A newly released demo for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is giving players their first hands on look at how the game performs on Nintendo Switch 2, and early comparisons highlight notable differences across platforms. The demo became available following a surprise announcement allowing players to experience the opening Mako Reactor 1 mission ahead of the full release scheduled for January 22, 2026.
On Nintendo Switch 2, Final Fantasy VII Remake runs in a single display mode targeting 1080p at 30 FPS. While this resolution is lower than what was previously seen on PlayStation 4 Pro, the Switch 2 version incorporates the full set of graphical improvements that were originally introduced with the PlayStation 5 release. This means the visual feature set is more in line with the current generation version of the game rather than earlier console releases.
The most noticeable advantage of the Switch 2 version over PlayStation 4 Pro is lighting. Comparisons point to a clear increase in the number of light sources, improved shadow quality, and the presence of volumetric fog effects that were not as prominent on older hardware. These changes have a significant impact on atmosphere, particularly in industrial environments like the Mako reactors, where lighting plays a major role in defining mood and depth.
Handheld performance on Switch 2 is another area drawing attention. Reports indicate that handheld mode looks nearly identical to docked mode, with minimal visual compromise. This makes the Switch 2 version especially appealing for players who plan to experience the game primarily in handheld form, as the visual consistency remains intact across play styles.
For comparison, the Steam Deck version operates with texture and shadow settings set to low, optimized for a resolution of 720p and a target of around 40 FPS. While this setup prioritizes smoother performance, it comes at the cost of visual fidelity when placed alongside the Switch 2 build, particularly in lighting complexity and environmental detail.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is the expanded and visually updated edition of the 2020 release. It combines real time action with command based combat and includes the Episode INTERmission storyline focused on Yuffie Kisaragi. The demo currently available on Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S allows progress to carry over into the full game and rewards players with the Revival Earrings and Survival Set bonus items.
With the demo now live, the Switch 2 version is positioning itself as a technically impressive option, especially for players interested in a strong handheld experience without sacrificing modern visual features.
