Final Fantasy 14 has officially launched on the Nintendo Switch 2, bringing Square Enix's critically acclaimed MMORPG to the hybrid console. The launch includes a one-month early access period during which the game's subscription requirement will be waived, allowing both new and returning players to experience Eorzea for free.
Following the conclusion of this early access phase, a dedicated subscription will be required for the Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy 14. This means that even players with active subscriptions on other platforms will need a separate subscription for the Switch 2. To ease this burden, Square Enix is offering a half-price subscription for existing subscribers on the platform. Importantly, playing Final Fantasy 14 on the Switch 2 will not require a separate Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
For a limited time, the Complete Edition of Final Fantasy 14, which bundles all current expansions, is available at a 30% discount. Players interested in trying the game before committing can download the free trial, though note that purchasing the game through any means necessitates creating a new account to use the trial.
Initial player reports indicate that the game is performing remarkably well on the Switch 2. Eager players tested the console's capabilities in performance-intensive areas like the Limsa Lominsa Aetheryte Plaza, finding that the game handled the load admirably in handheld mode, alleviating prior performance concerns. Social media reactions have largely expressed surprise and satisfaction with the game's smooth operation on the new hardware.
Despite the positive performance feedback, some players have encountered issues, including exceptionally long download times for the game's substantial 117 GB installation. The most significant hurdle for some users has been the process of linking existing Final Fantasy 14 accounts to the Switch 2 version, with several troubleshooting threads appearing on the game's subreddit. These issues are attributed to the early stages of launching the MMO on a new platform.
Overall, the launch has garnered positive reception, providing an accessible entry point for players curious about Final Fantasy 14 ahead of the upcoming Evercold expansion. Detailed setup guides are available on the Final Fantasy 14 blog for players navigating the initial connection process.