Final Fantasy XIV’s Switch 2 Version Is Now Live in Early Access, With a Few Big Caveats

Final Fantasy XIV is now playable on Nintendo Switch 2 through an early access launch meant to test the game’s servers on Nintendo’s new hardware. The Switch 2 version includes the full MMO, with cross-play and cross-progression intact, so existing players can use the same character they play on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox.

The port appears to hold up better than some might have expected, especially in handheld mode. Undocked play is locked to 30fps, while docked play can target 60fps, though busy areas like Limsa Lominsa may still see dips. There’s also an option to cap the game at 30fps on a TV if players prefer consistency over a higher but less stable frame rate.

Switch 2-specific controls are part of the package too. Joy-Con 2 mouse mode can be used for a more PC-like setup, and handheld play adds touchscreen support for menus, maps, and hotbars. How useful that is in tougher combat will probably come down to player preference, but it gives the port a couple of control options that aren’t available on other consoles.

The visual side comes with clearer compromises. The game can look solid on the Switch 2’s smaller screen, but texture quality, distant object shimmer, and reduced draw distance are more noticeable when docked on a larger display. That said, combat still seems to be the priority, with the port holding together during busier fights where effects are flying everywhere.

The biggest sticking point is the extra subscription requirement for Nintendo’s platform. Final Fantasy XIV already requires its usual monthly subscription after the free trial content, and the Switch 2 version adds a separate Nintendo-side fee paid through FFXIV Coins, which can be bought through Mog Station or the Nintendo eShop. Existing subscribers get 50% off that additional fee, according to the source article, and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required.

For new players, the Switch 2 launch also means another way into the MMO’s long-running free trial before deciding whether to pay. For existing players, the appeal is obvious: the same character, portable play, and access to the full game. Whether that’s enough to justify the extra fee once the current free period ends is the big question.