FF7 Remake Switch 2 Port Delivers PS5-Quality Visuals at Consistent 30 FPS

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade's Nintendo Switch 2 port achieves near-PlayStation 5 visual fidelity at stable 30 FPS, leveraging upgraded textures and custom DLSS implementation.

Nintendo Switch 2's hardware capabilities come into sharp focus with the release of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, demonstrating how the portable hybrid handles modern AAA gaming demands. Digital Foundry's technical analysis reveals a port that significantly outperforms the PlayStation 4 original while nearing PlayStation 5 visual quality - all while maintaining a locked 30 FPS in both handheld and docked modes.

The most immediate upgrade comes in loading times, where Switch 2's SD Express storage halves PlayStation 4 load times. While not matching PlayStation 5's NVMe speeds, transitions between areas feel markedly improved over last-gen consoles. This addresses one of the original PS4 version's most noticeable pain points for players navigating Midgar's sectors.

Loading speeds for Final Fantasy VII Remake across PlayStation 4, Switch 2, and PlayStation 5 see Nintendo's portable halve load times versus PS4, but not quite hit the heights of PS5's faster NVMe drive. [Image Source: Digital Foundry]

Visually, Square Enix's port utilizes texture assets primarily sourced from the PlayStation 5 version rather than the PS4 original. Signage, environmental details, and character models show clear upgrades when directly compared. Lighting and reflection quality similarly align closer to PS5 standards, though some shadow resolution and draw distance limitations remain. According to Digital Foundry's analysis, "most effects compare favorably for Nintendo Switch 2 versus PlayStation 4, but lower-res shadows and draw distance compared to PlayStation 5 is a factor."

Most effects compare favorably for Nintendo Switch 2 versus PlayStation 4, but lower-res shadows and draw distance compared to PlayStation 5 is a factor. [Image Credit: Digital Foundry]

Switch 2's custom DLSS implementation proves essential to the visual presentation. The system renders at approximately 720p in handheld mode (upscaled to 1080p) and 1080p internally when docked (upscaled to 4K). This AI-assisted upscaling maintains image clarity while enabling the higher-quality assets. Some dithering artifacts appear in particle effects, but overall image quality stands significantly above the PS4 version. As noted in the analysis, "DLSS offers good general upscaled image quality" across both play modes.

The greatest boon for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Switch 2 vs PS4 is the use of higher-res textures from the PS5 version...for some but not all assets. DLSS still offers good general upscaled image quality for handheld 1080p (~720p internal) or

The primary trade-off comes in frame rate. Unlike PlayStation 5's 60 FPS Performance mode option, Switch 2 maintains a strict 30 FPS cap. While this proves consistently stable in testing, action-focused players may notice the difference during combat sequences. Some textures also intermittently revert to PS4-quality assets, creating occasional visual inconsistency.

For buyers considering this version, the Switch 2 port presents a compelling option for players prioritizing portability and visual quality over high frame rates. The visual upgrade over PS4 combined with portable play makes this the definitive version for on-the-go gamers, though those with PlayStation 5 systems may prefer its 60 FPS option. With loading times dramatically improved and core visuals matching current-gen consoles in many respects, this release sets a promising precedent for future Switch 2 multi-platform titles.

For complete technical analysis, watch Digital Foundry's video breakdown.