Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Third Game Officially Coming to Nintendo Switch 2
In a significant announcement for gaming enthusiasts, the director of the popular Final Fantasy VII remake series, Naoki Hamaguchi, has officially confirmed that both Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and the upcoming third installment in the trilogy are in development for the Nintendo Switch 2. This confirmation came during an exclusive interview with Nintendo, where Hamaguchi detailed the plans for bringing these highly anticipated titles to Nintendo's latest handheld console.
Same Gameplay Experience Assured Across Platforms
When questioned about what fans can expect from the Switch 2 versions, Hamaguchi emphasized that players will receive the same gameplay experience as on other platforms. This assurance aims to eliminate any confusion over which version to purchase, ensuring that Switch 2 owners can enjoy the full depth and quality of the games without compromise. However, the official release date for these versions remains unannounced, leaving open questions about whether Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will launch simultaneously on Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2.
Rumors and Release Timeline Insights
Rumors about the arrival of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Xbox have also surfaced, with leaker NateTheHate suggesting potential releases. Notably, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was initially released on PlayStation 5 on February 29, 2024, while Final Fantasy VII Remake and its Intergrade content debuted on Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2 on January 22. According to reports from DLCompare, Square Enix has provided important details about the final game in the trilogy, including its title and engine choice.
Decision to Stick with Unreal Engine 4
In recent interviews, Hamaguchi explained the team's decision to continue using Unreal Engine 4 for the third game, instead of upgrading to Unreal Engine 5. This choice is primarily based on development practicality and familiarity. The team has spent years customizing Unreal Engine 4 to suit the specific needs of the remake series, including handling combat systems, character models, and large environments.
- Development Efficiency: Switching to Unreal Engine 5 would require reworking many customizations, potentially slowing down development and affecting timelines.
- Team Familiarity: The developers are comfortable with their existing setup, allowing them to focus on improving gameplay and storytelling rather than adapting to a new engine.
- Consistency: Using the same engine helps maintain a consistent experience with previous titles, Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Stability for Multi-Platform Development
Unreal Engine 4 also offers stability when developing for multiple platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch 2. With the final game expected around 2027 on next-generation consoles, using a well-tested engine reduces the risk of performance issues or development delays. Hamaguchi highlighted that this approach helps the team maintain a steady development schedule and deliver a polished, high-quality game to fans worldwide.
This strategic move underscores Square Enix's commitment to balancing innovation with reliability, ensuring that the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy concludes on a strong note across all supported platforms.
