The highly anticipated port of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake for Switch 2 has been put through its paces by Square Enix in a new comparison video, formally confirming that it is to be running with a target frame rate of 30 FPS. Released via the publisher’s own channels, the side-by-side comparison put the new Nintendo console against those of the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC incarnation, practically answering one of the largest technical questions surrounding the upcoming port. The performance on new Nintendo hardware has been a major concern for several of the more high-profile third-party titles, and the video acts as a clear reference for player expectations.
Close visual inspection of the footage gives an indication for the fidelity of the Switch 2 version, whereby it closely resembles its current generation console counterparts in fidelity. Naoki Hamaguchi, the director, stated earlier that the developers had concentrated on light rendering techniques similar to those used on the PS5 to keep the game’s expressive visual ambience totally intact. This strategy is holding up well for the most part with environmental and character models taken across platforms. The video confirms that it is very lightly compromised visually, instead of just one or two occasions of somewhat lower resolution floor textures being briefly visible in Cloud Strife’s opening sequence.
The frame comparisons were held at 30 FPS for some reason, obviously not the 60 FPS mode of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, thus, a direct visual assessment against these two modes could not be made. However, the 30 FPS floor for Switch 2 is pretty much in line with what the industry expects from a console doing demanding, large-scale ports. The game is all set to be launched on the new Nintendo hardware on January 22. Besides the main game, Square Enix is building in a new “Streamlined Mode,” which will facilitate those players placing more emphasis on narrative progression. Moreover, players who digitally pre-order the Switch 2 version will get a promotional boost for the original 1997 Final Fantasy 7 for a limited time.
This contract for the acclaimed RPG to the Switch 2 does not terminate with part one of the trilogy. Square Enix also recently confirmed that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth would be released on the platform in 2026, together with the third installment, whose announcement is still pending. With this approach for a comprehensive launch of the Remake trilogy, Square Enix casually aims for the Switch 2 to be a significant part of their long-term vision toward sustaining their importance for the modern interpretation of the Midgar saga.
