Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Final Fantasy XIV Arrives on Nintendo Switch 2

The launch opens play for new users while Square Enix tests a fix for a loading‑times bug and enforces Switch‑specific payment and account rules.

Overview

  • Square Enix released the Switch 2 version on August 4, 2026, offering a large free trial that includes the base game plus the first three expansions and an initial waiver of subscription fees for about one month.
  • The game is available in Starter, Complete and Collector’s editions with a limited 30% discount on Complete editions through mid‑August and paid purchases grant 30 days of play before subscriptions are required.
  • Switch 2 players must buy FFXIV Coins through the Nintendo eShop to pay for subscriptions and optional items, and the first launch-run links a Nintendo user profile to a Square Enix account irreversibly on first start.
  • Players reported a very large download (about 117GB) and long load times in crowded instanced content; Square Enix says it has identified the cause in cache and data reloads and is testing an update to speed transitions.
  • Early coverage and player reaction praise the port’s performance, especially handheld play, and the Switch 2 release completes FFXIV’s presence on major consoles ahead of the Evercold expansion due January 2027.