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Closing Fantasy XIV launched just a few days in the past for Nintendo Swap 2 worldwide following its launch on Xbox Sequence consoles just a few years in the past. Closing Fantasy XIV’s A Realm Reborn launched for PS3 and Home windows earlier than seeing a PS4 port adopted by a PS5 launch. Lots has modified for the sport since A Realm Reborn with new platforms, expansions, a graphics improve, and extra. I’ve lined FFXIV on Steam Deck and even PS5 Professional, however I used to be very curious to see how the Swap 2 port would look and run. I had entry to it from launch day, however I waited for the load time repair to go stay after which revisit it on different platforms for this function. 

I will give attention to the Swap 2 model, however I may also cowl the way it scales in comparison with different present consoles and PC handhelds going over efficiency, load occasions, visuals, the login expertise, subscription info, and extra. I additionally can be discussing how FFXIV on Swap 2 is for newcomers who do not plan on enjoying it elsewhere. Whereas rather a lot has been stated about how annoying it’s to need to pay for a further subscription only for Swap 2, there are additionally people who solely play there, and this is not a difficulty for them. 

Closing Fantasy XIV visuals on Swap 2 docked vs PS5, Xbox, and PC

Closing Fantasy XIV on Swap 2 docked makes a foul first impression in the event you play on a 1440p or 4K TV in comparison with different present consoles. Not solely is it capped at 1080p so far as I can inform primarily based on pixel counting in 4 completely different places, but it surely provides no 1440p or 4K decision UI choices. It additionally solely has a 30fps capped or uncapped choice when enjoying docked whereas the PS5 and Xbox Sequence variations supply choices to play at 1080p, 4K, or 1440p with an choice to even use dynamic decision.

The Swap 2 model of FFXIV when performed docked is a step beneath the PS5 and Xbox variations operating at 1080p with some visible cutbacks to, foliage, geometry, and even shadows in components. In a number of methods, it jogs my memory of the PS4 model put up graphics improve, however the Swap 2 model has different benefits. Proper now, docked is principally disappointing in comparison with present consoles in the case of decision, graphics, and even efficiency and I anticipated extra from Sq. Enix right here. 

Be aware: The gameplay above was captured utilizing a 4K seize card.

The most important challenge with Closing Fantasy XIV on Swap 2 docked is just not the cutbacks to some graphics or the body charge goal, however the shimmering. When shifting and even standing nonetheless in some areas, the atmosphere has a bit an excessive amount of shimmering for my liking throughout foliage and shadows. I hope this may be addressed with some enhancements to post-processing.

Closing Fantasy XIV on Swap 2 vs Steam Deck and ROG Ally

Closing Fantasy XIV on Swap 2 handheld is corresponding to the Steam Deck 800p/720p expertise in the case of picture high quality, however the Deck delivers higher efficiency even put up graphics improve. None of my handhelds together with the ROG Ally can ship a strong 60fps expertise proper now although. The PC model on Steam Deck offers you a number of choices to tweak your expertise visually as properly which are not on Swap 2. The Swap 2 has a single graphics profile when performed handheld with crisp UI and subnative gameplay that seems to be round 720p. It does not look dangerous in any respect on the display screen itself, however once more I hoped for extra from Sq. Enix right here given the body charge goal. 

Be aware: The gameplay screenshots above have been taken via the Swap 2 system screenshot performance. 

Visible and efficiency apart, the Swap 2 may use mouse controls with the Pleasure-Con 2 controllers and the touchscreen. I actually admire this being made out there since so many video games simply ignore the touchscreen. As somebody who has performed rather a lot with the DualSense controller touchpad and the trackpad on Steam Deck, I positively missed these initially, however the Swap 2’s touchscreen is an efficient compromise for tapping across the UI or at targets when wanted. The precise in-game menus aren’t contact optimized and it feels fairly clunky in the event you attempt to use the touchscreen for all menu navigation. Hopefully Sq. Enix can enhance this over time. It’s a good begin to how Sq. Enix used the Swap 2’s distinctive options with Closing Fantasy XIV from day one.

Be aware: Due to the time of day and different points with the scene altering, I chosen a particular indoor location in my Free Firm home and zoomed in to crop one portion of the display screen to point out how the atmosphere varies per platform. Take into account that Swap 2 is 30fps or uncapped whereas all different variations are rather a lot greater even hitting upwards of 90fps other than the native 4K setting. 

