Nintendo Switch 2: Final Fantasy VII Remake May Not Support 60 FPS Mode; Unreal Engine 5 Transition Issues for Part 3 Port

Final Fantasy VII Remake on Nintendo Switch 2: A Closer Look

Recent developments regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake suggest that players may not experience a 60 FPS mode, despite promising hints from newly released gameplay footage.

Digital Foundry’s Insights on Performance

In their latest podcast episode, the experts at Digital Foundry meticulously analyzed footage from the recently displayed Creator’s Voice video. They compared this footage to the PlayStation 5’s Performance Mode, revealing notable differences between the two versions. Although the Nintendo Switch 2 version exhibits a slightly blurrier image with more pronounced dithering effects on character hair and shallower depth of field, it still manages to hold its own remarkably well.

Expectations vs. Reality: The 60 FPS Controversy

Contrary to some expectations, it appears that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake will not feature a 60 FPS mode. An iconic sequence where Cloud leaps off a train prior to the mission involving Reactor No.1 was shown running at 60 FPS in the Creator’s Voice video, leading to speculation about a similar option being available on the Switch 2. However, Digital Foundry clarified that the enhanced quality of Cloud’s hair in that specific shot exceeds even the visuals seen in the PlayStation 5’s Performance Mode, indicating that the footage likely originated from the PC version rather than from the Switch 2.

Future of the Final Fantasy VII Trilogy on Switch 2

In the same video presentation, Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of Final Fantasy VII Remake, hinted at the possibility of the entire remake trilogy being made available on the Nintendo Switch 2. Digital Foundry posited that this ambition might imply that the third installment of the trilogy could skip the transition to Unreal Engine 5. Although this engine has the potential to enhance the visuals seen in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, there’s yet to be evidence suggesting it can run effectively on the Switch 2. Additionally, the challenge of significantly downgrading visuals while maintaining quality raises further concerns. Given the developers’ goal to release the third part quickly, a shift in engine mid-development could prove problematic and sheds light on the anticipated technical direction for future releases.

DF Direct Weekly #213: Switch 2 Processor Analysed, GTA 6 'Gameplay', RTX 5060 Controversy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tzHhmnrPkQ)

Release Information

The release date for Final Fantasy VII Remake on Nintendo Switch 2 has not yet been officially confirmed, leaving fans eager for further announcements.

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