The critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy 14 has officially arrived on Nintendo’s newest console, the Switch 2, marking a remarkably swift transition from announcement to release. Just weeks after Square Enix revealed the port at the end of June 2025, players can now dive into the expansive world of Eorzea on their handheld devices. The game, which has become somewhat of an internet phenomenon thanks to its persistent free trial memes, is now accessible to an entirely new audience of Nintendo gamers – provided they have the storage space to accommodate its substantial 117GB installation size.

A Lightning-Fast Port for a Massive Game

The speed at which Square Enix delivered this Switch 2 port is nothing short of impressive. Typically, bringing a game of Final Fantasy 14’s scope and complexity to a new platform requires months, if not years, of development work. The MMORPG, which first launched in 2010 and was famously relaunched as “A Realm Reborn” in 2013 after a disastrous initial reception, has grown into one of the most content-rich online games in existence. With multiple expansions including Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and the recent Dawntrail, the game offers thousands of hours of gameplay, which partially explains its hefty storage requirements.

The Nintendo Switch 2, with its upgraded hardware capabilities compared to its predecessor, appears well-suited to handle the demanding MMO. Early reports suggest the game runs smoothly on the new console, though players should expect some graphical compromises compared to the PC and PlayStation versions. The ability to play Final Fantasy 14 in handheld mode represents a significant selling point for fans who have long wished for portable access to their favorite online world.

The Legendary Free Trial Returns

True to form, Square Enix is offering the game’s generous free trial on Switch 2, which has become legendary in gaming circles for its remarkable scope. The free trial allows players to experience the entire base game and the first expansion, Heavensward, with no time restrictions whatsoever. Players can level any class up to level 70, giving them access to hundreds of hours of story content, dungeons, raids, and side activities without spending a single dollar. This trial has spawned countless memes across social media and gaming forums, with the phrase “Have you heard of the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy 14?” becoming a ubiquitous joke within the gaming community.

The free trial’s popularity stems not just from its generosity but from the genuine quality of the content it provides. Many players have reported spending months exploring everything the trial offers before deciding to subscribe. The base monthly subscription costs approximately $12.99 for the entry-level plan, with the standard subscription running $14.99 per month for access to additional character slots and features.

Storage Challenges and Technical Considerations

The 117GB storage requirement presents a notable challenge for Switch 2 owners. While the new console reportedly comes with more internal storage than its predecessor, dedicated Final Fantasy 14 players will likely need to invest in high-capacity microSD cards to accommodate the game alongside other titles. This requirement reflects the sheer volume of content accumulated over more than a decade of continuous development, including thousands of gear pieces, hundreds of zones, and countless cutscenes featuring full voice acting in multiple languages.

Players considering the Switch 2 version should also factor in future updates, as Square Enix continues to release regular patches adding new story content, raids, and features. The game’s active development cycle means storage requirements will only grow over time. Cross-platform play and progression remain available, allowing existing players to seamlessly continue their adventures on the new Nintendo hardware while maintaining their characters and progress from other platforms.