Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade arriving on Nintendo Switch 2 feels like one of those games that didn’t seem possible not that long ago. This is a game that already made its way from PlayStation to PC, and now it’s running on Nintendo’s newest hardware in a way that actually makes sense. It feels like a proper way to experience the opening chapter of Square Enix’s remake project.
The Nintendo Switch 2 version includes the full Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade package, with the base game and the Episode INTERmission content bundled together. That means everything is here from the start, without needing to track down extra downloads or upgrades. More importantly, it puts the focus on how well this large-scale RPG translates to a hybrid console rather than what it might be missing compared to other platforms.
After spending time with Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade both docked and in handheld mode, it’s clear this is not a cut-down experience. The core gameplay, pacing, and sense of scale all carry over cleanly. The city of Midgar still feels alive, and the flow of the story holds up well on a smaller screen. There are technical differences compared to other versions, but they rarely get in the way of simply playing and enjoying the game.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade details
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X, PS5 and PC
Developer(s): Square Enix, Creative Business Unit I
Publisher(s): Square Enix
Genre: Role-playing
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
A familiar story with more time to settle in
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade tells the opening chapter of Cloud Strife’s story, starting in Midgar where he’s working as a hired sword for the eco-group Avalanche. What begins as a few jobs taking on the Shinra Electric Power Company quickly turns into something much bigger, both for Cloud and for the people around him. Even if you already know where this story goes, the way it’s told here still pulls you in.
If you played the original Final Fantasy VII, a lot of this will feel familiar, but it’s handled very differently. Midgar isn’t just a short opening stretch anymore. It’s the main setting, and the game takes its time letting you live in it. You spend more time with the people, see more of how Shinra’s control affects everyday life, and get a better sense of why Avalanche is doing what it’s doing. That extra breathing room goes a long way.
Characters that get room to breathe
The characters are where this version really comes together. Cloud comes across as awkward and guarded in a way that feels natural instead of forced. Barret is loud and passionate, but there’s more going on under the surface than just anger. Tifa feels grounded and conflicted, and Aerith brings a kind of energy that cuts through the heavier moments without feeling out of place. Their conversations feel natural, and the banter helps carry the slower sections of the game.
There are changes from the original, and some of them are pretty noticeable. A few moments go in directions longtime fans might not expect, and the game is clearly building toward something larger across the remake trilogy. Not every addition will land the same way for everyone, but the story commits to its ideas and doesn’t shy away from taking risks. The Episode INTERmission content fits in nicely as well, giving Yuffie time to shine while adding context without feeling disconnected from the main story.
Overall, the story in Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade feels more personal and more fleshed out than the original’s opening hours ever did. It takes its time, lets the characters breathe, and builds a strong foundation for what comes next.
Combat that feels better the more you engage with it
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade still plays great, even years after its original release. The mix of real-time action and the classic Active Time Battle system hits a nice balance, especially once you settle into the rhythm of switching between characters and managing abilities on the fly. It never feels like you’re waiting around for turns, but it also never loses that tactical layer the series is known for.
Combat really comes together once you start rotating between party members instead of sticking to just one. Cloud is the all-rounder, Tifa is all about pressure and speed, Barret controls the field from a distance, and Aerith brings the heavy magic support. Swapping between them mid-fight feels natural, and the game does a good job of encouraging you to use everyone instead of leaning on a single character.
Fights are at their best when you’re paying attention to enemy behaviour and building up stagger meters rather than just mashing buttons. On Normal difficulty, there’s a good balance between challenge and flow. You’ll need to think about when to heal, when to push forward, and when to slow things down, but it never feels punishing.
A steady flow from fight to fight
Exploration is mostly straightforward, with a clear path forward and occasional side routes that reward you with items or materia. Some of the level design shows its age, especially with tighter corridors and slower transitions between areas, but it rarely becomes annoying. The pacing stays consistent, and the mix of combat, story beats, and quieter moments works well across longer sessions.
The Nintendo Switch 2 version includes the same difficulty and accessibility options found in other releases. Alongside Easy and Normal modes, there’s Classic mode, which automates basic attacks and lets you focus on abilities and strategy instead. Optional progression settings are also available, though they’re better suited for returning players than first-timers.
Episode INTERmission adds a nice change of pace. Playing as Yuffie feels different enough to keep things fresh, with faster movement and a more agile combat style. It’s not a huge expansion, but it fits neatly into the overall experience and feels like a meaningful addition rather than filler.
Bringing Midgar to life on Nintendo Switch 2
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade looks better on Nintendo Switch 2 than it really has any right to. This is still a big, detailed game, and yet it runs in a way that feels surprisingly comfortable on Nintendo’s hardware. Once you’re a few minutes in, it’s easy to forget you’re playing something originally built for PlayStation 5.
Handheld play is where this version feels most at home. The smaller screen helps hide some of the rougher edges, and the game still looks sharp enough that Midgar feels full of life. Lighting plays a big role here, especially in the slums and during nighttime sections where neon signs and reactor glow shape the mood of each area. Docked mode looks cleaner overall, though the lower resolution is more noticeable on a larger screen.
Performance and audio
Performance is mostly steady throughout. The game targets 30 frames per second and sticks close to that during regular play. There are a few dips during busier scenes or effects-heavy moments, but they’re brief and easy to overlook. Combat remains smooth and responsive, which matters most.
Some textures are softer up close, and you can spot a few visual shortcuts if you look for them, but nothing that takes away from the experience. The sound design also holds up well. The music lands where it should, and the voice acting remains strong across the cast. Everything comes together in a way that feels polished, even on a smaller screen.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade feels right at home on Nintendo Switch 2
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2 ends up being a really solid way to play the game. It doesn’t come across as a compromise or a novelty port. Once you’re a little way in, it simply feels like Final Fantasy VII Remake running comfortably on Nintendo hardware.
There are trade-offs. The frame rate is capped at 30, and some visual shortcuts are noticeable if you’re looking for them. But when you’re actually playing, those things fade into the background. Combat still feels good, the story hits the same emotional beats, and Midgar still has that sense of scale and atmosphere that makes it memorable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Midgar still feels alive on Nintendo Switch 2, with lighting and atmosphere that carry a lot of the mood. | Some textures and background details look a bit soft, particularly in busier areas. |
| Episode INTERmission fits in nicely and gives you a fun change of pace without feeling tacked on. | The 30fps cap is noticeable once in a while, especially if you’re coming from the PS5 or PC version. |
| It runs well on Nintendo Switch 2, making it easy to jump in whether you’re playing docked or handheld. | If you’ve already finished the game on another platform, there isn’t much here that feels truly new outside of Episode INTERmission. |
| Combat feels great once you start swapping between party members and leaning into what each one does best. |
Having Episode INTERmission included helps a lot too. It adds a nice change of pace that gives Yuffie some time in the spotlight, making the package feel complete rather than tacked together. Being able to play the whole thing either docked or handheld just adds to the appeal, especially if you like picking away at RPGs in shorter bursts.
Overall assessment of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 5/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 4/5
Overall rating: 4.4/5 (88%)
One extra bonus worth mentioning for anyone picking up the physical version is the Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade MTG Edition, which includes a Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy Play Booster in the box. It’s a small touch, but a nice extra for collectors or longtime fans.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2 is an easy one to recommend. It plays well, looks good for the hardware, and delivers the full experience without cutting corners. If you’ve been waiting to jump in on Nintendo Switch 2, or you want a portable way to revisit Midgar, this version does the job and does it well.
