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| Final Fantasy 14 Switch 2 port is shown |
While the gaming world buzzes about Final Fantasy 7 Remake finally landing on a Nintendo console, another, perhaps more ambitious Square Enix project is quietly taking shape for the Switch 2. In a recent New Year’s Q&A, Final Fantasy 14 Director and Producer Naoki Yoshida (affectionately known as Yoshi-P) confirmed earlier whispers about bringing the beloved MMO to Nintendo’s next-generation system. However, his comments suggest that porting this ever-evolving, subscription-based world won’t be without its hurdles.
A Low-Key Confirmation from the Director Himself
The confirmation came not through a flashy trailer, but via a translated Q&A from a Japanese blog. As highlighted by a user on Reddit, when directly asked about a Final Fantasy 14 Switch release, Yoshida’s response was a characteristically coy yet promising: “Please look forward to it.”
This aligns perfectly with Yoshida’s stated goals. At Gamescom last August, he expressed a clear desire to bring "Final Fantasy 14 and *16* to as many players as possible." He specifically addressed the MMO’s potential on a Nintendo platform, noting it would help introduce the game to a younger audience. Discussions with Nintendo were already underway last summer, paving the way for this now-verified Switch 2 version.
Yoshi-P New Year 2026 Q&A
byu/BlackmoreKnight inffxivdiscussion
Not a Full Port, But a Companion? Yoshi-P’s Intriguing Limitations
The more revealing part of Yoshida’s comments, however, hints at how FFXIV might be tailored for the hybrid console. He suggested that the Switch 2 version could be ideal for engaging in “gatherer and crafter content”—the game’s extensive crafting and gathering systems—while on the go. Conversely, he implied that tackling the main story scenarios (MSQ) and participating in high-end raids might remain a more comfortable experience on PC or other consoles.
This has sparked discussion within the community, with many speculating on the practical implications. As detailed in this community discussion on Reddit, fans are parsing what this could mean for gameplay parity and cross-platform play.
The Technical Hurdles: CPU, UI, and the Ever-Expanding File Size
Yoshida’s caveats point to the genuine technical challenges involved. While the Switch 2 is expected to be far more capable with third-party titles thanks to rumored specs and DLSS upscaling (a boon noted by FF7 Remake director Naoki Hamaguchi), FFXIV presents unique demands.
The game can be intensely CPU-heavy, especially in crowded hubs or during large-scale battles where dozens of player characters appear simultaneously. Maintaining stable performance in these scenarios on a portable device will be a key test.
Furthermore, FFXIV’s famously dense user interface, packed with hotbars, menus, and status indicators, could overwhelm the Switch 2’s 7.9-inch LCD screen. Developers will likely need to create intuitive UI scaling options or presets to ensure readability without sacrificing functionality.
Then there’s the elephant in the room: storage. With the upcoming Dawntrail expansion and a decade of content, the PC installation regularly exceeds 100GB. How Square Enix manages this on the Switch 2—whether through streamlined assets, mandatory SD card use, or a unique installation approach—will be crucial. The big question remains: will this be a full-fledged, standalone way to play Eorzea, or primarily a mobile companion for crafting, gathering, and socializing?
A Strategic Move for a New Audience
Despite the challenges, a Switch 2 port represents a significant strategic expansion for Final Fantasy 14. By leveraging the console’s portability and appeal to a broader, perhaps less PC-centric audience, Square Enix can inject new life into the decade-old MMO. While hardcore raiders may still prefer their desktop setups, the promise of tending to your island sanctuary or leveling crafters from your couch could be a compelling new way to experience the game for millions.
One thing is clear: under Yoshi-P’s guidance, the team is thoughtfully considering how to make Final Fantasy 14 work on the platform, not just if they can. As always, Warriors of Light are advised to… please look forward to it.