Changing a Switch 2 setting could dramatically boost Final Fantasy 7 Remake download speeds

Nintendo Switch 2 owners facing agonizingly slow downloads for the 90GB Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade have discovered a network settings tweak that can slash installation times. The solution involves modifying the console's MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) value—a configuration that dictates the maximum data packet size transmitted over the network. While Nintendo defaults this setting to 1400 for stability, increasing it to 1500 has proven effective for many users battling the massive file size of Square Enix's RPG epic.

The discovery emerged from firsthand testing by players like Redditor Potential-Ebb5601, who reported substantially accelerated download speeds after adjusting the MTU. This setting change reduces the overhead from packet fragmentation during data transmission, allowing more efficient throughput. However, the improvement comes with caveats: Higher MTU values can occasionally cause packet loss or connection instability if a network path can't handle larger packets, explaining Nintendo's conservative default. Users should monitor performance after applying the change and revert to 1400 if issues arise.

Beyond Final Fantasy 7 Remake, this MTU adjustment holds promise for other bandwidth-heavy Switch 2 titles. Another user, WalrusSad7051, noted Dynasty Warriors: Origins downloaded in 15 minutes instead of 45 after the tweak. The fix also applies to original Switch models, addressing a longstanding complaint about Nintendo's download speeds. For optimal results, pairing the MTU change with a wired Ethernet connection via the dock is advisable, especially since the Switch 2's dock received a firmware update to resolve earlier Ethernet port reliability problems.

The game's colossal size also highlights the Switch 2's hardware limitations. With only 256GB of internal storage, installing the entire Final Fantasy 7 trilogy—including the upcoming Rebirth and the unannounced third installment—may force difficult choices, compounded by Nintendo's 64GB cartridge limit. This constraint makes internet-dependent Game-Key Cards essential for such large releases, placing greater emphasis on download efficiency. While not a universal solution, the MTU adjustment offers tangible relief as players navigate these storage challenges.