Square Enix has released a free demo for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox platforms, opening the door for a new group of players to experience the opening moments of the reimagined classic. The demo is now available on Xbox Series X|S, as well as on PC through Xbox Play Anywhere, and on Nintendo’s next-generation Switch 2 console. This release arrives well ahead of the game’s full launch on these platforms, which is scheduled for 22 January 2026.
The move marks a significant expansion for the remake project, which first launched in 2020 and was initially limited to PlayStation hardware before arriving on PC. With the demo now live, Square Enix is giving players a low-risk opportunity to revisit, or discover for the first time, the industrial city of Midgar and the early chapters of Cloud Strife’s story. Importantly, progress made during the demo will carry over into the whole game, allowing players to continue seamlessly if they decide to purchase the complete release.
A playable introduction that carries over to the full game
The demo focuses on the opening section of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, covering the early missions that introduce the game’s combat system, characters and setting. Players take control of Cloud as he joins the eco-terrorist group Avalanche on a mission against the Shinra Electric Power Company, setting the stage for the wider narrative that unfolds across the whole game.
One of the most notable features of the demo is that save data transfers directly to the retail version. This means players who spend time exploring the early areas, levelling up characters or experimenting with combat mechanics will not need to replay those sections when the full game launches. For many, this removes a common barrier to trying lengthy role-playing games, where time investment can feel wasted if a demo does not carry progress forward.
On Xbox, the demo also supports Xbox Play Anywhere. This allows players who purchase the full game digitally to access it on both Xbox consoles and PC with a single purchase, using the same save data across platforms. The inclusion of this feature aligns with Microsoft’s broader push towards flexible gaming across devices and may appeal to players who split their time between console and PC play.
For Nintendo Switch 2 owners, the demo is available through the Nintendo eShop. Square Enix has provided store-specific redemption codes in certain regions, while in others, the demo can be downloaded directly from the storefront. This marks the first time any version of Final Fantasy VII Remake has been playable on Nintendo hardware, making the demo a notable milestone for both the franchise and the platform.
What Intergrade adds to the original remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is an expanded edition of the original 2020 release. It includes a range of visual and performance improvements, as well as additional content not part of the initial launch. These enhancements were first introduced on PlayStation 5 and later made available on PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Among the most significant additions is the Intermission episode, a standalone side story that stars Yuffie Kisaragi. This episode runs alongside the main narrative and introduces new gameplay elements, environments and story beats. While the demo focuses on the opening section of the main game, the full Intergrade release on Switch 2 and Xbox will include this additional content.
The Integrated edition also benefits from technical upgrades that leverage more powerful hardware. These include improved lighting, higher-resolution textures, and smoother performance compared to the original PlayStation 4 version. While Square Enix has not yet shared detailed technical specifications for the Switch 2 and Xbox versions, the decision to release the Intergrade edition suggests that these platforms are capable of delivering the enhanced experience rather than a scaled-back port.
For players familiar with the original Final Fantasy VII, the remake offers a more action-focused combat system that blends real-time attacks with tactical commands. Characters can switch between party members during battles, issue abilities and spells, and make use of the environment in ways that were not possible in the 1997 original. The demo offers a taste of this system, giving new players time to adjust before the story becomes more complex.
Expanding the remake to new audiences
Until now, access to Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade has been limited to PlayStation 5 and PC users. The demo’s arrival on Switch 2 and Xbox signals Square Enix’s intent to broaden the game’s reach and introduce the remake to players who may not own Sony hardware or gaming PCs.
The timing of the demo release, more than a year ahead of the full launch on these platforms, suggests a long-term strategy to build interest and familiarity. By allowing players to experience the opening chapter now, Square Enix can generate word of mouth and give hesitant players ample time to decide whether the whole game is right for them.
It also reflects the enduring popularity of the Final Fantasy VII brand. Decades after the original release, the story of Cloud, Tifa, Aerith and Sephiroth continues to attract both long-time fans and newcomers. The remake’s episodic approach, which expands the original narrative across multiple full-length games, has been a subject of debate. Still, it has also allowed for deeper character development and more detailed world-building.
For Nintendo players in particular, the demo offers a rare chance to experience a modern Final Fantasy mainline game on a Nintendo platform. While the franchise has a long history on Nintendo consoles, recent flagship entries have mostly skipped them. The Switch 2 demo may therefore be of interest to players who have followed the series for years but missed out on the remake when it first launched.
With the demo now live and progress carrying over, Square Enix is offering a clear incentive to explore the game early. As the 22 January 2026 release date approaches, the availability of the demo on both Switch 2 and Xbox could play a key role in shaping expectations and building momentum for one of the most high-profile role-playing game releases on these platforms.
