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Nintendo Switch 2 Opens the Door for Larger Third-Party Games
The arrival of Nintendo Switch 2 is not just a win for players eager for more powerful hardware. For publishers and developers, it represents a long-awaited opportunity to fully engage Nintendo’s enormous install base without the limitations that defined the original Switch era. Square Enix is among the most visible beneficiaries, committing both Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to the platform.
While the announcement of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth during a recent Nintendo Direct generated immediate excitement, it also raised legitimate concerns. Unlike Remake, Rebirth is a far more ambitious project, built around sprawling open zones, dense environmental detail, and layered gameplay systems that push even current-generation hardware.
Smaller File Size of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Raises Early Confidence
Initial optimism surrounding the Switch 2 version emerged when storage requirements were revealed. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Switch 2 will reportedly require around 102GB, a notable reduction compared to approximately 140GB on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, and roughly 155GB on PC.
While a smaller install size does not automatically guarantee performance parity, it does suggest a more efficient asset pipeline and smarter data handling. In an era where optimisation often takes a back seat to raw hardware power, this reduction has been interpreted as a positive signal rather than a compromise.
Steam Deck Experience Plays a Key Role
According to director Naoki Hamaguchi, that optimisation did not happen by accident. In a post shared on social media, Hamaguchi explained that the development team’s experience optimising Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for Valve’s Steam Deck directly informed work on the Nintendo Switch 2 version.
Lessons learned from adapting the game to handheld constraints carried over into broader efficiency improvements, impacting not only file size but overall system performance. This cross-platform experience appears to have given Square Enix a clearer roadmap for delivering demanding games on portable hardware without sacrificing stability.
Performance Targets Still Unconfirmed
Despite the encouraging signs, Square Enix has yet to disclose specific performance metrics for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Switch 2. Frame rate targets, resolution scaling, and differences between handheld and docked modes remain unconfirmed.
That said, confidence is bolstered by the strong technical showing of the game on Switch 2, which launched in January 2026 with stable performance and minimal compromises. If Rebirth follows a similar trajectory, it could mark a turning point for large-scale RPGs on Nintendo hardware.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 3. Square Enix has not yet shared details on the series’ third and final entry.
