Changing a Switch 2 setting could dramatically boost Final Fantasy 7 Remake download speeds

Some Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade Switch 2 buyers are experiencing long delays before their playthroughs begin. Slow download speeds are not a new issue for Nintendo consoles. However, the over 90GB file size of the Square Enix game is drawing more attention to the problem. Fortunately, a simple network settings change could alleviate the frustration of players.

MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) determines the maximum size of a data packet that a network connection can transmit. By default, the Switch and Switch 2 have the MTU set at 1400 in their internet connection settings. Redditor Potential-Ebb5601 discovered that upping that number to 1500 sped up downloads.

It’s not guaranteed that the tweak will work for all gamers, since it can introduce instability in some scenarios. Nintendo likely chose 1400 to avoid the risk of packet loss, which could degrade speeds. Still, many anxious Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade players were able to install the title with less waiting.

Slow downloads aren't only a FF7 Remake issue

Adjusting the MTU may also benefit internet performance on older Nintendo systems and other Switch and Switch 2 games. WalrusSad7051 noted that Dynasty Warriors: Origins saw its download time trimmed from 45 to 15 minutes.

Many handheld gamers prefer Wi-Fi over Ethernet for cord-free convenience. Docking the console and utilizing a wired connection is another way to reduce installation time. The Switch 2 dock had an unreliable Ethernet port before a firmware update addressed the issue.

Not only is Final Fantasy 7 Remake hogging bandwidth, but it’s also forcing other sacrifices. Nintendo’s latest handheld only offers 256GB of internal storage. With Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and part three possibly coming soon, having the entire trilogy accessible could be a challenge. The 64GB cartridge limit makes internet-dependent Game-Key Cards the only option for certain titles.