Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Switch 2 Review

The Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy is entering its conclusion soon, and while we wait for more details on the third and final installment, we have the launch of the first entry outside of PlayStation consoles to tide us over.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is finally headed to the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series, where new audiences will get to experience the remake that has captivated the fan base. Specifically for the Switch 2 version, handheld is such a huge draw, and this review will look at why Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a must-buy for Switch 2 owners and Final Fantasy fans alike.

What is Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade?

Final Fantasy VII Remake initially launched in April 2020 on the PS4, and a PS5 upgrade, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, followed a year later. Because of the more powerful hardware, this version brought a whole host of new features, including updated visuals and lighting, performance and load-time improvements, and more. Fast forward to 2026, and the Switch 2 and Xbox are going to finally experience the remake on their own terms.

For the uninitiated, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade transforms the iconic Midgar opening into a modern, cinematic experience. Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, the remake expands and reimagines the original narrative by introducing new character moments, additional side content, and restructured plot threads, lending greater depth to its retelling. This approach allows the story to breathe while setting the stage for future installments, making Midgar feel more alive and immersive than ever before.

One of the most significant innovations lies in its combat system, which replaces the classic turn-based mechanics with a dynamic hybrid of real-time action and tactical RPG elements. Players engage in fast-paced melee and ranged attacks while strategically managing the ATB gauge to unleash abilities, items, and summons.

Visually, the remake is a stunning showcase. Midgar is rendered with striking detail, from bustling streets to atmospheric set pieces, while expressive character models bring emotional weight to every scene. This is further elevated by a majestic, fully reorchestrated soundtrack that breathes new life into beloved themes, blending nostalgia with new arrangements that heighten dramatic encounters. Still, the game is not without flaws, as occasional filler quests, pacing issues, and narrative padding can detract from the momentum.

The Switch 2 and Xbox launch of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade takes this latest version, equipped with all the bells and whistles, including the addition of fan-favorite character Yuffie in her own INTERmission DLC. Her combat style is amazing, which is a combo-centric aerial display of magic and ninja abilities that really separate her from Cloud and the others.

What’s New in Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for the Switch 2?

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for the Switch 2 has a couple of tricks up its sleeve to not only make it a must-play for newcomers but also an enticing replay for those who have already completed the game on their PS5 and PC.

The first of which is called New Game – Head Start, and is basically described as “begin the game with high-leveled characters and a hefty amount of gil, armor, materia, etc.” What Head Start does is bring your characters to level 45 from the start of the game, hand them 50,000 gil, and equip them with powerful materia and armor that make gameplay easy for most of the game. You’ll be spamming the attack button without even worrying about the stagger mechanics, and when you need to cast spells, you’ll have some of the most basic ones at their max level immediately.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for the Switch 2 also introduces Streamlined Progression, a set of toggles that can be enabled or disabled to make gameplay even easier. Options such as limit gauge and ATB gauge are always full, constant 9,999 damage, exp and AP modifiers, and max material levels are just some of these options, which can be turned on or off at any time.

As you can imagine, these additions can trivialize the whole experience, so it’s nice to see that they are optional. Newcomers to Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for the Switch 2 can enjoy some (or all) of these to make the experience smoother, but these options are clearly aimed at returning players who may want to give the game another replay but don’t want the grind and tedium of leveling up.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Nintendo Switch 2 Performance

What makes Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for the Switch 2 such a compelling package is its impressive performance in both handheld and docked modes. When Intergrade first launched, it would have been unheard of to think that it would run on a handheld, but the Switch 2 now joins other handhelds that can effortlessly run the game. Watch out for its massive 90GB file size, though, which is about 1/3 of the Switch 2 internal storage capacity.

The lighting upgrades are immediately noticeable, making scenes and set pieces look better. Of course, as the Switch 2 is still noticeably weaker than the PS5/Xbox Series, some of these improvements may appear to a lesser extent, such as in shadows, textures, and in cutscenes. There’s also noticeable aliasing and blurry textures in certain areas, even some pop-ins here and there, but all things considered, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for the Switch 2 is a fantastic port.

Additionally, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Switch 2 performs quite well with relatively speedy loading times. In both handheld and docked modes, the game runs at a mostly solid 30FPS, and if there were any drops, they would mostly be negligible. There’s no toggle to switch (heh) between performance and fidelity mode, so that stays with the more powerful consoles. That said, it is a fantastic game that takes advantage of its seamless switching between docked and handheld modes, letting you take it on the go whenever you need to.

Verdict: Buy it!

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for the Switch 2 is an extremely easy recommendation and a first-class port for Switch 2 owners and Final Fantasy fans alike. With its hybrid combat system, cinematic presentation, and reorchestrated soundtrack, the game delivers a modernized experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh despite some minor technical hiccups that can be overlooked. The handheld appeal of the Switch 2 adds a new dimension, letting players immerse themselves in Cloud’s journey wherever they are.

While pacing issues and occasional filler content remain part of the package, the sheer quality of the visuals, music, and combat make these shortcomings easy to overlook. For newcomers, this is a definitive entry point into one of gaming’s most iconic stories, and for veterans, it’s a chance to relive Midgar once again before Rebirth comes along.

*Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade was reviewed on a Switch 2 with a review code provided by the publisher.