Final Fantasy 10 on Switch 2 is finally a reality, but the good news has also been partially soured by the fact that Square Enix continues to opt out of offering an upgrade path for fans who already own the game on the original Switch. The Final Fantasy franchise is huge, but Final Fantasy 10 is still regarded as one of the best in the entire series, which makes its Switch 2 debut that much more exciting. However, Final Fantasy fans would have a lot more reason to celebrate if they could transfer their Switch 1 data to the new console instead of having to buy a game they already own.
Of course, it is easy to say that players who already own Final Fantasy 10 on the Switch 1 should just keep playing the game on the latest generation console, but it's not that simple. Final Fantasy 10 and its accompanying sequel get several key quality-of-life improvements on the Switch 2 that the older version doesn't have. Square Enix's Switch 2 releases have brought great games to the Nintendo console, but the lack of Switch console upgrades has done a disservice to the fans who have kept these franchises alive for so long.
Square Enix continues a worrying trend with its Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy 10
Final Fantasy 10 is far from the first time that Square Enix has prevented Switch 1 owners from upgrading their current copies to the Switch 2 version. Neither Star Ocean: The Second Story R or Octopath Traveler 1 and 2 on Switch 2 had upgrade options for Switch 1 players. This also means that fans cannot transfer their saves to the Switch 2 version. There are many players who have put in an impressive number of hours Final Fantasy 10but buying the Switch 2 version requires them to start from scratch.
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As far as is known, Square Enix has no plans to offer an upgrade path for those fans who want more Final Fantasy games on the Switch 2. The situation has been frustrating enough, but it's even more baffling when you consider that Square Enix has offered upgrade paths for games that Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles and Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake.
Final Fantasy 10 Switch 2 Improvements
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Improved image and performance
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Disable random encounters
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Auto-Battle
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2x or 4x speed modifiers to reduce traversal and combat times.
These gameplay upgrades won't appeal to all fans, but those who have been hoping for a more streamlined experience may find it hard to say no Final Fantasy 10s Switch 2 port. Allowing the option to disable randoms and encounters and adding speed modifiers can reduce game time tremendously. Final Fantasy 10The length of the story is substantial, and long-time fans who want a faster impact and even newcomers who have wanted to play the game but have been intimidated by the 50-hour main story will likely appreciate these features.
Unfortunately, Final Fantasy 10The Switch 2 port still lacks a solid PC port feature. The Switch 2 version does not include Autosave.
Many of these Switch 2 upgrades will sound familiar to those who have played Final Fantasy 10 PC port, so fans who have been waiting for a console release to get the same treatment will be happy. It's just disappointing that it requires buying a game that many have already owned for years. Final Fantasy 10 on Switch 2 might be a great choice for fans who never got around to buying the original Switch port, but gamers who are in the other camp are getting the short end of the stick.
Final Fantasy 10 hopefully marks the end of this Square Enix trend, but that feels unlikely to be the case
Octopath Traveler 1 and 2 and Star Ocean: The Second Story R missing Switch 2 upgrades could potentially have been random decisions on Square Enix's part, but adding Final Fantasy 10 to that list makes it feel like this will be the company's new standard going forward. There are plenty of Square Enix games that could get Switch 2 ports in the future, and it will be deeply upsetting if those ports continue to skip the console's upgrade feature.
The lack of Switch console upgrades has done a disservice to the fans who have kept these franchises alive for so long.
With console prices increasing and games like Mario Kart World and GTA 6 makes $80 price tags seem like they're destined to become the new standard when it comes to future AAA releases, the game feels more expensive as this console generation continues to march forward. It's wild that so many consoles are significantly more expensive than when they first launched, and things like Nintendo's Switch 2 upgrade option give gamers a little relief.
Final Fantasy 10 for Switch 2 costs $50. Collectors who were hoping to purchase a physical box will be disappointed to learn that the US version of the game is a digital-only release. Physical copies are exclusive to Japan.
The majority of fans who own games like Final Fantasy 10, Octopath Traveler 1 and 2or Star Ocean: The Second Story R on the first Switch console will be more than willing to pay for an upgrade if it means getting solid quality of life improvements. While it was on the steeper end of the Switch 2's upgrade price tiers and cost around $20, it would still be a much better deal than what Square Enix is currently offering.
Only time will tell if Square Enix changes its mind on its current Switch 2 port approach. A change of heart would definitely be welcomed by longtime fans, but it doesn't seem like it's in the cards anytime soon. Square Enix has offered gamers decades of great games, but it's disappointing that so many of the Switch 2 ports are handled this way.
- Released
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December 17, 2001
- ESRB
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T for Teens: Mild gore, mild suggestive themes, violence
