Square Enix quietly dropped a big announcement during the latest Nintendo Direct, confirming that Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion is now available on the Nintendo Switch 2. The game went live on the eShop immediately following the presentation, and it carries a launch discount price of $34.99 USD, down from its standard asking price of $49.99 USD. However, Square Enix has confirmed there is no upgrade path available for players who already own the game on the original Switch.
What Is Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion?
For anyone unfamiliar with the title, Crisis Core is an action RPG that follows Zack Fair, a Shinra SOLDIER operative whose story takes place seven years before the events of Final Fantasy VII. Nintendo’s official press materials describe the game as follows:
“Follow the story of Shinra SOLDIER operative Zack Fair in this remaster of the action RPG that takes place seven years before the events of FINAL FANTASY VII. As Zack teams up with Sephiroth to investigate the disappearance of a fellow SOLDIER, he uncovers dark secrets that challenge everything he believes, forcing him to forge his own path as a hero to protect the ones he loves.”
The game originally launched on the Nintendo Switch back in December 2022, so this Switch 2 version marks its second appearance on a Nintendo platform. The title itself is a remaster of the original PSP release, now carrying over to a third console generation.
Switch 2 Upgrades and Features
According to Nintendo’s official PR, the Switch 2 version comes with several notable improvements over what was available on the original Switch release. Here is what Square Enix and Nintendo have confirmed is included:
- Complete HD graphics overhaul covering character models, UI, and backgrounds
- Fully voiced dialogue in both English and Japanese
- Updated action combat system
- Newly arranged soundtrack by original composer Takeharu Ishimoto
It is worth noting that these features were already part of the original Reunion remaster that launched on Switch in 2022, so the extent of what is genuinely new or improved specifically for Switch 2 hardware – beyond the platform itself – is not entirely clear from the official materials provided.
No Upgrade Path for Existing Owners
The lack of an upgrade option for existing Switch owners is already drawing frustration from the community. Players who purchased the game on the original Switch are being asked to pay full price again, with the discounted launch price of $34.99 serving as the only concession at this time. Square Enix has not commented on whether a discounted upgrade option could arrive at a later date.
This approach is consistent with how Square Enix has handled several of its Switch 2 ports, and it has not been well received. The absence of a physical edition at launch is also a point of concern for collectors, with no Game Key Card version currently announced.
Final Fantasy VII Revelation Pre-Orders Also Go Live
In related news tied to the same Nintendo Direct, digital pre-orders for Final Fantasy VII Revelation have also gone live on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop. Square Enix has outlined specific terms around early access for that upcoming title, with Nintendo’s official materials stating:
“For those pre-ordering Final Fantasy VII Revelation digitally on Nintendo Switch 2: 24-hour Early Access is exclusive to Premium and Premium Plus Editions. If you pre-order the Standard Edition you must cancel before payment is processed and then order the PE/PPE to get Early Access.”
Square Enix has been building momentum around the Final Fantasy VII brand in recent weeks with a series of announcements, and the Crisis Core Switch 2 release appears to be part of that broader push ahead of Revelation’s arrival.
Should You Buy Crisis Core on Switch 2?
If you have never played Crisis Core and own a Switch 2, the $34.99 launch price makes this a reasonable entry point into Zack Fair’s story before Final Fantasy VII Revelation lands. The game serves as meaningful background for the broader FF7 saga and holds up well as an action RPG.
For existing Switch owners, the decision is harder. With no upgrade path in place and no physical edition currently available, players who already own the original Switch version may find little reason to double dip – especially given that the Switch 1 version is still playable on Switch 2 hardware with boost mode enabled.
Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion is available now on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop, priced at $34.99 USD during the launch window before rising to $49.99 USD.