Square Enix is set to test the limits of the Nintendo Switch 2’s internal storage with one of its most enduring franchises. The company has confirmed an August 4 release date for Final Fantasy XIV Online on the new platform, a port that will require players to reserve a substantial 117 GB of free space.
A Pattern of Large-Scale Ports
The figure pushes past what was previously the largest title announced for the system, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which occupies over 102 GB. The heaviest outlier remains the Kingdom Hearts Collection [I～III] at 131 GB. By comparison, the current console versions of Final Fantasy XIV demand roughly 100 GB on both Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, although the Windows client has long asked for a more spacious 140 GB. Hopes among Nintendo owners for aggressive file compression have now been met with a hard storage reality.
Why a Unified Installer Keeps the Footprint Steady
The base size is tied partly to how the game has evolved. Since the original launch in 2010, expansions such as Dawntrail have steadily thickened the client with higher-resolution textures, a swelling number of cutscenes, and extensive voice acting. Buyers can opt for the Starter, Complete, or Complete Collector’s Edition, each bundling different add-ons, but the game’s universal installer means that selecting the most affordable edition offers no relief on storage demands.
The Subscription Model Intensifies the Squeeze
Where single-player titles like the Final Fantasy VII remake series can be installed and removed as needed, an MMORPG tends to claim its slice of the drive permanently. With the stock Switch 2 offering 256 GB of capacity, a 117 GB live-service title creates immediate, lasting pressure. MicroSD Express cards stand as the straightforward remedy, yet industry-wide memory shortages suggest those cards are unlikely to see significant price drops in the near term. Unverified rumors of a future Pro or OLED revision with expanded internal storage also appear slim for now.
Carrying Progress Across Platforms
Adding to the upfront cost, the Switch 2 version introduces a recurring monthly subscription beyond an optional free trial. Existing players on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC who wish to continue their journey on the hybrid handheld will need to initiate a separate subscription, though all prior progress transfers over. Still, the promise of exploring Eorzea untethered from a desk or television has already drawn noticeable enthusiasm from the community.
Source: x.com