Digital Foundry took a look at the recently released demo for Final Fantasy VII Remake on both Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox consoles and came away with some warm impressions for the Nintendo conversion. While it’s not revelatory in terms of image quality or even better than the next-gen versions, the image quality on Switch 2 compares favorably to Series S and often looks perceptively better despite a lower internal resolution. It’s really quite remarkable there as Nintendo’s hybrid console seemingly outdoes Microsoft’s lower end hardware.
For raw stats, DF counted that the docked experience renders at 1080p and is using a form of DLSS to output around 1440p resolution. This produces a somewhat softer look on a big TV, but is otherwise a step above even the PS4 Pro version in terms of raw fidelity. In handheld mode, the game is rendered internally at 720p and uses DLSS to upscale to 1080p. Interestingly, this new port is based on the Intergrade port done for PlayStation 5, meaning it sports some visual features that the PlayStation 4 version did not, including volumetric lighting and different textures. The Switch 2 version is more like the PS4 one, but often has qualities that make it feel distinct from any previously released version.
One way this is apparent is with FMVs, which are more compressed on Switch 2 than even the PS4. That could be because of limitations with the demo build, but it seems Square Enix used a weaker form of compression for cutscenes on Switch 2. Another feature this Switch 2 port has is DLSS, which is not present on the PC version. This is the first time FF7 Remake has sported machine learning upscaling, which is likely why it looks cleaner than the Series S version despite that iteration having higher native resolution output.
Where Series S has a distinct advantage over Switch 2 is with performance, however. FF7 Remake doesn’t have any graphical modes on Nintendo’s console, so you’re locked to 30 fps in both docked and handheld modes. Series S can output 60 fps with a lower resolution, which offers a much smoother feeling game overall. In docked play, Switch 2 doesn’t suffer from any slowdown, but portable mode can experience some dips here and there. Considering you can take the game with you anywhere on Switch 2, the lack of 60 fps is at least more forgivable.
Overall, Digital Foundry was very impressed with everything they played from the demo. It seems that Switch 2 players won’t be getting a heavily compromised version of Final Fantasy VII Remake, even if there are some drawbacks. That’s a huge improvement from what the Switch 1 typically offered, which was ports of next-gen games that were commendable, but still lacking.
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Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
