Later today, we’re getting a pretty big Nintendo Direct, but ahead of the showcase going live Square Enix has decided to treat us to something a little early: a trailer for a Switch 2 version of the Final Fantasy 10/10-2 HD Remaster.
If you’re unfamiliar, the remaster includes both of the esteemed PS2 RPGs: 2001’s Final Fantasy X, and the lesser beloved (but still very good, in my honest opinion) direct 2003 sequel, Final Fantasy X-2. This collection is not new: it first launched on PS3 and Vita in 2013, then on PS4 in 2015, and PC in 2016.
More relevant is the Switch port, that Square Enix released in 2019 (alongside an Xbox One version of the game). A mere seven (!) years later, the game is also getting an official Switch 2 version that includes the following features, though we should note that these are also included in previous version of the game on other platforms:
- Character, monster, and background graphics have all been remade in full HD and boast huge improvements to resolution.
- Featuring fully remastered and arranged music.
- Additional elements from the FINAL FANTASY X / FINAL FANTASY X-2 International Version have been fully recreated.
- High-speed mode, no random encounters, and other new quality of life features have been added.
The title is set to launch on Switch 2 on 23rd July, 2026.
There’s one unfortunate caveat I’d like to point out, though: per a message on the eShop listing “save data is incompatible between the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions”. So, as much as I was looking forward to playing this on my Switch 2, I guess I’ll stick to my Switch version: I don’t relish the idea of doing all the Chocobo Racing again to unlock Tidus’ ultimate weapon, nor do I particularly want to grind out Blitzball to get Wakka’s. Oh well!
It remains unclear whether there will be any sort of upgrade path for people that already own the Switch version of the game; some Switch to Switch 2 titles (like Stardew Valley) have provided free upgrades, whereas others (like Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom) have required a fee. I expect we’ll find out more later on today.
