When Square Enix first announced Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for the Nintendo Switch 2, skepticism was the default reaction. Could a hybrid console truly handle the dense, particle-heavy streets of Midgar without melting down? As of January 2026, the answer is a resounding yes. Midgar has officially made its way to Nintendo's new handheld in a technical showcase that exceeds expectations. Our review breaks down how the Switch 2 manages to maintain a stable 30fps with minimal visual compromises, proving the console's capability as a true third-party powerhouse.

A Technical Marvel: Switch 2 Performance Test

The immediate question for any Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Switch 2 review is performance. Square Enix has targeted a locked 30 frames per second (fps), and remarkably, they hit it consistently. Whether you're battling the Scorpion Sentinel in the reactor core or exploring the crowded Wall Market, the frame rate remains rock-solid. This stability is crucial for the game's action-oriented combat system, where timing parries and ATB commands is everything.

In docked mode, the game targets a 1080p output. It achieves this using a custom upscaling solution—likely a variant of DLSS technology tailored for the Switch 2 hardware. The result is an image that looks surprisingly crisp on a 4K TV, avoiding the muddy blur that plagued ambitious ports on the original Switch. While it doesn't match the native 4K of the PS5, the image quality is a significant step up from the PS4 version, offering cleaner edges and more stable visuals in motion.

Handheld Graphics and Visual Compromises

The real magic happens when you undock the system. FF7 Remake Intergrade handheld graphics are nothing short of stunning. On the Switch 2's 8-inch screen, the pixel density hides many of the lower-resolution assets, making the game look sharper than its docked counterpart in some instances. The lighting model, pulled directly from the PS5 version, shines here. Neon signs reflect accurately off puddles in the Sector 7 slums, and particle effects during combat dazzle without tanking the frame rate.

However, compromises were necessary to make this impossible port a reality. Texture quality is a mixed bag; while main characters like Cloud and Tifa look phenomenal, environmental textures often revert to PS4-quality assets. You might notice some dithering artifacts around hair textures—a common side effect of the upscaling tech—and character pop-in is noticeable in busy town hubs. Yet, these issues are minor distractions in what is otherwise a visual feast for a portable device.

Switch 2 vs PS5 Comparison: Closing the Gap

In a direct Switch 2 vs PS5 comparison, the differences are obvious but acceptable. The PS5 version runs at 60fps in performance mode, offering a fluidity the Switch 2 simply can't match. However, visually, the Switch 2 version punches above its weight class. It retains the enhanced fog effects, volumetric lighting, and improved load times of the Intergrade release.

Load Times and Quality of Life

Gone are the agonizing load times of the last generation. Thanks to the Switch 2's faster storage, loading into a save file takes mere seconds. Additionally, this port includes new quality-of-life features that are perfect for portable play. A new "fast-forward" option for dialogue allows for quicker replays, and the inclusion of the Episode INTERMission DLC means the complete package is available right on the cartridge.

Verdict: One of the Best Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Titles

Comparison aside, taking a game of this fidelity on the go feels like a revelation. It stands tall as one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 launch titles (or launch window titles) for RPG fans. Square Enix has set a high bar for what Square Enix Switch 2 ports should look like moving forward.

If you have only ever played this on PS4, the Switch 2 version is a worthy upgrade. If you're a newcomer, this is a fantastic way to experience one of the best action RPGs of the decade. The trade-off of 60fps is a small price to pay for the ability to grind materia on your commute. With Rebirth confirmed to be in development for the platform, the future of Final Fantasy on Nintendo looks incredibly bright.