The long-awaited Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is heading to Nintendo Switch 2 in January 2026, and its director Naoki Hamaguchi has explained why lighting is the most crucial factor in making the ambitious RPG look great on Nintendo’s next-gen hardware.
In an interview reported by VGC (October 2, 2025), Hamaguchi emphasized that while compromises had to be made in areas like fog and post-processing effects, lighting was left intact. According to him, this decision ensures that characters’ emotions and cinematic visuals are preserved, avoiding a “cheap” appearance compared to the PlayStation 5 version.
Why Lighting Matters in Final Fantasy 7 Remake Switch 2
Hamaguchi highlighted that modern graphics rely heavily on lighting to deliver realism and depth. While textures and effects can be scaled back, lighting determines how environments and characters truly feel.
He explained:
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Lighting impacts facial expressions — crucial for story-driven moments.
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Consistency across platforms makes players feel the same dramatic atmosphere.
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Switch 2 hardware optimization allowed the team to keep lighting identical to PS5 while trimming other areas.
This ensures the Switch 2 version still delivers cinematic storytelling, even at 30 frames per second instead of 60 FPS.
Optimizations and Technical Trade-offs
To keep performance stable, Square Enix developers optimized:
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Fog and post-processing effects – scaled back for handheld performance.
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Other environmental details – reduced without sacrificing core immersion.
The game uses a semi-download Game-Key Card system because traditional cartridges lacked the read speed needed for smooth performance. By relying partly on downloads and SSD storage, Square Enix solved the load speed issue. (VGC)
Switch 2 as “Amazing Hardware”
Despite the compromises, Hamaguchi praised the Switch 2, calling it a “truly amazing piece of hardware” capable of handling high-end HD games when optimized properly.
This port not only expands FF7R’s reach but also shows how developers can balance fidelity with performance on hybrid hardware.
Release Details
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Game: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
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Platforms: Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
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Release Date: January 22, 2026
Final Thoughts
The decision to prioritize lighting over other graphical elements shows Square Enix’s dedication to maintaining FF7 Remake’s cinematic experience across platforms. While Switch 2 players won’t get the same technical polish as PS5 owners, they can still enjoy a visually compelling version of one of gaming’s most beloved remakes.
For RPG fans, this move proves that Switch 2 is capable of delivering big-budget experiences without losing their artistic essence.