In late 2022, Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, a collection of revamped versions of Final Fantasy I via VI, will finally make its way to the Nintendo Switch, ending months of speculation from impatient fans. That’s big news, as its release means FF-loving Switch owners will soon be able to enjoy all the major lines. Final Fantasy The game from the start of the series through Twelfth Entry, minus MMOPRG Final Fantasy XI.
Along with the main series, Switch owners can also currently access a number of spin-offs, including recently released titles. Crisis Core – Final Fantasy VII – Reunion and The World of Final Fantasy MAXIMA and Crystal Chronicles of Final Fantasy and Chocobo GB. Needless to say, there are plenty of options on the Switch if you’re a fan of Square Enix’s flagship franchise, and the introduction of the Pixel Remaster compilation in 2023 begs the question: What’s next for Final Fantasy on Switch?
Looking at the main series first, if we ignore MMO games, the next big entry that’s AWOL on Switch is Final Fantasy XIII (In addition to its complement, Final Fantasy XIII-2 And Flashback), which was initially released in 2009/10 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Over ten years ago, the thirteenth entry was undoubtedly a visual offering for both consoles, but could it be played on the Switch?
theoretically, yesOf course it is possible, but we have to admit here that there are likely to be some downsides from a visual and performance point of view. Since you can now play Final Fantasy XIII on Xbox Series X with improved resolution and no performance issues, the hacked version on Switch might be a tough pill for some fans to swallow. Personally? Seeing the great job Square did with the recent Crisis Core remaster on Switch, we’re happy to now address a few of the usual caveats for another major FF on console.
Speculation about a potential outlet for Final Fantasy XV, on the other hand, is probably crap given that the game is an ambitious open-world title designed for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It’s a league above Final Fantasy XIII in scope and presentation, so we think Square Enix is ​​unlikely to talk about it. After all, we already have it pocket edition right? org…
And the next sixteen? There is no chance.
So with the mainline series out of the way, it’s certainly reasonable to see more spin-off games making their way to the Switch in 2023 and beyond. The most likely candidate in our view is crystal discs series, as we already have the first one in remaster form.
Next two entries – Ring of Fates and Echoes of Time were DS titles that made great use of both screens and the console’s touchscreen, but we think with a bit of jiggery-pokery it could work on Switch. Either that or Square Enix takes inspiration from it Mega Man Zero / ZX Legacy Collection It just runs both screens on one screen. Other than that, Wii/WiiWare titles, incl Crystal Holders, My Life as a King, and My Life as a Dark Lord, they can all be defaulted on Switch. We would love to see them available on another platform.
Another potential candidate for a Switch port (and, let’s be honest, probably one most of us would like to see happen) is Final Fantasy Tactics. Released in 1997/8, the game has remained on PS1 to this day, although an upgraded version came to PSP in 2007 and to mobile devices a few years later. This game is a fan favorite and is widely regarded as one of the best games of its time – and of All Time – so we think the Final Fantasy Tactics Switch port will go well. There were rumors a while agoEven fingers intertwined.
Instead, the Advanced Tactics ports of Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift, released for the GBA and Nintendo DS respectively, could be an option. Original Tactics is currently locked to PS1 and published by Sony in North America, but these titles hail from Nintendo systems, so can be considered more relevant. Best case scenario? Set of Final Fantasy tactics. It’s okay, Squeenix, you can get over this.
While the Crystal Chronicles and Tactics sub-series contains entries that many consider to be the most desirable for Switch owners, there are plenty of other options to consider. We’re already getting The Ultimate Beat Line. It’s February of this year, so without wanting to get too fancy, what about the ports of the previous two titles? There are a few Chocobo-related games that would likely work just fine on Switch, as well as a few additional entries in the SaGa series. what about crystal defenders series or Fantastic final dimensions? or how about – shock! horror! – Something completely new and innovative in the world of Final Fantasy (it’s not a kart racer) for owners of over 100 million Switch? Heck, maybe Square Enix could really branch out and go get Tramp Story Convert. No that have something?
The thing is, if you’re a Final Fantasy fan and worried about how Square Enix will support the franchise on Switch after the release of the Pixel Remaster Collection, fret not. There’s plenty of water to draw down the well, and we’re betting Switch owners will enjoy a nice, steady stream of Final Fantasy content in 2023 and beyond. As for Nintendo’s next console? Well, the sky is the limit.
Now we want to hear from you, though. Which Final Fantasy games would you like to see come to Switch? Vote in the poll below and be sure to leave a comment with your hopes for the future!
