170 GB Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Xbox preload monopolizes storage on release date

Amid record-high storage prices, the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Xbox port will only strain budgets further. With an enormous 169.36 GB preload now live, economizing gamers may need to make sacrifices. Preparing for the Square Enix RPG’s June 3rd release date, Switch 2 supporters face a similar dilemma.

On social media, Idle Sloth alerted followers that the preload was live. To save time when the title launches, Xbox Series X|S owners can complete the massive download now. While fans were anticipating a large file size, the total is even more imposing than the 145 GB required by the 2024 PS5 version.

In addition to the lack of a disc drive, some Series S models only ship with 512 GB of storage. As noted by Pure Xbox, Microsoft consoles just recently welcomed Forza Horizon 6. The Japan-set racing game asks for around 130 GB of free space. Two popular titles arriving one after another could force some hard choices.

An Xbox and Switch 2 storage conundrum

The Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 port presents the same challenges. Although it checks in at a lower 102 GB, handheld users only have a 256 GB internal drive to work with. Sadly, the Game-Key Card format eliminates the advantage of physical media by relying on downloads. Nintendo fans will need MicroSD Express cards to accommodate the three remakes.

The second entry in the Final Fantasy trilogy is noticeably beefier than Remake Intergrade. Before debuting on Xbox Series X|S consoles on its January release date, gamers were greeted with a 110 GB preload. Expanded open-world areas, modernized assets, and an emphasis on cinematics all contribute to the difference in file sizes.

Particularly on the Switch 2, Game Director Naoki Hamaguchi already relied on optimization to reduce bloat. Without visual upgrades, playing the older titles in their original form would have more appeal. Still, considering the extreme storage prices, the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Xbox version could benefit from clever compression.