How Final Fantasy XIV Could Run on the Nintendo Switch 2: A Full Performance & Features Breakdown

The idea of Final Fantasy XIV running on a Nintendo system has been floating around the community for years, usually somewhere between “technically possible” and “please don’t make my console explode.” But with the Nintendo Switch 2 looming and Naoki Yoshida once again telling fans to “please wait,” it’s hard not to imagine what Square Enix’s massively successful MMO might look like on Nintendo’s next‑generation hardware.

While nothing is confirmed yet, the clues are strong enough that fans are already speculating. So let’s break down how Final Fantasy XIV might realistically run on the Switch 2 — from performance expectations to visual settings, loading times, and the all‑important question of online stability.

Performance Expectations: What Frame Rates Are Realistic?

The biggest question is simple: Can the Switch 2 run Final Fantasy XIV smoothly?

If the Switch 2 truly delivers a significant hardware jump — and all signs point that way — then a stable experience is absolutely within reach. The MMO already runs on PS4 hardware, and if the Switch 2 lands somewhere in that neighborhood, Square Enix has a solid foundation to work with.

Docked Mode

A realistic target would be:

• 1080p resolution
• 30–60 FPS depending on the area
• Dynamic resolution scaling during heavy combat

Overworld exploration, story quests, and dungeons would likely hit 60 FPS most of the time. Large raids and Alliance content might dip closer to 30 FPS, but that’s already common on older consoles.

Portable Mode

Portable play is where the Switch 2 version would shine:

• 720p–900p resolution
• Stable 30 FPS
• Reduced visual effects to maintain clarity

This would make the Switch 2 perfect for casual content — gathering, crafting, FATEs, and daily roulettes — without sacrificing readability.

Visual Settings: A “Console Lite” Experience That Still Looks Great

Final Fantasy XIV scales surprisingly well across platforms. Even on low settings, the game maintains clean visuals and readable combat effects. A Switch 2 version would likely use a modified version of the PS4 settings profile.

Expect:

• Lower shadow resolution
• Reduced NPC density in crowded hubs
• Simplified ambient occlusion
• Fewer particle effects during busy fights

The important thing is that the game remains visually coherent — and FFXIV’s art direction does a lot of heavy lifting.

Loading Times: The Switch 2’s Secret Advantage

If the Switch 2 includes an SSD or SSD‑like storage (which is extremely likely), loading times could be dramatically faster than the original Switch and even rival PS4.

That means:

• Faster zone transitions
• Quicker dungeon loading
• Less downtime between wipes
• Smoother login and character switching

Given how often players hop between instanced areas, this would be a huge quality‑of‑life boost.

Controls: Surprisingly Easy to Adapt

One of the biggest misconceptions about Final Fantasy XIV is that it’s “too complex” for a controller. In reality, the game already supports:

• Radial hotbars
• Target cycling
• Auto‑run
• Customizable cross hotbars
• Virtual keyboard support

The Switch 2’s rumored improved ergonomics would make it even easier to play. The only real challenge is text input, but Square Enix has already solved that on PlayStation with quick‑chat options and virtual keyboards.

If the Switch 2 supports Bluetooth keyboards out of the box, even better.

Online Stability: The Wild Card

Nintendo’s online infrastructure has always been a bit unpredictable, but here’s the good news: Final Fantasy XIV uses its own servers.

That means the Switch 2 version would rely primarily on Square Enix’s backend, not Nintendo’s. The real concern is Wi‑Fi stability during:

• Raids
• Hunts
• FATE trains
• Limsa Lominsa (the eternal stress test)

A wired LAN adapter would almost certainly be recommended for serious content.

Cross‑Play and Cross‑Save: The Dream Scenario

If Final Fantasy XIV comes to Switch 2, it would almost certainly support:

• Cross‑play with PC, PlayStation, and Xbox
• Cross‑progression tied to your Square Enix account

This would make the Switch 2 version the ultimate “secondary device” for players who want to grind tomestones from bed or run roulettes on the couch.

Imagine leveling your new job on the go, then switching to PC for raid night. That’s the kind of flexibility MMO players love.

So… Could Final Fantasy XIV Actually Work on Switch 2?

Surprisingly, yes.

A Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy XIV wouldn’t be the most powerful or prettiest way to play, but it could be:

• Stable
• Portable
• Fully cross‑play
• Perfect for casual content
• A huge accessibility win for the community

And with Yoshida once again telling fans to “please wait,” it’s hard not to feel like something is brewing behind the scenes.

If Square Enix pulls this off, the Switch 2 could become one of the most convenient ways to experience Eorzea — whether you’re crafting in Gridania or wiping in Pandæmonium.