Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Nintendo Switch 2 Review – The (Portable) Promise Fulfilled

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When Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launched, it exceeded expectations. Building on the fantastic foundation laid by the 2020 game Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Rebirth brilliantly reimagined the classic story while also forging its own surprising and enjoyable direction. It’s a masterpiece that combines engaging gameplay with a thrilling story. Now, Rebirth has come to the Nintendo Switch, and the port is impressive, though some visual details have been adjusted for the system.

It was always going to be difficult to make a large, complex game like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth run smoothly on the Nintendo Switch 2, which is less powerful than the PlayStation 5. So, it’s best to expect some technical and graphical differences in the Switch 2 version. The good news is that even with those compromises, the game still manages to be charming and well-made.

So, what exactly was sacrificed to get the game running on less powerful hardware? Mostly, it’s what you’d expect from a less powerful version of a visually impressive game. Compared to the original Switch version of Rebirth, the differences are more noticeable than they were with Final Fantasy 7 Remake on Switch. The biggest changes are visible in things like textures loading slowly, simpler details in the environment, fewer plants and objects, and reduced quality of shadows and how far you can see into the distance – especially the distance you can see.

So, what compromises were made? They’re generally what you’d anticipate with a less powerful version of a game that requires a lot of technical resources.

I’ve noticed several technical issues while playing, including textures and objects visibly loading as you explore the world, and occasional drops in frame rate during cutscenes and gameplay. These issues, while not game-breaking, can be distracting. It’s also disappointing that, like Final Fantasy 7 Remake on the Switch, Rebirth doesn’t offer a 60 frames-per-second option on the Nintendo console. While understandable given the Switch’s hardware limitations, it’s a noticeable drawback, especially considering how fast-paced and action-packed Rebirth‘s combat is.

I usually don’t let technical problems ruin a game for me, especially if the gameplay and design are strong – and they definitely are in Rebirth. However, the technical issues are noticeable. While they don’t detract from the game’s core strengths, I hope the developers release patches to fix them soon.

Even though the Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has some visual compromises compared to the original, the game still looks fantastic. The environments are beautiful, large, and fun to explore, and the characters are detailed and expressive. Each new location feels unique and visually interesting. When Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launched in 2024, it captivated players with a sense of discovery and wonder, and thankfully, even with the technical adjustments for the Nintendo Switch 2, that magical feeling remains.

Honestly, playing this game is still absolutely incredible – it’s just as amazing as when it first came out on the PS5 a couple of years ago. When I first reviewed Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, I said it was the open-world Final Fantasy game fans had been hoping for since the PS2 days, and playing it on the Switch 2 now, I feel exactly the same way. I’m totally hooked all over again!

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a true masterpiece, and I don’t say that lightly. It features the best combat system I’ve ever seen in a Final Fantasy game, and possibly the best action-based combat in any game ever. Rebirth brilliantly expands on the already fantastic combat of the original Remake, creating a fast-paced and engaging experience. The combination of precise controls, smart upgrades, and consistently creative enemy designs and boss battles means there’s always a new challenge to overcome, keeping you constantly engaged.

Rebirth is a true masterpiece, and I say that with complete sincerity.

Every character is incredibly detailed and unique, feeling complex enough to carry their own game. Beyond that, the game offers extensive ways to improve and customize your characters – through weapons, special abilities, stats, and more – which keeps combat consistently engaging and rewarding, even after many hours of playtime.

Beyond the battles, Rebirth offers a remarkably deep and varied experience. The game features several huge, open-world maps, each filled with things to do, unique features, different ways to get around, and stunning visuals. You’ll find tons of optional minigames and side quests to discover, including the popular card game Queen’s Blood, which is incredibly addictive. It’s rare for a game as lengthy as Rebirth to stay engaging throughout, but it manages to do so with impressive ease.

The game tells a strong story, though opinions on it will likely differ. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth continues the approach of its previous installment, acting as both a sequel and a continuation of the original FF7‘s story. This will inevitably lead to some disagreement, especially considering how bold and unusual the game can be. I, for one, have appreciated the developer’s willingness to take the story in a new direction, and I think Rebirth successfully balances honoring the past with forging a new path. It’s an exciting, over-the-top experience filled with dramatic moments, well-acted characters, and constant surprises. From start to finish, it’s incredibly engaging, even if it doesn’t always follow a completely logical path.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was a breathtaking experience when it came out a couple years ago, and it still is now that it has released for the Nintendo Switch 2. Yes, it comes with some technical cutbacks that often are hard not to notice, and hopefully the developer will be ironing out these kinks with future updates. But even as it stands right now, Rebirth’s Switch 2 version is still a great way to experience one of Final Fantasy’s most spectacular and unforgettable outings of all time.

This game was reviewed on Nintendo Switch 2.

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2026-06-11 20:11