Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Switch 2 Review

Over two years ago, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launched to critical acclaim, currently ranking a mighty 92 on Opencritic and Metacritic. If we can consider that the second entry in a trilogy has the unenviable task of sticking the landing and setting up the final part, then this does the job really well.

Fast forward to 2026, and we finally get Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on the Switch 2 and Xbox Series, most likely setting up the third and final entry to be a fully multiplatform release from the get-go. In Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Cloud and the rest of the party follow Sephiroth on an epic journey up until the fateful incident (yes, that one). It was a great time then, and even with slightly watered-down visuals in favor of unparalleled portability, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is another must-play on the Switch 2, as was Final Fantasy VII Remake.

Into the Lifestream

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth expands on the original game, resulting in a sprawling journey spanning 40-50 hours of action and compelling storytelling, and more than doubling that if you plan on exploring every inch of the world. The game trades Midgar’s claustrophobic corridors for an open overworld that finally realizes the vistas fans imagined, complete with new character-specific traversal options. The world looks absolutely amazing, and now, finally seeing the world that Square Enix didn’t get to realize over 20 years ago is truly fascinating.

Combat in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth strikes a balance between fast, real‑time action and tactical depth, building on the Active Time Battle system from the Remake while introducing new mechanics that push players toward more deliberate strategies. Synergy Abilities and the revamped limit break system emphasize stagger‑focused play, rewarding well‑timed coordination and encouraging experimentation with party setups.

The game reduces grind by allowing inactive party members to level alongside the active team, culminating in epic boss fights that scale into spectacular showcases.

Character work is a standout, as the supporting cast receives far more attention than in the original, with Red XIII and Cait Sith in particular getting moments that deepen their motivations and personalities.

Voice acting in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is impressive across all aspects, with the English cast delivering especially memorable performances, and the game’s dialogue choices and Synergy systems let relationships evolve organically through both story beats and optional activities.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is also packed to the brim with side content that, while enhancing the world, could really hurt pacing. Chadley’s research returns, Remnawave Towers uncover activities scattered throughout the region, and the new card game Queen’s Blood is a deep, addictive diversion that rivals previous distractions like Triple Triad.

While some mini‑games and locales occasionally overstay their welcome, most side content ties back into character development or useful progression, making the open world feel intimidatingly huge but ultimately rewarding.

Overall, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is impressive but also quite imperfect. While its presentation, soundtrack, and attention to detail are often breathtaking, with remixed and remastered tracks that are instant classics, occasional lighting glitches and texture pop‑ins can pull you out of the moment. The visual concessions might be a bit too much, especially given how well the game looked on PS5 and PC, but it is still definitely playable.

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

Not entirely new, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth brings back the New Game – Head Start, first seen in Final Fantasy VII Remake, which basically gives players a… well, a head start, starting characters off at level 65, 3 max materia (Healing, Fire, and Ice), items, and more. This definitely starts you off on the right foot and lets you breeze past the early areas with no problem at all.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth also brings back the controversial Streamlined Progression options, which are definitely aimed at returning players or those who just want to enjoy the game again without any pressure.

It has a couple of new settings – Max Damage: Minigames and More Materials Collected. The usual suspects are back, like always having Max HP and MP, full limit gauge, and more. It definitely trivializes the game, but again, these are optional and can be left alone.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Switch 2 Performance

Even though noticeably weaker than its bigger PS5/Xbox Series/PC brothers, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth performs admirably on the Switch 2, especially considering all of the performance reports when it first launched. Like other “impossible” Switch 2 ports, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is another great example when given enough time and care in optimization, but the compromises seem more pronounced.

Smart compromises were made regarding character models, textures, density, and lighting. Playing on a small screen will lessen the impact of these compromises, and while there is noticeable aliasing, it runs smoothly at 30 fps with only occasional drops. The big question here is how much of a compromise you are willing to take, considering Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is one of the most stunning games of this generation. Is handheld mode that big of a selling point for you, or would you rather play it in all its glory?

As with Final Fantasy VII Remake, there’s no toggle to switch between performance and fidelity, but it doesn’t really matter when the game is perfectly playable.

Verdict: 8.5

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on the Switch 2 is a stellar achievement, delivering a sprawling adventure that retains the cinematic flair and strategic combat depth of its console counterparts. Despite some visual compromises, the Switch 2 port captures the essence of the game’s expansive journey, offering fans a chance to relive iconic moments with the flexibility of handheld play.

For players willing to embrace the obvious trade-offs, this version is a must-play, especially if you’re only just catching up in preparation for the upcoming finale.

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