- Square Enix just released Final Fantasy 10 and Final Fantasy 10-2 for Nintendo Switch 2
- The base now runs at a higher resolution with improved textures and some quality of life additions
- However, there is no upgrade path for existing owners of the original Switch version
Square Enix has just released new versions of its iconic role-playing games Final Fantasy 10 and Final Fantasy 10-2 for the Nintendo Switch 2, but there’s some bad news if you own the existing Switch editions.
The two games come as a combined HD Remaster bundle, which is currently available on the Switch 2 eShop for $49.99 / 44.99 / AU$79.95. There is no upgrade path if you bought the same remasters when they released for the original Nintendo Switch back in 2019. This means that if like me you have a copy for the Nintendo Switch, your only option to get your hands on these new ports is to buy them again at full price.
That’s a real shame, especially considering the Nintendo Switch 2 ports look better in my experience.
The publisher provided a copy of the Switch 2 game earlier this morning, and strangely it turns out that it doesn’t offer a save transfer feature – so I’ve only been able to compare very early episodes in Final Fantasy 10.
Still, as you can see from the images above (captured in handheld mode), the Switch 2 port has a noticeably higher resolution image (even with the Switch 2’s handheld boost setting enabled) and much nicer textures – especially if you pay attention to the background terrain while the characters are talking.
Unfortunately, it looks like the game is still locked to 30 fps, though that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise since every version so far has had the same limitation.
The Switch 2 edition also comes with some quality of life features that were previously added to the PC port of the games but weren’t on the original Switch. This includes the ability to speed up the game, turn off annoying random encounters, give yourself tons of items, and so on.
It’s the kind of extra content that you want from a $10 upgrade, but certainly doesn’t justify paying full price. If you haven’t played Final Fantasy 10 and Final Fantasy 10-2 this new port will likely be a more tempting option, as these small changes still mean it’s the best version on Nintendo’s platforms right now.
First released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, Final Fantasy 10 sees protagonist Tidus as he navigates a fictional world inspired by the tropical islands of Southeast Asia in a quest to defeat a powerful evil creature.
Despite its age, it is considered one of the best RPGs with fans praising its distinctive art direction and emotional narrative. Its successor, Final Fantasy 10-2dropped in 2003 and continues the story in the same setting.
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