FF7 Remake Breaks Out: Intergrade Dated for Switch 2 and Xbox

Square Enix Finally Lets FF7 Remake Out of PlayStation Jail

This caught my attention because it’s the moment a lot of players have been waiting for: Square Enix is bringing Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade to Nintendo’s next system and Xbox on January 22, 2026, and-crucially-committing the entire remake trilogy to those platforms. After years of timed exclusivity deals and platform hopscotch, this is Square saying the quiet part out loud: the PlayStation wall is coming down.

• Release date: January 22, 2026 on Switch 2 and Xbox Series.
• Includes Yuffie’s Episode INTERmission DLC from day one.
• Digital early buyers get the original 1997 FFVII as a bonus.
• Square Enix confirms Rebirth and the trilogy’s finale will also hit Switch 2 and Xbox.

Breaking Down the Announcement

Intergrade on these systems is the full Midgar arc plus Episode INTERmission, which introduces Yuffie with a snappy, materia-forward playstyle and some of the best combat design in the remake so far. Square is also dangling a smart carrot: pre-purchase digitally and you get the 1997 original FFVII included. For newcomers it’s a historical tour; for veterans it’s a nice way to see how far the remake diverges and why those story beats hit differently now.

There’s talk of a “streamlined progression” option to ease players in. If that means smoothing out early grind or making the Materia curve less punishing, great-as long as it’s optional. The Remake’s combat sings because it demands intent: swapping characters, timing ATB, weaving abilities. Don’t sand off the strategy to chase a broader audience.

One practical wrinkle: expect platform-specific feature swaps. Intergrade leaned into PS5’s haptics and load speeds; on Xbox Series, performance modes should be a non-issue. The big question is the Switch 2 version. If the hardware is as capable as devs have been hinting, a native 60fps “performance” target in handheld or docked would be a statement. What we can’t afford is a repeat of cloud-only compromises that haunted Kingdom Hearts on the original Switch. Square saying “Switch 2” here implies native, and that matters.

Why This Matters Now

Square Enix has been slowly walking back the era of one-platform bets. Final Fantasy XIV finally arrived on Xbox. Octopath Traveler did the platform shuffle. Financially, Square’s been candid that broader reach is the path forward. Committing the FF7 Remake trilogy to Xbox and Nintendo isn’t just a port—it’s a policy shift. For Xbox, it patches a gaping hole in the JRPG lineup. For Nintendo fans, it’s the first time this reimagining of a 90s legend lands on a cartridge-friendly ecosystem that you can throw in a bag.

For the community, the bigger win is narrative continuity. Too many players bounced off the staggered rollout—Remake on PS4/PS5, then Intergrade, then Rebirth on PS5 while others waited. Square confirming the whole arc for Switch 2 and Xbox means you can commit to one platform and ride it through to the finale, even if those later dates are TBD.

The Gamer’s Perspective: Hype, Hopes, and Red Flags

Port quality is everything. Intergrade is gorgeous but heavy: dense particle effects, busy lighting, and fast character swaps stress both CPU and memory. Xbox Series X|S should be fine; the Switch 2 port is the wildcard. If it lands with crisp image quality, consistent frame pacing, and quick loads, it’ll instantly become the definitive handheld JRPG flex. If not, it’ll be another “wait for patches” situation.

Price and bundling matter too. Intergrade has been out for years on PlayStation and PC. Charging a fresh premium without meaningful extras would sting. If Square wants to win goodwill, offer a smart price, a deluxe bundle that banks cosmetic DLC, or a “Dual Pack” path that discounts Rebirth later. And if there’s any hope of save carryover into Rebirth on the same platform, say it clearly. Nothing kills momentum like replaying 30-40 hours because ecosystems don’t talk to each other.

As for the preorder bonus—the original FFVII—this is the rare freebie that actually adds value. It’s not a trinket; it’s context. If you’ve only known the Remake timeline, seeing how the 1997 script frames Sephiroth, Aerith, and the metaphysical left turns gives every chapter more weight. Still, don’t preorder on that alone. Wait for performance reviews, especially on Switch 2.

Looking Ahead: Rebirth and the Finale

Square says Rebirth and the third (unnamed) game are coming to Switch 2 and Xbox as well. That’s the real story: platform parity in spirit, even if not in timing. Realistically, expect a stagger—Intergrade in early 2026, Rebirth later, and the finale after that. The upside is clear: if you’re new to the remake saga, you can start on your platform of choice knowing the rest is actually on the way.

My play recommendation? If you’ve waited this long and you’re eyeing portable play, the Switch 2 version could be special—if it hits its technical targets. Otherwise, Series X|S should be the safest day-one bet. Either way, keep an eye on the feature list: performance mode targets, storage footprint, haptics, and any cross-save notes.

TL;DR

FF7 Remake Intergrade lands on Switch 2 and Xbox on January 22, 2026, with Yuffie’s DLC included and the 1997 classic tossed in for early digital buyers. Square Enix is committing the whole remake trilogy to these platforms, ending the PlayStation-only era. The win hinges on port quality and fair pricing—wait for performance details, especially on Switch 2, before smashing that preorder button.