Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Final Fantasy VII Remake Director Urges Switch 2 Players to Accept Game‑Key Cards

He frames the format as a performance necessity that shifts loading to the console's SSD for smoother play.

Overview

  • Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade arrives on Switch 2 on January 22, 2026, with a physical release that uses a Game‑Key Card.
  • Naoki Hamaguchi says the format solves cartridge loading speed limits by relying on a semi‑download that runs from internal storage.
  • He argues cost was not the deciding factor and asks fans to see the cards as an option that enables higher‑end releases on the system.
  • He acknowledges player pushback and preservation concerns over requiring downloads and long‑term server availability.
  • Ubisoft’s Rob Bantin previously offered a similar rationale for Star Wars Outlaws, citing card performance shortfalls for the Snowdrop engine.