Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Earns Strong Reviews on Switch 2

After being released on Switch 2 and Xbox, reviews for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade are now live. This is a big step forward for Square Enix as it continues to release the remake trio on more platforms. With this release, the first book in the trilogy is now out on almost all current systems. This puts Square Enix exactly where it wants to be as people start to look forward to the last book.

Early reviews have focused on the Switch 2 version, since people were interested in seeing how well such a difficult game would run on a hybrid device. Metacritic gives the Switch 2 release an impressive 88 out of 100, with 35 positive reviews, 1 mixed review, and no negative scores. The Xbox version has also gotten good reviews, but there aren't enough to give it a score yet. However, the predictions are mostly the same as for the PlayStation 5.

If you've already played Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, the main experience won't change

Players remember the story, characters, combat system, and additional material from earlier games during intermission. Reviews always say that most people have decided what they think about the story and gameplay since the game first came out. This review is mostly about how well Square Enix brought the experience to new hardware, focusing on speed, presentation, and visual quality.

That's where people are most interested in the Switch 2 version. It was quietly set up to showcase the new system's technical side, and most people agree it does. It was found that the game was running at 30 frames per second, which is slower than the PlayStation 5's performance mode but normal for a hybrid system. What stands out is how clean and stable the experience stays, even with that problem.

The Switch 2 version falls somewhere between the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 releases, as shown by technical problems. The graphics are much sharper than the PS4 version, and the lighting, shadows, and backgrounds are all better. Solid-state storage, which is a big step up from the mechanical hard drives used in older systems, also makes load times much faster. Transitions used to be slow, but now they happen quickly and don't get in the way as much.

A big part is also played by building up technology. It looks like the game uses a light form of DLSS, which lets it go from 1080p when docked to 720p when held in the hand. The results are surprisingly good, and even on larger screens, clarity and sharpness remain the same. Most reviews agree that if you were worried about visual problems, they were mostly unfounded. The game is fun to play on the couch or on the go.

When you play Xbox, opinions are easier to understand

When you play Xbox, opinions are easier to understand. The version works a lot like the PlayStation 5 version. It has the same resolution, frame rate options, and overall picture quality. This version finally removes the platform restrictions that kept people from playing the game before, so the remake trilogy can reach many more people.

Now that Remake Intergrade is out on all platforms, everyone's attention is automatically turning to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. There is still talk in the industry that Rebirth will be revealed for Xbox and probably Switch 2 as well, maybe later this year. Square Enix seems set on putting both of the current games out on as many systems as possible before announcing the end of the trilogy.

We can see how the plan is coming together. Because Square Enix ensured that Remake and Rebirth could be played on any platform, the last part can be released worldwide. This method increases the chance of sales and makes it easier for players to catch up before the story ends. Now, you can follow the whole story without having to buy into a single community.

Square Enix is moving away from platform monopoly in general, and this fits in with that.

The company has been saying more and more that it wants to be a full multiplatform publisher rather than rely on just one partner. This change is very important in Japan, where Nintendo systems are the most popular. By putting Final Fantasy VII on Switch 2, you can reach people who hadn't been able to play the latest games in the series before.

The move makes sense from a business perspective. Square Enix might be able to make more money by selling on PC, Xbox, Switch 2, and the Play Anywhere platform rather than signing exclusive deals up front. As a player, it means more options and fewer rules, especially if you want to play the trilogy on one system instead of three.

Looking ahead, it's still not clear when the trilogy's ending will be announced. It seems likely that the reveal will happen at a big event later this year, like The Game Awards. However, it's also possible that the reveal will happen in early 2027. In any case, Square Enix seems determined to ensure as many people as possible are present and ready for the news.

Now, everyone is looking at Rebirth, especially how well it might do on Switch 2.

The game had problems with resolution and speed even on PlayStation 5, so a hybrid release would be an interesting technical test. The Switch 2 could be a good place for big RPGs if Square Enix can do it again with the same level of success.

For now, the fact that Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade did so well on Switch 2 makes its point clear. Square Enix is preparing for a huge, multiplatform ending to the series, so it's no longer limited to a single platform. If you've been waiting for the right time to join or catch up, this release makes it easier than ever to do either.