Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster brings two of the most iconic games in the series to the Switch 2 in a package that offers the best of both worlds: a docked experience running at 4K and a solid handheld experience with all the modern quality-of-life features. However, like the other Square Enix Switch 2 releases, this version also lacks a proper upgrade path. In this case, though, it is a little easier to understand given the age of the game.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster was already available on the original Switch, but that version came with a few compromises. The most noticeable were the lower-quality textures, and although the game appeared to run at 30 FPS across all platforms, load times on the Switch were still longer than on the other console versions. The Switch 2 release receives a substantial visual upgrade, with much sharper textures that look excellent, especially in docked mode.
Square Enix has also brought over several quality-of-life features from the PC version. These include a speed-up option, gameplay boosters, and the ability to toggle random encounters on and off. All of these are especially useful for players returning for another playthrough. Even if you’re playing the game for the first time, they help reduce some of the grind. Final Fantasy X uses a unique conditional turn-based battle system that was innovative for its time, but watching the same animations over and over can become repetitive, so these additions do a lot to improve the overall pacing.
This collection includes both Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2, along with additional content such as Eternal Calm and Last Mission. These are bonus extras for players who want to dive deeper into the story. Eternal Calm bridges the gap between the ending of Final Fantasy X and the beginning of Final Fantasy X-2, while Last Mission serves as a loose continuation of the story after Final Fantasy X-2. However, it is also widely regarded as one of the more divisive pieces of content in the collection.
The story of Final Fantasy X has become timeless at this point. It follows a young Blitzball player named Tidus, who is suddenly drawn into a conflict against a terrifying force known as Sin. Along the way, he joins an unlikely group of heroes, including the summoner Yuna, as they set out to save the world from Sin’s destruction. While the first game is remembered for its emotional story, which resonated with so many fans, the sequel takes a different approach by making Yuna the main protagonist. If the Sphere Grid was the standout feature of the original game, the Dressphere system builds on that foundation with a deeper combat system. Although Final Fantasy X-2 falls short narratively, it makes up for it with its gameplay and mission structure.
One of the biggest criticisms of this remastered version has always been the updated character models, particularly their facial animations and expressions. I never thought the issue was that serious, but playing this version on a large screen in 4K genuinely made me wonder how it was approved. Tidus looks so different in some of the real-time cutscenes that he can almost seem like a completely different character, which is disappointing. Having played the original PS2 release, I never expected the remaster to look worse in that regard. Not every character suffers from the same problem, but it still would have been a significant improvement if the facial models had been refined in at least some of the cutscenes.
I really enjoyed playing through these games again on the Switch 2. Since the PC version has its own share of issues, I feel that the Switch 2 version, alongside the Xbox release, is currently one of the best ways to experience them. The newly added quality-of-life features are a welcome addition, and both games have held up remarkably well over the years. If you’re a fan of the Final Fantasy series, you’ve probably already played them, but if you haven’t, this is a great opportunity to experience one of the masterpieces of the JRPG genre.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster Game Information
- Price: $49.99
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
