Breaking the Exclusivity Barrier: The Final Fantasy 7 Remake Trilogy Officially Confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox

For years, the console wars have been defined by exclusive titles, with Final Fantasy 7 Remake serving as a key battlefield. The ambitious reimagining of a JRPG classic was once a cornerstone of Sony’s PlayStation brand, with the first game on PlayStation 4 and the second, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, on PlayStation 5. The prospect of these critically acclaimed titles ever reaching other platforms seemed a distant dream. However, in a stunning and long-awaited move, Square Enix has officially confirmed what many have been speculating: the entire Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy will be released on both Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox.

A New Era of Multi-Platform Strategy

The announcement, made during a recent Nintendo Direct, signals a significant shift in Square Enix’s business strategy. The first title, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, is set to arrive on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S on January 22, 2026. This port, which includes the Yuffie-centric Episode INTERmission DLC, will be the first of many for the series. The company’s statement confirmed that “the entire Final Fantasy VII remake series will eventually be coming to Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, in addition to PlayStation 5 and PC.” This is a monumental decision, one that reflects a growing trend in the industry away from long-term platform exclusivity and toward a wider audience for key franchises.

The reasoning behind this pivot is clear: financial performance. Despite its critical acclaim, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth reportedly fell short of Square Enix’s sales expectations, a reality that likely factored into the publisher’s new multi-platform strategy. By bringing these games to a wider audience, Square Enix can maximize its return on investment and introduce the iconic world of Final Fantasy 7 to millions of new players who may not own a PlayStation console. The move also builds on the recent success of other Square Enix titles on Xbox, such as Final Fantasy XVI, which was ported to the platform earlier in 2025.

• A Shift in Focus: Square Enix’s decision reflects a strategic move to prioritize a wider audience and increase sales by bringing its most important franchise to new platforms.
• The End of Timed Exclusivity: This announcement suggests that while the upcoming third game in the trilogy may still have a timed exclusivity deal, its eventual arrival on other platforms is now a certainty.

The Road Ahead and the Promise of a New Audience

While the full trilogy is confirmed, the specific release dates for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and the unannounced third game on Switch 2 and Xbox remain a mystery. However, the confirmation itself is more than enough to excite fans. The announcement was met with overwhelming positivity, with many players on both sides of the console divide celebrating the end of a long wait. For Xbox owners, it’s a chance to finally experience one of the most beloved remakes in recent memory. For Nintendo Switch 2 owners, it represents a bold statement on the console’s power and a significant addition to its growing library of high-profile JRPGs.

Interestingly, the new Intergrade port will include a “Streamlined Progression” feature, which allows players to focus on the story by essentially making combat effortless. This new mode, which gives players unlimited HP and MP and makes every attack deal maximum damage, is a clear effort to make the game more accessible to players who are more interested in the narrative than the tactical combat. This approach demonstrates a keen understanding of the new, diverse audience the game is targeting. For a series once known for its strict, turn-based combat, this is a significant step towards bringing the emotional, character-driven story of Cloud and his friends to a global audience with different playstyles.

The port of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy is more than just a business decision; it’s a cultural shift. It marks a moment when a once-exclusive franchise opens its doors to a new generation of players on new platforms, ensuring that the legacy of one of gaming’s greatest stories will endure for years to come.