Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Review (Nintendo Switch 2)

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2 is a must-play, blending nostalgia, incredible performance, and portability. My full review.

There are certain games that redefine your standards for storytelling and design, and Final Fantasy VII is one of those titles for me. I first played FFVII on the original PlayStation in 1997, back when swapping discs was essential to continue the adventure. The world, its scale, characters and writing were nothing like anything we’d seen before in a video game. That experience cemented my love for the series and further broadened my JRPG horizons.

I came into Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2 with high expectations, hoping it would be a new, dynamic way to experience the classic on the go. I’d already played the remake on PS4 in 2020, which impressed me with its bold reimagining and combat overhaul.

"Revisiting it now on a Nintendo handheld, no less, felt surreal."

Revisiting it now on a Nintendo handheld, no less, felt surreal. This isn’t nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. This is Square Enix putting one of my all-time favourite games into my hands, quite literally, redesigned to fit modern play without losing its identity. Let’s dive into the Nintendo Switch 2 version and see if it lives up to the legacy that made Final Fantasy VII unforgettable in the first place.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Details

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC

Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch 2

Developer: Square Enix

Publisher: Square Enix

Genre: Action RPG

Available game modes: Single-player

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

The Reimaging of a Classic Adventure

When it comes to the storyline, Final Fantasy VII Remake isn’t a one-to-one recreation of the 1997 classic; it’s a reinterpretation, an expansion, and at times a conversation with its own legacy. The core premise remains familiar: Cloud Strife, a former SOLDIER turned mercenary, gets tangled up with Avalanche, an eco-resistance group fighting the Shinra Electric Power Company in the sprawling city of Midgar. But from there, things start to twist, bend, and occasionally straight-up defy expectations.

"What impressed me all over again is how confidently this journey deepens the story."

What impressed me all over again is how confidently this journey deepens the story. Characters who once existed as rough polygons are now fully realized. Barret isn’t just loud bravado; he’s layered and emotional with incredible facial animations you can read without him saying a word. Aerith’s warmth feels intentional rather than incidental. Even Cloud’s stoicism carries more nuance, and I felt far more connected to him this time around than I ever did on PS1.

Full-featured Story Experience Includes All DLC

Along with the familiar cast of characters, the game takes a much deeper dive into Yuffie’s character as well. Intergrade includes “INTERmission,” the Yuffie-focused side story that runs parallel to the main campaign. This isn’t throwaway DLC, it’s meaningful, playful, and mechanically distinct. Yuffie’s faster, more agile combat style adds a refreshing change of pace, and narratively, it expands Midgar in ways the original game never had room to explore. I loved how this extra chapter was included to make this a more complete experience, matching offerings on PlayStation, PC, and Xbox.

Old-School Soul, Modern Gameplay Mechanics

Gameplay was one of my biggest question marks going into the Switch 2 version. I wasn’t sure which controller layout would work best or how RPG battle systems would fit on a handheld. And honestly, it’s where I was most pleasantly surprised. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade blends its signature real-time action with classic ATB mechanics. This offers a hybrid system that rewards both reflexes and strategy. You can hack and slash in real time, but also pause to issue commands, cast spells, or trigger abilities, which keeps that traditional Final Fantasy DNA intact. Overall, it feels great to play with the Joy-Con 2s. I thought I’d need to use my Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, but the default layout translates incredibly well.

Having played Final Fantasy VII Remake on PS4 Pro, I was ready to spot compromises. Instead, what I found was an experience that felt impressively close to my original playthrough. Combat is responsive, character switching is snappy, and boss fights still demand attention rather than button-mashing.

"...what I found was an experience that felt impressively close to my original playthrough."

Playing on the go, with sessions on a train, or wherever else I could squeeze in, felt borderline like magic. Having such a fleshed-out experience in such a slim form factor like the Nintendo Switch 2 truly impressed me.

Flaws From the Original Persist

Issues from the original release of Final Fantasy VII Remake persist: the camera can still get a little unruly in tight spaces, and some late-game encounters lean heavily on spectacle over clarity. Those issues feel minor compared to the overall achievement here. This is a full-scale, cinematic RPG running on a portable Nintendo console, and that still blows my mind every time I boot it up.

