Square Enix quietly let you play Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade early — here’s what to do

Yes, you can start Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade right now – but do this first

Square Enix has quietly released a playable demo of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S, and this isn’t the usual “feel the combat” sample. The demo contains Chapter 1, carries your save data into the full game when it launches on January 22, and hands out two real, useful bonuses – the Revival Earrings and a Survival Set you’ll keep in the full release. That’s the kind of demo that actually matters, because it gets you into Midgar early with progression that isn’t wasted practice runs.

• Playable content that counts: Chapter 1 is available now and transfers to the full game.
• Real rewards: Revival Earrings and a Survival Set unlocked for use in the full release.
• Platform expansion: Intergrade – including Yuffie’s INTERmission — is arriving on non‑PlayStation hardware for the first time.

Why this demo matters right now

This caught my attention because Square Enix didn’t just give us a slice of combat — they gave players real progression and cross-launch value. Past demos are teaching tools or marketing appetizers; this is a practical warm-up that respects player time. For folks moving from PS5 or dipping in from PC, being able to carry a Chapter 1 save straight into Intergrade removes friction and rewards early engagement — especially with a big January launch date looming.

Breaking down what’s in the demo (and why it’s useful)

The demo includes the full Chapter 1 sequence. That’s not a single arena fight — it’s the opening Midgar mission where you learn the hybrid action/ATB combat, manage basic materia, and experience the story beats that set Cloud’s arc in motion. Square Enix is also giving players two launch bonuses: the Revival Earrings (emergency revive, huge for early-game saves) and a Survival Set (useful consumables/equipment). Both items carry into the full game, which makes the demo genuinely beneficial rather than purely promotional.

Practical steps: how to get the most from the demo

• Download the demo now on your Switch 2 or Xbox Series X|S — the file is small compared to the full game but gives you early save access.
• Play through Chapter 1 and be deliberate: pick materia you’ll want in a first run, practice perfect dodges to build ATB, and learn how stagger works — these skills carry over.
• Make sure your platform account is linked to any cloud save or cross-save option Square Enix offers, so your demo save transfers smoothly when Intergrade drops on January 22.
• Claim the Revival Earrings and Survival Set before deleting the demo; those rewards are the main reason to bother with the sample.

What this release signals for the trilogy and players

Intergrade coming to Nintendo and Xbox hardware is a bigger deal than just another port. The remake trilogy started life as a PlayStation showcase; expanding to more ecosystems opens the series to new audiences and stabilizes long-term sales. For speedrunners, streamers, and modders, more platforms mean more discovery and more community content. For Square Enix, it’s the logical next step — but it also raises reasonable doubts about parity. Expect compromises on the less powerful hardware and platform-specific performance tweaks. That’s common; the demo is a good chance to judge whether your Switch 2 handheld sessions are acceptable or if you should wait for an Xbox/PC experience.

Why you should care — and what to watch for

If you’re on the fence about pre-ordering, play the demo. It’s the first time you can test how the Intergrade build runs on your hardware and keep progress. If you loved the original remake but hesitated because of platform exclusivity, the shift to Switch 2 and Xbox is good news — it finally opens the trilogy beyond PlayStation. But don’t forget to be skeptical: watch performance reports from the demo (frame drops, load times) and read the fine print on upgrade paths and cross-buy options before you commit cash.

TL;DR

Square Enix’s Intergrade demo is worth your time: it’s Chapter 1, it transfers to the full game, and it gives you real in-game items. Play the demo to test performance, claim the Revival Earrings and Survival Set, and use the experience to decide whether to pre-order or wait for reviews. This isn’t hype bait — it’s a practical pre-launch tool, and for a trilogy being unshackled from PlayStation, that matters.