FFXIV Launching on Switch 2 This Summer, But Expect a Price Hike

Square Enix is set to launch Final Fantasy XIV on the Nintendo Switch 2 this August, but there’s a twist regarding its subscription model. During the April 2026 FFXIV Fan Fest keynote, CEO Takashi Kiryu revealed that after extensive discussions with Nintendo, the company had to adjust its subscription approach for the Switch 2 version.

Typically, players who own FFXIV across multiple platforms can access the game with a single subscription. However, the Switch 2 version will require an additional subscription after purchasing the game. Kiryu mentioned that Square Enix was able to negotiate some concessions to ease the financial burden. Notably, playing FFXIV on the Switch 2 won’t necessitate a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, and existing subscribers on other platforms will receive a 50% discount on the Switch 2 subscription price.

FFXIV producer Naoki Yoshida showcased a Switch 2 unit during Fan Fest, demonstrating the game in handheld mode by zooming in on the screen. He briefly navigated his character around one of the hub cities, providing a glimpse of the game’s performance on the new console, which appeared to run smoothly without any glaring issues.

To ensure a polished experience at launch, Square Enix will conduct an early access period to identify and fix any bugs, allowing players to enjoy the game for free during this time. The Switch 2 version will come with all existing expansions up to Dawntrail 7.5, and FFXIV 8.0 (Evercold) is expected to be released for it as well. Additionally, the free trial for FFXIV is being expanded to include the Shadowbringers expansion and its post-game patches on other platforms, though it remains unclear if this trial will be available on the Switch 2.