FF7 Remake on Switch 2?! What You WON'T Believe About Intergrade!

Okay, folks, buckle up, because Square Enix has pulled off something pretty special here. I’ve just spent a good chunk of time with Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the Nintendo Switch 2, and I'm honestly blown away. After that iconic opening sequence, I almost instinctively reached for my PS5 controller. Seriously, seeing this level of visual fidelity on a Nintendo console still feels a bit surreal.

FF7 Remake on Switch 2?! What You WON'T Believe Ab...

Let's be clear, the Switch 2 version doesn't *quite* match the graphical prowess of the PS5, but it's an incredibly impressive port, easily one of the best third-party titles I’ve seen on Nintendo's new system so far. This is a huge win for Nintendo, and really showcases what the Switch 2 is capable of. We are definitely not in the Wii era anymore. This isn't some scaled-down, compromised experience – it's Final Fantasy VII Remake, pretty much as you remember it, but portable (or on your big screen, your choice!).

Now, expectations were sky-high going in. And for the most part, VII Remake Intergrade on Switch 2 delivers in spades. The combat? Still exceptional. The diverse roster of enemies keeps you constantly engaged. And seeing this first section of the story expanded with such genuine emotional depth, revealing the previously unseen humanity of Midgar, is pure magic. I echo Tom Marks' sentiment from his original review – there's something truly special about revisiting this classic in such a spectacular way.

Sure, there are occasional RPG filler moments and those Kingdom Hearts-esque complexities that can interrupt the flow. But honestly, these are minor nitpicks. They never truly derail the overall experience. What's truly remarkable is how much of the original's charm and detail has been preserved.

I was particularly struck by how the small details I cherished in the 2020 release are still present. The way the light glints off Cloud's Buster Sword as you explore? Still striking. The game targets 1080p when docked, which, while not fully pushing the Switch 2's limits, still provides a visually pleasing experience. The character models are detailed, and the environments are richly rendered. I did notice some NPC pop-in at a distance while wandering around the Sector 7 slums, but honestly, I seem to recall that being present in the original PS4 release too. So, perhaps, that's just part of the charm?

Framerate was rock solid throughout my playthrough, even during those intense battles against hordes of Shinra security forces or the imposing Scorpion Sentinel. Switching between Cloud, Barrett, and Tifa to unleash flashy abilities and Limit Breaks never caused a hiccup. Speaking of controls, here's a pro tip for those using the Switch 2 Pro Controller: Remap those left and right d-pad inputs to the GL and GR back paddles. It makes swapping between characters during combat a breeze!

All in all, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the Switch 2 is a must-buy. Whether you’re a series newcomer or a seasoned veteran returning to Midgar, this is a remarkable port that deserves your attention. Square Enix, you’ve done good. Really good.