A Modern Final Fantasy Built for Life on the Go

One of the smartest decisions Square Enix made with the Nintendo Switch 2 version is embracing flexibility. This isn’t just a port, it’s a version tuned for how people actually play games today.

"This isn’t just a port, it’s a version tuned for how people actually play games today."

The ability to fast-forward cutscenes at 1.5x or 2.0x speed is a godsend for returning players like me who love the story but don’t always have time for extended cinematic stretches. Being able to skip forward a cutscene a little faster is a terrific design choice.

Optional Gameplay Modifiers

Then there are the optional gameplay modifiers that let you choose how you experience the adventure. Want max HP and MP at all times? Done. Infinite Limit Break gauge? Sure. Dealing absurd 999,999 damage per hit? If that’s your vibe, go wild. There’s even a “New Game – Headstart” mode that drops you into Midgar with high-level characters, gil, and abilities already unlocked. Purists may scoff, but I actually appreciate the choice. It lets you tailor the experience, whether you want a hardcore challenge or a breezier power fantasy revisit.

"It lets you tailor the experience, whether you want a hardcore challenge or a breezier power fantasy revisit."

For me, these options didn’t cheapen the experience; they respected my time. And that’s something modern RPGs don’t always get right.

A Fully Realized Midgar in your Hands

Visually, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2 is a technical showcase for the console. This is an incredibly well-optimized port that runs at a locked 30 frames per second in both handheld and docked modes.

"This is an incredibly well-optimized port that runs at a locked 30 frames per second in both handheld and docked modes."

The locked framerates, especially in docked mode, are a minus, but overall, there is a lot to get excited about here. Character models remain detailed, environments are dense with texture and lighting effects, and Midgar still feels oppressive, bustling and grand.

A Nintendo Switch 2 Performance Powerhouse

Performance remains consistent even during large-scale battles and particle-heavy moments. Handheld mode, in particular, impressed me. There’s a clarity here I didn’t expect, and while it doesn’t quite match the PS5 version’s raw horsepower, the trade-off feels more than fair given the portability. Simply put: this is easily one of the best-looking RPGs I’ve ever played on a Nintendo system, full stop.

"...this is easily one of the best-looking RPGs I’ve ever played on a Nintendo system, full stop."

A Timeless Score, Modernized 

Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade absolutely delivers with incredible audio and an epic soundtrack. Nobuo Uematsu’s legendary score, reimagined and expanded, remains one of the finest soundtracks in gaming. Familiar themes swell during key moments, while new arrangements keep things feeling fresh rather than recycled.

"Nobuo Uematsu’s legendary score, reimagined and expanded, remains one of the finest soundtracks in gaming."

Sound effects are crisp, voice acting is strong across the board, and battles hit with satisfying weight. The dynamic soundtrack seamlessly adapts between exploration and combat, and I noticed it constantly. Whether docked with a surround setup or handheld with headphones, the audio design pulled me straight back into Midgar every time.

Final thoughts: A classic, re-introduced

Revisiting Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2 reminded me why this series still matters so much to me. It respects its past without being trapped by it, embraces modern design without losing its heart, and fits how I actually play games today.

"It's a confident, content-rich, beautifully optimized RPG that proves the Nintendo Switch 2 can handle blockbuster experiences without compromise."

Is it perfect? No. But it doesn’t need to be. It's a confident, content-rich, beautifully optimized RPG that proves the Nintendo Switch 2 can handle blockbuster experiences without compromise. Whether you’re a lifelong fan like me or someone finally curious about what all the hype has been about since 1997, this is an easy recommendation, and one of my favourite ways to experience Final Fantasy VII yet.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade – PROS

+Exceptional storytelling and character development

+Incredible performance and visuals on Nintendo Switch 2

+Flexible gameplay options perfect for portable play

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade – CONS

-Camera issues occasionally disrupt combat

-Some pacing stretches remain divisive

-Purists may dislike the optional gameplay modifiers

Overall Assessment of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Gameplay: 9/10

Graphics: 9/10

Sound: 10/10

Lasting appeal / Replayability: 8/10

Overall Rating for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade: 36/40 (90%)

Nintendo provided a copy of the game to conduct this review.

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About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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