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| Final Fantasy 16 shown on a Switch 2 |
The massive success of Final Fantasy 7 Remake on modern platforms has clearly set a new blueprint for Square Enix. Now, a fresh rumor suggests the publisher is looking to continue this strategy by bringing another flagship title to Nintendo’s next-generation hardware. According to a prominent leaker, Final Fantasy XVI may eventually find a home on the highly anticipated Switch 2, though pulling it off would be a monumental technical feat.
The rumor originates from insider NateTheHate2 on a recent podcast, who revealed that Square Enix is actively contemplating a port of the 2023 action-RPG. This marks a shift in thinking, as a handheld version wasn't seriously considered until recently—a notion seemingly supported by Creative Director Kazutoyo Maehiro's comments in June 2025 that such a port was "a possibility."
Why Would Square Enix Target FFXVI Next?
The leaker’s prediction positions 2026 as a watershed year for third-party support on the Switch 2. With Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth potentially launching on the platform later this year, Square Enix could shift its focus to FFXVI once the remake trilogy's development priorities are clear. Bringing the latest single-player mainline entry to Nintendo’s vast audience would be a major coup, but the challenges are significant.
Final Fantasy XVI was built to stress the capabilities of the PS5 and, later, the Xbox Series X. Its fast-paced, large-scale combat and detailed realms of Valisthea are demanding. As seen in this gameplay showcase, the game is a visual spectacle with intense particle effects and sprawling environments. Porting such an experience to a handheld hybrid is a tall order.
The Daunting Technical Hurdles
Fans shouldn't expect a shadowdrop anytime soon. NateTheHate2 tempered expectations, stating, “I don't know if it'll necessarily come out this year, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's announced this year.” The skepticism is understandable. While FF7 Remake Intergrade impressed on Switch 2, XVI is a more demanding game.
Even on powerful consoles, it pushes hardware. The PS5's Performance Mode sacrifices texture quality and can struggle to hold 60 fps, leading many players to opt for the stable 30 fps Quality Mode. The recent Xbox port also faced criticism for blurry image quality in its Performance Mode. Tellingly, the game is not Steam Deck Verified, suffering from choppy performance on Valve's handheld—a direct indicator of the optimization challenge for a device like the Switch 2.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Switch 2's Secret Weapons
Despite the obstacles, developers have performed miracles on Nintendo hardware before, and the Switch 2's speculated features offer new tools. As discussed in the podcast, titles like Assassin's Creed Shadows, Star Wars Outlaws, and Cyberpunk 2077 are seen as success stories for the platform. These ports likely heavily leverage technologies like NVIDIA DLSS upscaling to overcome raw horsepower limitations, reconstructing a high-resolution image from a lower internal resolution to maintain performance.
If Square Enix’s engineers can harness similar techniques—and potentially make further graphical adjustments—a Final Fantasy XVI port is not impossible. In fact, such an intensive optimization process could benefit the game on all platforms. PC players, in particular, still hold out hope for further patches and optimization, and work done for a Switch 2 version could trickle down to other systems.
The potential port of Final Fantasy XVI represents more than just another game release; it's a test of the Switch 2's promised capabilities and Square Enix's commitment to reaching the Nintendo audience with its top-tier titles. If successful, it could pave the way for a new era of AAA third-party support on a Nintendo platform. For now, fans will be watching for any official announcement, eager to see if Clive Rosfield's journey can truly be taken on the go.