KitGuru Games: Is Final Fantasy 14 on Switch 2 worth it?

Final Fantasy XIV is far too large to review in a traditional sense as it’s an MMO that spans hundreds of hours, but the new Switch 2 version does raise a simple question – is this edition worth playing? After spending time with the game in both handheld and docked modes, I’ve got a clear sense of how the port holds up.

FFXIV on Switch 2 largely resembles the PS4 version in both visuals and performance. Docked mode renders at 1080p, while handheld drops the resolution to maintain its 30FPS target. In practice, the visual gap between the two modes is small. The art direction carries the experience, and most areas look very similar whether you are playing on the TV or on the handheld screen. Higher‑level content with more effects and players may highlight the difference more clearly, but early‑game zones feel consistent across both modes.

Performance is where the Switch 2 version shows its limits. The game targets 30FPS, and that is what you will see in most areas. There is an uncapped option in docked mode, and in very light scenes the frame rate can climb noticeably higher, sometimes feeling close to 60FPS, but this is not representative of normal play. You are better off keeping the 30FPS cap enabled, as the priority here is consistency rather than chasing brief spikes.

This is not the smoothest way to play FFXIV. PC and PS5 still offer higher fidelity and better performance. However, the Switch 2 version is stable and well suited for questing. Even with pared‑back settings, the world looks great on the handheld screen, and the overall experience feels solid for a portable MMO.

In the gallery above, you can see some comparison screenshots, showing different areas running on Switch 2 in docked and handheld mode. These screenshots are from a fresh character at the start of the game to avoid spoilers. You will see docked on the left and handheld on the right for each pair of comparison shots.

Load times are also respectable. Zone transitions, teleports and duty loading are faster than the PS4 era, and general menu navigation feels snappy. In handheld mode, UI readability is good, with only a few dense text windows feeling cramped. Battery drain is on the higher side during busy areas, but not enough to undermine portability.

Controls feel identical to the PS4/PS5 gamepad layout, which is a good thing. The Switch 2 version also supports touchscreen input and a virtual mouse mode using the Joy‑Con 2 controllers, which can make certain UI interactions quicker. Mouse mode should be particularly useful for harder content, where quick targeting and skill rotations are key.

One of FFXIV’s biggest strengths is the sheer variety of jobs available. Most MMOs offer a handful of traditional roles, but FFXIV’s job system lets you train into a huge range of fighting styles. You’ve got your familiar White Mage, Warrior and Paladin, but also more specialised options like Ninja, Sage, Scholar, Reaper, Gunbreaker, Dragoon and many more. This flexibility makes the game ideal for players who like experimenting and running multiple characters.

The free trial is also incredibly generous, and it’s fully available on Switch 2. New players can play the base game, plus the Heavensward, Stormblood and Shadowbringers expansions, taking a character all the way to level 80 without paying the subscription fee. Only after that point do you need to subscribe to access the newer expansions. If you’re starting fresh, you should absolutely play through all the free trial content before considering a subscription.

So, is the Switch 2 version worth it? If you’re looking for the absolute best way to play FFXIV, then PC and PS5 still hold that crown. But if you want a portable option that performs reliably, looks good and gives you access to one of the most popular MMOs around, the Switch 2 port is well worth grabbing.

With that said, there is one drawback worth noting. The install size for this game is 117GB, making it one of the largest Switch 2 titles to date, and it means you'll have little room left on the Switch 2's internal 256GB of storage for other games. This isn’t really a fault of the port itself, as it was Nintendo that opted for a 256GB SSD to keep costs down, but it does mean most players will need additional storage if they plan to keep FFXIV installed long‑term but also want to play other titles.

KitGuru says: Have you tried Final Fantasy XIV on Switch 2 yet? How does the port feel compared to other platforms?

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