Naoki Hamaguchi on Bringing Final Fantasy Back to Nintendo

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Final Fantasy VII Revelation Key Art

The history of Final Fantasy is deeply intertwined with Nintendo. From its 1987 Famicom inception through the early 90s, the series was a cornerstone of Nintendo’s library. That era reached a definitive turning point with Final Fantasy VII, which famously pivoted the franchise toward 3D cinematic storytelling and a new home on the PlayStation. For decades, the mainline series remained largely absent from Nintendo hardware, relegated to spin-offs. In a poetic twist of irony, the very remake trilogy that reimagines the game that steered the franchise away from Nintendo is now paving the way for its triumphant return to the platform.

The transition began in earnest earlier this year. In January, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade debuted on the Nintendo Switch 2, followed by a release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth earlier this month. The momentum culminated at the 2026 Summer Game Fest, where director Naoki Hamaguchi took center stage to confirm that the trilogy’s grand finale, Final Fantasy VII Revelation, will launch simultaneously across all major platforms—including the Switch 2—in the first half of 2027.

Naoki Hamaguchi discussing Final Fantasy on Nintendo hardware

For Hamaguchi, this full-circle moment carries personal weight. “It’s incredibly meaningful for both the team and our fans,” he noted. “While I grew up as a PlayStation gamer, I always held a deep appreciation for Nintendo hardware. Bringing the conclusion of this iconic story to Nintendo platforms on day one—something that original creators like Yoshinori Kitase and Tetsuya Nomura also value—is a milestone I’m proud to oversee. It feels like we’ve truly come home.”

Hamaguchi also acknowledged the diverse reactions to this multiplatform strategy, noting a distinct divide in regional feedback. “I am closely monitoring the cultural nuances between Western and Japanese players,” he explained. “Players in North America and Europe have largely embraced the multiplatform initiative with enthusiasm. In Japan, however, the reception has been more complex, with some fans expressing skepticism online. Navigating these differing perspectives is part of the process, but I believe that a global, simultaneous release strategy is the best path forward for the franchise’s longevity.”

For more insights into Final Fantasy VII Revelation, you can read our exclusive breakdown of the upcoming changes to the Queen’s Blood card game. Additionally, for a comprehensive look at the evolution of the Remake project, feel free to revisit our in-depth cover story on the series’ development.

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