Is The Game Worth Playing On A New Console?

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is releasing on Nintendo Switch 2 this week. Following FF7 Remake‘s release in January, this version of the game brings the middle entry in the new trilogy to Nintendo’s latest console. And with the impending release of FF7 Remake Part 3, now is a great time to get caught up with the franchise.

When Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth releases on June 3 for Switch 2 and Xbox, it means new audiences will finally get to experience this award-winning RPG for themselves. Of course, there are likely plenty of people out there still wondering if FF7 Rebirth on Switch 2 is really worth it, how it performs, and if there are any notable changes. And after playing the game extensively on Switch 2, I can certainly answer those questions.

What’s Included In Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth For Switch 2

The Switch 2 edition of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth comes with some pretty nice bonuses. If you snag the physical copy of the game, you’ll get a reversible cover and an exclusive Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY Zack Fair promo card with variant art by Tetsuya Nomura. It is a Game Key Card, however, which may turn off some prospective buyers.

There are also 3 pre-order bonuses:

• Posh Chocobo Summoning Materia
• Armor: Shinra Bangle Mk. II
• Armor: Midgar Bangle Mk. II

If you have save data from FF7 Remake Intergrade on Switch 2, then you also get the Leviathan Summoning Materia. And if you have save data from Episode: INTERmission, then you get the Ramuh Summoing Materia.

There are a few different versions of FF7 Rebirth you can purchase as well. The Standard Edition is $49.99, which is quite a bit lower than the original $69.99 price the PS5 version had. The Digital Deluxe version of FF7 Rebirth on Switch 2 will also be available for $69.99, and it comes with some nice extras:

• Accessory: Reclaimant Choker
• Armor: Orchid Bracelet
• Digital Art Book
• Digital Mini Soundtrack

Considering the Standard Edition on PS5 cost the same amount at launch, if you want these bonuses, then it’s not a bad price, especially if you like game soundtracks and (digital) art books.

How Does FF7 Rebirth Run On Switch 2?

For anyone worried about performance taking a hit on Switch 2, the good news is that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth runs great on Nintendo’s latest console. Granted, it may not look quite as nice as it does on PlayStation 5, but the graphical shortcomings aren’t super noticeable, and they certainly don’t detract from the experience. It’s what I’d imagine playing FF7 Rebirth on PS4 would feel like — maybe even a little better.

During my time with FF7 Rebirth on Switch 2, I didn’t notice any lag or stuttering, even in handheld mode. Even when exploring the open-world portions or taking on a bunch of enemies with Cloud and company, everything looked really solid. Honestly, I was a bit surprised by just how good this game looks on Switch 2.

As with FF7 Remake Intergrade on Switch 2, if you really scrutinize cutscenes, you may be able to tell that Cloud’s hair or Red XIII’s fur isn’t quite as detailed as it is on PS5, but you really have to be looking to even notice it. Character expressions, environments, and towns all look pretty stunning. FF7 Remake on Switch 2 was impressive, but FF7 Rebirth looks even better.

FF7 Rebirth Is Right At Home In Handheld Mode

Of course, one of the selling points for anyone looking to play a long game on Switch 2 is the ability to play it in handheld mode. FF7 Rebirth feels like it was made for this. The vast number of mini-games, side quests, and large areas for exploration are all more easily digestible when you can play the Switch 2 in handheld mode and complete them a bit at a time.

I admittedly burned myself out a bit when originally playing the game on PlayStation 5 and trying to get that Platinum Trophy, but I found it much easier and relaxing to simply chip away at side content at my own pace by picking up the Switch 2 for shorter bursts. As with any longer RPG, I definitely prefer playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth in handheld mode, even if the game looks amazing when it’s docked and appearing on my TV. There’s just something extremely convenient about the Switch 2’s handheld mode that I love.

Is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth On Switch 2 Worth It?

Now we really come down to the question that’s likely on most people’s minds: Is FF7 Rebirth on Switch 2 worth it? If you’ve never played the game at all, then yes, definitely. You can even check out a free demo on Switch 2 if you want to dip your toes in before fully committing to a purchase. FF7 Rebirth is a rich and sprawling epic, and whether you’re a longtime fan of the franchise or just looking to catch up after beating FF7 Remake, this RPG is well worth experiencing.

If, however, you’ve played it on PS5 already, then the answer gets a bit more complicated. It really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. I personally prefer playing longer RPGs on Switch 2 because I can get through them more easily by using handheld mode whenever I want. If you have a similar playstyle and preference, then the Switch 2 version of FF7 Rebirth is 100% for you.

Otherwise, if you’ve already got the game on PS5, you may not want to double up. You’re basically just playing the same game, and while the pre-order bonuses and MTG card are nice, you aren’t really going to get anything new from the story by playing FF7 Rebirth on Switch 2. At the end of the day, I’d still recommend this Switch 2 version the most. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth feels like it was made for this kind of system, so it’s great to finally be able to play it on Nintendo’s latest console.

Systems

Released

February 29, 2024

ESRB

Teen / Violence, Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

Engine

Unreal Engine 4