 FPS, or if backgrounds and textures would be simplified for the sake of performance.
I don’t believe any of these things have happened. Final Fantasy VII Remake is a beautiful, lovingly handled port that may realize the title in its best format yet.
Key Details
- Developer: Square Enix
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release Date: January 22, 2026
- Console: Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 4
- Price: $39.99
- Review Copy Provided: Yes, for Nintendo Switch
Bright Resolution and Seamless Gameplay
Most of us have played Final Fantasy VII Remake at this point in the game’s life cycle (many times if you are like me), and the opportunity to plunge back into the story is just as delightful the thousandth time as it was the first. However, I have been particularly hopeful that FFVII Remake would make its way to the Switch 2. As a handheld gamer, the opportunity to take Remake anywhere is a big deal, and one that makes replaying the game that much more enjoyable.
If you are a JRPG fan with a love of the Switch, you are in for a treat – FFVII Remake runs beautifully on the updated console. Despite running at 30 FPS, there weren’t noticeable frame drops as I worked through cutscenes and combat. It’s not as butter-smooth as the PS4 or PC, but it is admirably beautiful for a handheld console. It also runs even better when docked, which isn’t surprising.
What did take me by surprise was the level of detail kept both on the character models and in the general environments. After pretty bland titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A, I was beginning to worry that the Switch 2 wasn’t capable of delivering on high-demand graphics. However, Remake maintains its beautiful textures, stunning city backdrops, and breathtakingly realistic character models. And you get to look even more closely at them thanks to the proximity of the screen in handheld mode.
During combat and action sequences, I did notice a very small amount of stuttering, but I’ll be completely honest, it didn’t bother me at all. In fact, I like the way the game looked even better than the PS4 edition. The resolution and frame rates don’t give me headaches, which is something I’ve always struggled with at the higher FPS options. I really love it, and felt giddy as a school kid playing through it again.
The Battery Drain is Real
Unfortunately, FFVII Remake does suffer from one of the biggest issues of the Nintendo Switch 2 console: Battery drain. Because the backgrounds of Midgar are dark, you will likely end up increasing the backlight for visibility. This, plus the high demand of the game, will rapidly suck down battery when off the dock.
This issue isn’t unique to Remake. We ran into similar problems with Legends: Z-A and Mario Kart World. The console doesn’t handle handheld mode as well as the OLED or Gen 2 standard Switch, and this is a problem that can only be managed with portable batteries or a handy charger cable.
I wasn’t able to find any workarounds for the demand on the battery of the Switch 2, so my advice is to have a portable battery handy when traveling, so you don’t leave Cloud hanging on a family trip when the console inevitably gives you the warning light.
The Whole Package
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a fantastic game, and having it on console is amazing, but the addition of Intergrade alongside the main storyline is fantastic. I hadn’t actually played Intergrade previously. I don’t own it on my PS4 copy, and I never bought it for PC.
I really appreciated that you could jump right into the DLC for Yuffie’s story from the main menu, with just a warning that the main story is recommended before you explore the additional content. For me, it was a chance to experience Yuffie’s gameplay without it being locked behind a game I already played, and I appreciated that it was included and not packaged separately.
You get so much for a reasonable price tag, considering the cost of many Switch 2 games. If you are a fan of the series, this bundle is absolutely worth grabbing, especially if you want to replay Remake before part 3 drops in the future.
Final Score – 9.5/10
I have nothing bad to say about Final Fantasy VII Remake on the Switch 2. For the price, you get both the base game and Intergrade. The bundle matches the price and build of what is available on Steam, with no additional “Nintendo tax” charges. The game runs beautifully, plays without hiccups or crashes, and looks fantastic.
If you are a Final Fantasy VII fan with a love of portability, this is exactly what you need. Additionally, if you have the Switch 2 and haven’t played Remake, now is the time to grab this amazing JRPG. Not only is it everything that made the original story incredible, but the modernized upgrades also integrate it into what players enjoy in the genre today. It’s amazing fun, and the Switch 2 makes it that much more accessible to anyone wanting to jump in and try Final Fantasy VII: Remake out.
**Bonus Action was provided with a Nintendo Switch 2 copy of Final Fantasy VII Remake for the purpose of this review**
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