Square Enix has confirmed that the popular MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV will finally be available on Nintendo consoles via the Switch 2. The game is slated for release this August, with a brief early access period of approximately one month. During this introductory phase, Final Fantasy XIV will be entirely free to play on the Switch 2.
The Switch 2 version will necessitate a separate subscription, distinct from other platforms. However, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription will not be required. Existing Final Fantasy XIV subscribers on other platforms will receive a 50% discount on their Switch 2 subscription.
In addition to the Switch 2 launch, Square Enix unveiled the next major chapter for Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold, which is scheduled for release in January 2027.
During the main presentation at the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest, director and producer Naoki Yoshida revealed that the next series of 24-player raids will feature a crossover with the iconic anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. This new raid series, titled ‘Ghosts of Desire,’ will be part of the post-game content for the upcoming expansion, FFXIV: Evercold.
This collaboration is not entirely unexpected, given Yoko Taro, the creator of NieR Automata, previously collaborated with the FFXIV team on the Shadowbringers raid series, integrating NieR content into the MMORPG. Furthermore, Yoko Taro is involved in the composition and scriptwriting for the new Evangelion anime series alongside Studio Khara, directed by Hideaki Anno, the original creator of NGE.
The 24-player raids in Final Fantasy XIV are considered high-level content and are typically released through updates between expansions. If this collaboration follows the pattern of previous patches, ‘Ghosts of Desire’ is expected to be divided into three parts, each with its own narrative arc. These parts will feature boss battles and dungeons inspired by Evangelion, seamlessly integrated into the FFXIV storyline.
Final Fantasy XIV is currently available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Mac, and PC.
