I’ve been playing FFXIV for 7 years. The new Switch 2 version is my favorite way to play

Final Fantasy XIV on Switch 2: A Casual Gamer’s Dream Come True?

For seven years, I’m a devoted player of Final Fantasy XIV. When Nintendo announced that FFXIV was coming to the Switch 2, I was both surprised and apprehensive. Nintendo had a reputation for online stability issues during the Switch 1 era, with frequent disconnections in games like Mario Kart 8, Mario Party, and even Splatoon 3. However, after two weeks of playing FFXIV on Switch 2, I’m seriously considering making it my primary way to play. While not ideal for hardcore players, the convenience and stability make it a fantastic option for casual gamers like myself.

The basic experience is surprisingly smooth. Connection issues were non-existent during my testing period, load times are comparable to other platforms, and traveling between data centers was seamless. I spent time exploring Dawntrail, enjoying the freedom of playing on Nintendo’s hybrid platform. The Switch 2 offers a less clunky experience compared to an Asus ROG Ally, making it easier to hold and reducing the chances of issues. It also allows for seamless transitions between gaming and other activities, allowing me to quickly switch to Cyberpunk 2077 or Mario Kart World without changing consoles.

One drawback is the draw distance in handheld mode. While less noticeable in open areas like Thanalan and La Noscea, it’s more apparent in zones like Kozama’uka and Yak’tel. However, even in these areas, object placement often hides the horizon, minimizing the impact. Up close, everything looks great, and the graphical improvements introduced with Dawntrail are noticeable even in handheld mode.

Performance is solid where it counts: battles, dungeons, and boss fights. Square Enix locked the frame rate at 30 frames per second, which might seem low for a game in 2026. However, the game consistently hits this target, and after a short adjustment period, it becomes easy to overlook.

Populated areas can strain performance, depending on the number of players present. Limsa Lominsa in my home world was smooth, but Faerie on the Aether server, with its much larger population, experienced frame rate dips as the game struggled to manage the visual load. However, I rarely spend time in city hubs, so this was a minor annoyance. Fates and other less congested activities ran flawlessly, even with chaotic weather conditions.

The caveat is that I’m not a high-level raider or dedicated PvP player. I enjoy the easy raids, casual PvP for leveling, and primarily play for story and crafting. If you’re focused on endgame challenges or intense socializing, sticking to your current platform might be better.

I replayed the Crystal Tower Alliance Raid to test performance. While there were brief stutters during animations, everything ran smoothly overall. However, the smaller screen in handheld mode made it difficult to see anything other than bright lights and shifting colors during these chaotic 24-player raids. Lower difficulty and more people to carry you mean that’s fine in the Crystal Tower, but elsewhere? I’m not so sure this is the experience you want when you’re staring down Savage Kefka.

Performance was choppier in the Frontline PvP matches, making it functionally impossible to identify targets or track allies once the spells and combat animations started. Turning off visual effects helps, but where’s the fun in that? The spectacle is part of the experience. Playing in docked mode on a decent-sized monitor (27 inches) made the visual clutter less pronounced.

For casual players like me, Final Fantasy XIV on Switch 2 is excellent. It’s stable, looks great, and offers unparalleled convenience. While not ideal for hardcore endgame content or dedicated socializing, it’s likely where I’ll dive into Evercold when it launches next year.

Source: Polygon