Naoki Hamaguchi: “I Did Have Concerns” About Switch 2 Port, Says Final Entry Is “On Time and On Schedule”
- ⚡Xe⚡
- a few seconds ago
- 3 min read
An interview published by The Outerhaven features Naoki Hamaguchi discussing the Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, with focus on technical constraints, development decisions, and platform consistency across the trilogy.
The team built on prior work from Final Fantasy VII Remake while adapting core systems such as rendering, lighting, and background streaming to support the larger scope of Rebirth.
“To be honest, I did have concerns. Compared to REMAKE, REBIRTH is more open, with a much larger scale of fields and heavier processing loads.”
“Ultimately, this process wasn’t about ‘pulling off a miracle,’ but rather about fleshing out ideas on how we could make the experience work until the very end.”
The release arrives less than five months after Final Fantasy VII Remake on Switch 2, with development continuity playing a key role in maintaining momentum across entries.
“One of the biggest motivations was that we didn’t want the excitement of those who played REMAKE on the Switch 2 to end there.”
“This project was designed as a trilogy, so if too much time passes between entries, the experience would inevitably feel fragmented.”
The Switch 2 version introduces the Streamlined Progression system, which is also planned for other platforms including PC and PlayStation 5.
“We’re planning to implement the Streamlined Progression feature introduced in this Switch 2 version to other platforms, including PC and PlayStation 5.”
“We believe that the essence of the experience should remain consistent regardless of where you play.”
Hamaguchi also pointed to how portable play supports shorter gameplay loops and repeatable systems, particularly in mini-games and exploration.
“Take Queen’s Blood, for example. What starts as ‘just one match’ flows into another.”
“On Switch 2, you can experience this expansive world naturally, even in handheld mode.”
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launches on Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S on June 3, 2026, with a demo covering the first 2 chapters available starting today.
In the interview with ComicBook.com Hamaguchi briefly touched on the status of the third entry in the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, outlining its current development progress and overall direction.
I’m unable to share concrete details at this time. What I can say is that development itself is proceeding on time and on schedule. We believe it’ll become a title we can deliver with confidence as the culmination of the trilogy. We know many fans are eagerly waiting, and preparations toward the announcement are steadily underway. Please look forward to it just a little longer.
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About FINAL FANTASY VII
First released in 1997 on the PlayStation® computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY VII celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2022. The game is universally regarded as a hallmark title of the RPG genre. The original title received high praise for its epic storyline, unique characters, and movie sequences that utilized the most cutting-edge technology of the time. Since then, the game revolving around iconic hero, Cloud Strife and his pursuit of the antagonist Sephiroth has sold over 15.3 million copies worldwide and continues to receive widespread acclaim from critics and fans around the world. The popular game has even expanded into spin-offs, films and merchandise.
Now, Square Enix’s FINAL FANTASY VII remake project created by a team of original and new developers, retells the story of the genre-redefining RPG across three distinct, and standalone games. The first game of the trilogy, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE is now available on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, PS5® and PS4® consoles and PC. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, the second game in the trilogy, has been praised by both players and critics across the globe, earning more than 125 perfect scores from media and 40 Game of the Year awards, and is available now for PC and the PS5® console. It will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support on June 3, 2026.