Last Updated on Oct 29, 2025 @ 14:37:05 PM.
The first part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy is officially coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S early next year, and Square Enix threw in more cool features. While the original version was released in 2020 for the PlayStation 4, it was an amazing remake made with passion and respect for the 1997 version, with a few twists. As time went on, the developers re-released the remake with more features for current-generation systems.
It would make sense for the developers to add even newer features for the Nintendo Switch successor, and this will be carried over to the Xbox Series X/S ports, and perhaps on PlayStation 5. The streamlined progression feature is a must-have for players who are not accustomed to or familiar with the combat system and prefer to sit back and enjoy the story in Midgar.
Streamlined Progression Is Meant for a Laid-Back Experience in Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
During the most recent Nintendo Direct, the gaming community caught another glimpse of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 port of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade. Square Enix seized the opportunity and officially announced the release date for the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S ports: January 22, 2026.
Save the date, and the game developers subtly confirmed that the sequel, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and the third game will be playable beyond the PlayStation ecosystem. In celebration of these new ports, Director Naoki Hamaguchi threw in one more surprise that will benefit players with different playstyles.
Introducing brand-new streamlined progression features in Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC!
— FINAL FANTASY VII (@finalfantasyvii) September 12, 2025
✅ Always have maximum HP and MP
✅ Always deal 9,999 damage to enemies
✅ Always have max number of items (with some exceptions) pic.twitter.com/UuO9U57But
The combat system of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is a mixture of traditional fast-paced combat and turn-based, where you can take the time to strategize and plan your next moves. Square Enix took into account that not everyone has the same skill level to adapt in combat or is interested in resource management, such as upgrading weapons or sorting Materia.
The Streamlined Progression mode will remove all these barriers and allow players to enjoy the story. Essentially, your party members will be at their strongest, and you will have everything you could want or need as you progress through the story. Playing on the standard difficulty without customizations or mods will gradually increase the difficulty, but this mode will be fixed from the start.
This Is a Good Way for Square Enix To Bring In New Players and Reward Seasoned Final Fantasy 7 Remake Players
Director Naoki Hamaguchi also recently shared positive updates about the upcoming sequel. This new streamlined progression mode could potentially be carried over to the sequel, and players stay in the loop for a much smoother transition. The original 1997 game was much simpler, but the remake trilogy aims to expand the lore further, which can overwhelm new and returning players.
The streamlined progression mode could be a quicker way for players to speedrun the story. Cloud and the party are practically overpowered with unlimited health, ATB gauges, and an impressive damage output. If the difficulty or complex combat system is something that puts you off playing this remake, then this game mode is designed for you.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is now available on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and Epic Games, and will be released on the Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2 on January 22, 2026.
For more Thumb Wars coverage, check out our review of P1: Anchor Light, and Neil Druckmann teasing the deeper gameplay of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
Rouvin Josef Quirimit is a Content Writer, an avid gamer (on his PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch), and film enthusiast. He was fortunate to grow up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and was enamored by the storytelling of a shared universe full of heart and spectacle. His love for movies led him to great single-player games and he intends to cover major franchises for years to come!
