Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, the enhanced version of the 2020 classic, finally arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 just days ago on January 22, 2026. This port brings the full Intergrade experience—including the base game and the excellent Yuffie-focused Episode INTERmission DLC—to Nintendo's powerful new hybrid console. For years, fans wondered if Square Enix's ambitious remake project would ever grace a Nintendo platform. Now that it's here, it feels like a perfect fit, delivering one of the best modern RPGs in a truly portable form.
The core game remains unchanged and outstanding. You step into the boots of Cloud Strife, a brooding ex-SOLDIER mercenary, as he joins the eco-terrorist group Avalanche in their rebellion against the megacorporation Shinra in the sprawling, oppressive city of Midgar. This "remake" massively expands the original game's Midgar section into a 30-40 hour epic (plus 5-6 hours for the Yuffie DLC), with deeper character development, side quests, and jaw-dropping set pieces. The story blends nostalgia with bold new twists, delivering emotional highs, memorable allies like Tifa, Aerith, and Barret, and that iconic villainous presence. It's still one of the most compelling narratives in gaming, full of heart, mystery, and spectacle.
Combat is the star: a seamless hybrid of real-time action and strategic command-based elements. You control one character at a time, dodging, blocking, and attacking in real time while slowing things down to issue ATB commands for spells, items, and specials. Switching party members mid-battle keeps things dynamic, and materia customization adds depth. The Yuffie episode shines here with her ninja-style ranged combat and synergistic duo mechanics alongside Sonon—it's fast, fun, and a great teaser for what's next in the trilogy.
What makes this Switch 2 version special is how well it adapts to the hardware. Powered by clever upscaling tech like DLSS, it targets a stable 30 FPS in both docked and handheld modes, with impressive visual fidelity. Docked on a TV, it hits around 1080p with detailed character models, lush environments, dynamic lighting, and particle effects that hold up remarkably well—often looking close to the PS5 version at normal viewing distances. Exploration in Midgar's slums and upper plates feels immersive, and combat remains responsive without major hitches.
Handheld mode is where the magic happens for Switch owners. The game is perfectly playable on the go, with sharp visuals on the Switch 2's upgraded screen and smooth performance that makes grinding side quests or tackling bosses during a commute addictive. Minor frame dips in crowded cutscenes or dense areas are rare, and issues like NPC pop-in are negligible. Load times are quick, and new accessibility options (like fast-forwarding dialogue, max HP/MP, or infinite limits) make it welcoming for newcomers or replay veterans.
That said, it's not flawless. The locked 30 FPS feels noticeable if you've played the 60 FPS versions on PS5, PC, or Xbox—combat loses a touch of that ultra-fluid snap. Handheld play drains the battery quickly (expect about 2 hours at max settings), and the massive 90+ GB file size means you'll need expanded storage. Visually, it's a step down from top-tier consoles in resolution and texture sharpness, especially up close in handheld. And remember, this is still just Part 1 of the trilogy—Rebirth and the upcoming third entry are confirmed for Switch 2 down the line, but you'll need patience for the full story.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Switch 2 is a technical triumph and one of the console's early must-plays. Square Enix has crafted a port that respects the original's grandeur while embracing portability. Whether you're a longtime fan revisiting Midgar or a new player diving in for the first time, this is an essential RPG that proves the Switch 2 can handle big, beautiful worlds. Highly recommended—now excuse me while I go farm some materia on the couch.
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