Closing Fantasy XIV Swap 2 docked and handheld efficiency in comparison with PS5, Xbox, Steam Deck, and PC

The Swap 2 visuals are locked proper now barring that body charge choice, and in addition some particle impact settings that AustinSV went over in his video when discussing efficiency affect. I used the default on all platforms when testing. This implies I didn’t change something referring to decision or efficiency or particulars on consoles. For PC, I used the laptop computer excessive and low presets to check, however I normally follow the laptop computer excessive preset on Steam Deck with some tweaks to enhance visuals extra. In my testing, it by no means dipped beneath 30fps together with in Limsa Lominsa’s hubs. The ROG Ally runs rather a lot higher than Steam Deck right here and you’ll even goal 1080p vs the 800p on Deck. The Swap 2 in handheld does not have any efficiency choices and simply runs near 30fps. Within the 4 hours I examined throughout hubs, exploration, dungeons, and extra in the previous few days, it by no means felt dangerous. I am unsure if VRR is working or not, however I used to be happy with the efficiency on Swap 2 handheld. 

When performed docked although, the shortage of VRR hurts. The uncapped choice feels terrible due to this and it virtually at all times hovers within the 30s or low 40s except you’re in a small space. I enabled the 30fps cap and caught to it whereas enjoying. I did not run into main points and simply wished the visuals have been higher for 30fps. I hope we see a 1440p 30fps choice added sooner or later on Swap 2 for docked play. 

If you need a 60fps expertise, your finest wager on console is to play with the 1440p choice and dynamic decision enabled. If in case you have a VRR show, depart the body charge uncapped with the console outputting 120hz, however I like to recommend enjoying with out 120hz for a extra secure expertise at 60fps if you do not have VRR. If in case you have a PS5 Professional, you may get a strong 60fps goal expertise even at 4K with VRR coping with the drops beneath 60fps to the mid 50s. 

Closing Fantasy XIV load occasions throughout PS5, Swap 2, Xbox, PS5 Professional, PC, and Steam Deck

To measure load occasions, I examined the preliminary load to title display screen. I didn’t embrace the time taken to sort the password or one time password right here. These are further and can range primarily based on how rapidly you sort. Hold this in thoughts for the preliminary load as a result of it makes the PC model take longer with the added steps wanted. The second check I did was loading a personality to when you may management them in-game. I didn’t rely the congestion time right here since that may range by time of day and server. The ultimate check I did was how lengthy it takes to teleport from Limsa Lominsa to New Gridania. I verified this backwards and forwards thrice over the previous few days and included Swap 2 outcomes as of August 8 after the patch is stay.

I had FFXIV put in to the Swap 2 inner storage, PS5 Professional inner storage, base PS5 M2 SSD, Xbox Sequence X inner storage, Steam Deck OLED inner storage, and ROG Ally inner storage for this check. Outcomes will range in the event you play it on a Swap 2 micro SD Card Specific. 

As you may see, the PS5 model has the quickest loading whereas in-game, however the Swap 2 does a significantly better job than anticipated. I say that as a result of a number of third celebration video games take very lengthy to load on Swap 2 in comparison with PS5. On this case, the Swap 2 really loaded quicker than all non PS5 platforms initially, however the quick journey or teleport time is slower than SSD platforms. That is nonetheless a greater end up for Swap 2 than I anticipated primarily based on the tons of third celebration video games I’ve performed and examined during the last 12 months. 

I’ll cowl the login expertise beneath, however notice as soon as once more that the occasions above don’t rely how lengthy it takes to sort the password/otp on PC/Steam Deck or the one time password on PS5.

FFXIV login expertise in 2026

After masking visuals, efficiency, and different technical variations, I need to cowl the precise login expertise as a result of it’s one thing that has bothered me for some time now throughout some platforms. Based mostly on what model of the sport you play, you doubtlessly need to do extra to login as a result of Sq. Enix hasn’t up to date a lot lately for older platforms. The PC shopper requires you to sort your password and one time password (otp) each single time you need to login whereas the PS5 and PS4 variations solely ask to your one time password with the opposite info saved. The brand new Swap 2 model behaves just like the Xbox launch the place it saves all the main points and also you solely have to click on play. With this in thoughts, the Xbox and Swap 2 variations have the least quantity of friction to login. You would possibly suppose I am nitpicking right here, however having to sort out utilizing a digital keyboard or simply generally with out an choice to avoid wasting all info is annoying.

