Buying Final Fantasy 7 Remake On Xbox Or Switch 2? Here Are 15 Things To Know

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It’s becoming increasingly common for companies to release games on multiple platforms, as exclusive deals are becoming less frequent. This is especially true for Final Fantasy VII, where releasing on more platforms means reaching a wider audience. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a reimagining of a classic game, and it’s likely to be popular with players on Xbox and Nintendo consoles. Before you purchase, here are fifteen important things to know about gameplay, different versions, and pre-order perks.

Release Date

On January 22nd, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2. Intergrade is the improved version of the remake originally released on PlayStation 5, offering better graphics, smoother performance, and more detailed textures. It includes the main game – the first installment in a planned trilogy – along with a bonus chapter called FF7R Intergrade Episode INTERmission, which follows Yuffie as she attempts to steal valuable materia from Shinra headquarters.

FF7 – What Is It?

Most gamers are familiar with Final Fantasy VII, a hugely influential role-playing game originally released for PlayStation in 1997. It’s remembered for its impressive visuals, innovative combat system, and compelling story with memorable characters, and it remains popular today. However, the game’s graphics haven’t aged well, and the original hardware limited how detailed its world could be. Final Fantasy VII Remake, announced in 2015 and released in 2020, is the first part of a planned series that reimagines the classic story with more in-depth world-building and expanded lore. Remake Intergrade, released in June 2021, is an enhanced version for the PlayStation 5. The Remake isn’t without changes; it features a new combat system that blends real-time action with menu-based commands, adding strategic depth but also moving away from the original’s traditional turn-based battles.

There’s a Demo Currently Available

A free demo for FF7R Intergrade is available now on both Xbox and Nintendo Switch! It lets you play the exciting first mission – the attack on the Mako Reactor. What’s great is that any progress you make in the demo will carry over to the full game. Plus, if you play the demo, you can unlock special in-game items like Revival Earrings and a Survival Set.

The Game Runs Well on Switch 2

There was a lot of discussion about bringing FF7R Intergrade to the Switch. While some visual details were reduced to make it run well on the less powerful hardware, the game still looks good and plays smoothly. Some reports even suggest the Switch 2’s image stabilization is better than the PS5’s, thanks to its handling of DLSS. However, the Switch version is limited to 30 frames per second. This might not bother players used to the Switch’s performance, but it’s a little disappointing considering the recent Cyberpunk 2077 port managed to reach 40fps.

Xbox Series X Targets PS5-like Quality

The Xbox Series X version of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is expected to look as good as the PlayStation 5 version. Players can choose between two graphics settings: “Graphics” mode offers a crisp, native 4K resolution but runs at 30 frames per second, while “Performance” mode targets 1512p and a smoother 60 frames per second. Both options look excellent, so the best choice depends on whether you prioritize visual clarity or a higher frame rate.

Xbox Series S Graphics are Softer, but Still Look Good

The Xbox Series S, which is less powerful than the Series X, runs both its ‘Graph’ and ‘Performance’ visual modes at 1080p resolution. Graphics appear less detailed on the Series S, and the ‘Performance’ mode looks noticeably blurrier than the ‘Graph’ mode. As usual, choosing better graphics quality means a lower frame rate: ‘Graph’ mode runs at 30 frames per second, while ‘Performance’ mode reaches 60fps.

Works Great on Handhelds

With the release of Remake Intergrade on Xbox, it’s now available on the ROG Ally and future Xbox Ally X, expanding Microsoft’s gaming options. Players are finding that adjusting settings like resolution, shadows, and textures helps optimize performance. Whether you’re aiming for 60 frames per second or a stable 30, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade runs well on the ROG Ally.

Streamlined Progression Available at Launch

One feature currently exclusive to Xbox and Switch versions of the game (but planned for PS5 and PC soon) is a streamlined progression system. While hardcore players might not need it, it’s a great option for those short on time, looking for an easier experience, or who just want to enjoy the story without repetitive grinding. This system essentially acts as a powerful cheat code, maximizing health, magic points, battle gauges, and damage output while also preventing instant death, allowing for incredibly smooth and effortless gameplay.

Two Digital Editions

The game is available in two digital editions: Standard and Deluxe. Both editions come with extra goodies like the Summoning Materia Carbuncle, a Chocobo Chick, and Cactuar, plus the Midgar, Shinra Bangles, and Corneo Armlet Armour DLC, as well as the Superstar Belt, Mako Crystal, and Seraphic Earrings. If you choose the Deluxe Edition, you’ll also get a digital artbook and a mini digital soundtrack.

You Can Get the Original FF7

If you buy the game early, you’ll get the original Final Fantasy VII for free, regardless of whether you play on Xbox or Nintendo. Just pre-order either the Standard or Deluxe Edition before January 31st. While the original game’s graphics might seem a little dated now, it’s still a classic adventure worth experiencing, and you won’t want to miss hearing Nobuo Uematsu’s legendary music as it was meant to be heard.

There’s a Physical Edition on Switch 2

A physical version of the game will be available for the Nintendo Switch 2, but instead of a traditional game cartridge, it will come on a game key card. You’ll still need to download and install the game, and with a large file size of 90GB, it will use almost half of the Switch 2’s 249GB of storage. If you’ve been considering getting a microSD card, this game might be the push you need.

Physical Edition Bonuses

If you’re considering buying the physical version of the Switch 2, it comes with a few extras you won’t get with the digital version. You’ll get a reversible cover, but the biggest perk is a special Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy booster pack with fifteen cards. The physical edition also includes all the bonuses that are available with the digital version.

No Plans for an Xbox Physical Edition

As a fan, I was so excited to see a physical copy of the game coming to Nintendo and PlayStation! It got me hoping we Xbox players could get our hands on a disc version too, but unfortunately, there aren’t any plans for that right now. The developers have said they might consider it if enough people ask, so fingers crossed!

Prices

The digital standard version of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is available for $39.99 or £39.99, and the Digital Deluxe Edition costs $59.99 or £54.99. The physical version of the Switch 2 is priced at the same $59.99 / £54.99 as the Digital Deluxe Edition.

No Rebirth Announced Yet

Following the first remake, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth came out in January of last year. While it’s currently only available on PlayStation and PC, a release on Xbox and Nintendo Switch 2 hasn’t been confirmed – but isn’t impossible. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly probable that Rebirth will eventually be playable on more than just PlayStation and PC. The developers are shifting to a new strategy, similar to Microsoft, and plan to release future Final Fantasy games on a variety of platforms.

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2026-01-16 15:43