Square Enix comments on a Final Fantasy 16 Switch 2 version, giving gamers hope for a port

After Final Fantasy 16 recently debuted on Xbox consoles, there are more indications that it will become a Switch 2 game. During a Final Fantasy 14 livestream, a key Square Enix contributor commented on a potential Nintendo port. As translated by a ResetEra poster, producer Naoki Yoshida noted that only Nintendo lacked a version of Final Fantasy 16. Creative Director Kazutoyo Maehiro then responded, "Will do his best."

Gamers shouldn't overreact to the statement, as it's not an official announcement. Still, it would be odd for anyone from Square Enix to mention Nintendo if plans for a port didn't exist.

Fans already know that other Final Fantasy titles will debut on the Switch 2. In May, gamers learned that Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade would be coming to the handheld. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and an unannounced third entry in the trilogy will also likely see ports. If those aren't enough Switch 2 games for Nintendo supporters, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is set to debut on September 30th.

The concern for some skeptics is how well the more demanding Final Fantasy 16 will run on the Switch 2. PC players can attest to how it stresses GPUs, causing inconsistent frame rates. Meanwhile, the title is often considered borderline unplayable on the Steam Deck. Final Fantasy 7 Remake director Naoki Hamaguchi earlier praised the Switch 2 specs, explaining that the added power made the port possible. Still, optimizing Final Fantasy 16 for handhelds may require more effort.

One problem Square Enix may not have with Final Fantasy Switch releases is attracting buyers. Past games found large audiences on Nintendo consoles, including the original Switch. On the other hand, Final Fantasy 16 initially struggled to entice Xbox gamers before sales began to rebound.