Introduction
Last week Square Enix launched Final Fantasy VII Remake on Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Early impressions praised the Switch 2 demo, but a detailed Digital Foundry analysis shows the Xbox Series S delivering the most impressive results.
Hardware Overview
Both consoles belong to the current generation, yet they differ markedly in specifications.
- Xbox Series S – 8 GB RAM, custom 8‑core AMD Zen 2 CPU (slightly lower clock than Series X).
- Nintendo Switch 2 – 9 GB RAM, ARM Cortex‑A78C CPU, NVIDIA DLSS support on GPU.
Why the Series S Outperforms the Switch 2
Digital Foundry attributes the superior texture quality on the Series S to efficient texture streaming powered by its Zen 2 CPU. The console can deploy the full‑asset quality seen on the larger Xbox Series X and PS5, despite having less RAM.
In contrast, the Switch 2 appears to mix assets from the PS4 and PS5 versions, resulting in lower overall fidelity.
Resolution and Frame‑Rate Options
Xbox Series S offers two selectable modes:
- 1080p at 60 fps (Performance‑focused).
- 1440p at 30 fps (Quality‑focused).
The Xbox Series X mirrors the PS5 settings: 1512p at 60 fps in Performance Mode and native 4K (2160p) at 30 fps in Quality Mode.
Looking Ahead to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The sequel is expected to launch later this year on Xbox Series S|X and Nintendo Switch 2. Rebirth is more demanding due to larger open areas, and even on PS5 developers reduced resolution to maintain smooth frame rates.
Key questions for the upcoming release:
- Can the Series S maintain its texture‑streaming advantage on a heavier title?
- Will the Switch 2’s DLSS help offset its weaker CPU?
Engine Choice for the Trilogy
Square Enix confirmed that the third installment will continue using Unreal Engine 4 rather than moving to Unreal Engine 5, citing team familiarity with the current engine.