Square Enix Bets Big on Nintendo Switch 2 with Major Titles Right Out the Gate

For the Nintendo Switch 2, Square Enix is putting everything they have into it. Following the chaos of 2022, when Square Enix released more games than they could reasonably handle, the company seems to have changed its mind. What is the new plan? Fewer games, better quality, and a strong focus on making a big impression early on in the Switch 2's life.

The fact that Square Enix is now so optimistic about Nintendo's newest console is really surprising. When it comes to releasing flagship games, the publisher has always favored PlayStation. Now, though, they're changing things, which is getting a lot of attention. "Looking for something to play on your brand-new Nintendo Switch 2?", Square Enix wrote on Twitter from its official account. "This is what we have out now and what will be on the new console".

This isn't just a random tweet advertising something. It is a statement of purpose. Square Enix made a list of both Nintendo Switch 2 games that are exclusive to that system and games that can be played on older systems. This shows that they're not just testing the waters; they're diving in headfirst. The entry that got the most attention? 

In every way, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a heavy hitter. This game coming out in the first few months of the Switch 2's life is a big deal. This makes it clear that Square Enix no longer sees Nintendo as a secondary platform. This is very different from how they worked on the first Switch. In 2017, I Am Setsuna, a smaller RPG, was Square Enix's best early game. Now, they are bringing back fully reworked, high-budget movies.

Square Enix confirmed Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster at the same time as FFVII Remake. This is an update to a legendary strategy RPG that has been a long time in the making. It doesn't include all the extra content from previous re-releases, but the core experience remains the same, and fans can't wait to return to Ivalice with improved graphics and faster performance.

Then there's Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, which you can get right now. This was a popular 3DS game before it was remastered, which makes it one of the best turn-based RPGs on the Switch 2 by improving the graphics, frame rates, and sound. The game is already doing well on the eShop, which shows that it will be around for a while.

Not only that, but Square Enix's website also has a huge list of dozens of games that can be played on the Switch 2. Some of these are the hits Life is Strange, different Final Fantasy games (including Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition), Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, Star Ocean, and a number of Dragon Quest games.

It's not just a bunch of content; it's a carefully chosen showcase that makes it look like Square Enix wants to get as many people as possible to play its games on the new console.

This is all very interesting because it changes the strategy in a real way. Square Enix was late to the party when the Switch first came out. They did have some successes—Octopath Traveler stood out, and Dragon Quest XI did really well—but Square didn't start putting more resources into the console until it had already been proven to work.

That promise is now being kept from the very beginning. Bringing over Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade wasn't an easy choice—Square Enix spent a lot of time and money making sure that one of their biggest projects would work best on Nintendo hardware. It's probably only the start.

People who follow the business think that Dragon Quest XII could be shown off at a future Nintendo Direct. That wouldn't be a surprise since the series has a large fan base in Japan, and the Switch has a huge following there. Moreover, if Square Enix is really dedicated to the Switch 2, we might even see an original AAA game created just for the system.

Nintendo has been a secondary platform for Square Enix for most of its modern history. It's great for ports, remakes, and spinoffs, but not for their main titles. That way of thinking seems to be changing.

They aren't waiting around to see how the system works or hedging their bets anymore. They've seen how Nintendo is doing, especially in Japan, and they want to get in quickly and strongly.

Since sales of consoles are changing and RPG fans are growing on all platforms, it makes sense. Nintendo can't be an afterthought for Square Enix any longer. It looks like they don't plan to either.

Square Enix's early support for the Nintendo Switch 2 sends a message: this is a platform worth putting money into. Their games range from Final Fantasy to Bravely Default and from Tactics to Dragon Quest. The games aren't just ports or filler; they're polished, well-known, and, in some cases, final versions.

That looks great! We can't wait to see what else Square Enix comes up with for the Switch 2.