In a recent livestream, Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida may have dropped a tantalizing hint that Square Enix is eyeing the Nintendo Switch 2 as the next platform for its latest entry in the long-running RPG franchise.

During a Final Fantasy XIV “Live Letter” stream on June 20, Yoshida discussed the rollout of Final Fantasy XVI on platforms outside of PlayStation 5. Having already launched the game on PC earlier this year, the producer quipped, “Only Nintendo is left now,” when talking about potential new platforms for the game. His comment drew laughter, but it wasn’t dismissed outright. Creative Director Kazutoyo Maehiro added, “I’ll do my best,” implying that the team is at least considering the possibility of bringing the game to Nintendo’s upcoming hardware.

While neither Yoshida nor Maehiro confirmed a port is in active development, the offhand remarks line up with Square Enix’s growing strategy of platform diversification. The company has been steadily expanding the reach of its flagship franchises, including a planned release of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for the Nintendo Switch 2. Given the speculation surrounding the Switch 2’s boosted hardware capabilities rumoured to include Nvidia DLSS upscaling and more powerful processing it’s increasingly plausible that Square Enix could target it as a viable home for Final Fantasy XVI.

A Demanding Game, A Powerful Platform

Final Fantasy XVI is a visually intense game, making full use of the PS5’s horsepower for flashy Eikon battles, massive environments, and real-time combat. Bringing that same experience to a portable device will undoubtedly be a technical challenge. However, early reports and developer whispers suggest the Switch 2 is far more capable than its predecessor, and Square Enix has shown increased willingness to invest in platform-optimized ports.

It’s also worth noting that Yoshida is no stranger to Nintendo platforms. His previous works, including Dragon Quest X and Final Fantasy XIV, have seen versions on Nintendo consoles in Japan. If anyone at Square Enix can make the impossible seem probable, it’s Yoshida and his team at Creative Business Unit III.

Square Enix’s Cross-Platform Push

Square Enix has made no secret of its desire to reach broader audiences. Earlier this year, the company announced its new multiplatform initiative, pledging to bring more of its AAA content to as many systems as possible including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo hardware. This move aims to counterbalance declining sales in single-platform releases and ensure that tentpole franchises like Final Fantasy have the widest possible reach.

If the Switch 2 does indeed launch in early 2025 as widely expected it would align well with Square Enix’s porting timeline. With Final Fantasy VII Rebirth also a strong candidate for a Switch 2 version down the line, the company seems poised to bring more of its premier experiences to Nintendo players.

No Official Word Yet

As of now, Square Enix has not formally announced a Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy XVI, but Yoshida’s comments have sparked speculation and hope among fans. The idea of experiencing Clive Rosfield’s epic journey on the go is an enticing one especially for long-time Nintendo fans who may not have access to a PlayStation 5.

Whether Yoshida was joking, subtly teasing, or setting the stage for a big reveal remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the possibility of Final Fantasy XVI coming to the Switch 2 just got a little more real.

Stay tuned to 1-Up Games Warriors of Light this might just be the next big port on Nintendo’s horizon.