Adapting a blockbuster video game to a portable console is never an easy task. And yet, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergradeinitially launched on PS4, PS5 and PC, seems to have achieved the feat on Nintendo Switch 2. Available from January 22, this port impresses with its graphic fidelity, its stability and its wealth of content.
As the title soon celebrates its sixth anniversary, it stands out today as a true technical showcase of Nintendo’s latest console. “Despite approaching its sixth anniversary, the release of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2 remains the best port of the console to date, surpassing even Cyberpunk 2077.”
A visual rendering surprisingly close to the PS5
Visually, the game hits hard. The settings of Midgar retain their richness, the lighting effects are neat, and the animations fluid. In docked mode, “the game aims for 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second (fps) and 720p upscaled to 1080p at 30 fps in handheld mode.”
Unlike other ambitious Switch 2 ports, here, no noticeable framerate drop was observed, even during dense action scenes. The only slightly off graphic details concern certain shadows or hair textures. Nothing dramatic compared to the very stable whole.
New and well-thought-out features
This portage doesn’t just look good. It also includes the latest gaming options. “Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade on Switch 2 also contains all the latest updates, such as simplified progression options, a photo mode, fast forward for cutscenes and a boost mode that acts like a God mode.”
These additions facilitate the experience without distorting it. Newcomers can jump into the adventure with upgraded characters from the start, while veterans will take advantage of the photo mode to capture the epic moments facing Sephiroth.
Obvious care in the development of carrying
We feel in each sequence that Square Enix did not treat this port as a simple obligatory passage. “Square Enix obviously took care to make this port as good as possible, instead of rushing something poorly optimized.”
The urban density of Midgar, the dynamic lighting effects and the transitions between cutscenes and gameplay phases are fluid. Even some much less ambitious games on Switch 2 do not reach this level of finish.
Better than Cyberpunk 2077? The debate is (almost) settled
Cyberpunk 2077 was until now the serious contender for the title of best Switch 2 port. But a few slowdowns, particularly in portable mode, made it lose points with testers and players.
In comparison, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade stands out for its stability and lack of major compromise. “Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade becomes for me the new benchmark for Switch 2 ports.”