Square Enix has confirmed that the physical release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on Nintendo Switch will include an exclusive Magic: The Gathering variant card featuring original artwork by Tetsuya Nomura. This collaboration, revealed during the latest Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, brings the legendary character designer back to his roots with a new illustration of Zack Fair, a character he originally designed for the series.
The promotional card serves as a centerpiece for the physical edition’s launch, marking a rare intersection between the iconic RPG franchise and Wizards of the Coast’s premier trading card game. While digital pre-order bonuses have become the standard for modern releases, this physical-exclusive card targets long-term collectors and fans of the Final Fantasy remake trilogy. The inclusion of Nomura’s art is particularly significant, as he has served as a primary creative force and director across the remake project, ensuring the card reflects the aesthetic shift seen in Rebirth.
Details from the Nintendo Direct trailer indicate that the Zack Fair variant is more than just a promotional giveaway; it is a calculated effort to bridge the gap between two of the largest fanbases in gaming and tabletop. For Magic: The Gathering players, this adds another high-value piece to the growing “Universes Beyond” lineup, which has seen massive success by integrating external intellectual properties into the game’s ecosystem. For Final Fantasy enthusiasts, it offers a tangible artifact from the series’ debut on Nintendo’s hybrid console.
As Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth prepares for its arrival on the Switch, the focus remains on how these “port” editions can provide unique value to players who may have already experienced the title on other platforms. By leveraging the star power of Tetsuya Nomura and the competitive appeal of Magic: The Gathering, Square Enix is positioning the physical Switch release as a definitive collector’s item. Expect further details on the card’s specific mechanics and availability as the release date approaches.