FFXIV subscriptions wanted throughout platforms

FFXIV on Home windows/PC, macOS, and PlayStation 4/5 use the identical subscription. FFXIV on Xbox Sequence consoles can piggyback off this subscription if you have already got it or play on these platforms as properly, however in the event you solely play on Xbox with a brand new account/character, you’ll want to purchase the subscription utilizing FFXIV Cash. FFXIV on Xbox additionally requires an Xbox Recreation Cross Core (beforehand often called Xbox Gold) subscription. You do not want a PS+ subscription to play FFXIV on PS4 or PS5.

Transferring over to Swap 2, FFXIV doesn’t require a paid Nintendo Swap On-line subscription, but it surely does have its personal added subscription value. In case you play FFXIV on PS5/PS4/PC/Xbox already, you should purchase the Swap 2 FFXIV subscription at half the worth, however you may solely do that by way of FFXIV Cash bought on the eShop. Sq. Enix has made this extra complicated than it needs to be, and I’ll try to preserve issues easy to cowl what you want relying on what platforms you play on or will play on:

• FFXIV solely on PS5/PS4/PC/Mac – You should buy a subscription utilizing the mogstation, use a recreation time card (has to match your account area) bought at retailers, or use Sq. Enix Crysta lined right here.
• FFXIV solely on Swap 2 – It’s essential purchase XIV Cash by way of the eShop after which buy the subscription.
• FFXIV solely on Xbox Sequence – It’s essential purchase XIV Cash by way of the Microsoft Retailer after which buy the subscription. You want Xbox Recreation Cross Core (beforehand Xbox Reside Gold) when enjoying on Xbox.
• FFXIV solely on Steam – You should buy your subscription via Steam, however it’s also possible to use the 60 day time playing cards so long as you redeem them on Mogstation from a browser and never by way of the shopper on Steam. 
• FFXIV on PS5/PS4/PC/Mac and Xbox Sequence – You should buy a subscription utilizing the mogstation, use a recreation time card (has to match your account area) bought at retailers, or use Sq. Enix Crysta lined right here.  You want Xbox Recreation Cross Core (beforehand Xbox Reside Gold) when enjoying on Xbox.
• FFXIV on PS5/PS4/PC/Mac and Swap 2 – You should buy a subscription utilizing the mogstation, use a recreation time card (has to match your account area) bought at retailers, or use Sq. Enix Crysta lined right here. Along with this, you’ll want to purchase XIV Cash on the eShop and purchase the Swap 2 sub at half worth. 
• FFXIV on Xbox Sequence and Swap 2 – It’s essential purchase the Xbox subscription utilizing XIV Cash on Xbox after which get the XIV Cash on the Swap 2 eShop to get that sub at half worth. You want Xbox Recreation Cross Core (beforehand Xbox Reside Gold) when enjoying on Xbox.
• FFXIV on PS5/PS4/PC/Mac, Xbox, and Swap 2 – You should buy a subscription utilizing the mogstation, use a recreation time card (has to match your account area) bought at retailers, or use Sq. Enix Crysta lined right here. Along with this, you’ll want to purchase XIV Cash on the eShop and purchase the Swap 2 sub at half worth. You want Xbox Recreation Cross Core (beforehand Xbox Reside Gold) when enjoying on Xbox.

Mainly if you wish to play on Swap 2 along with some other model, it prices you 50% of a subscription on prime of the complete worth subscription. In case you play on Xbox Sequence, you additionally want Xbox Recreation Cross Core (beforehand Xbox Reside Gold). 

Be aware: The one factor I am not 100% positive about proper now, and will not be capable to confirm till a couple of month from now, is whether or not XIV Cash purchased on Swap 2 can be utilized for both subscription or if they’re restricted to simply the Swap 2 model. XIV Cash on Microsoft Retailer can solely be used for the Xbox model as detailed right here.

Which is the very best model of Closing Fantasy XIV in 2026?

This will depend on whether or not you need to play at residence in your TV/monitor or on the go together with a transportable. Be aware that I do not use mods or plugins so can not touch upon these. The PC, PS5, and Xbox Sequence X variations ship the very best visible expertise, however you want to bear in mind the added Xbox Recreation Cross Core subscription wanted for that model. The console variations assist keyboard and mouse enter as properly in order that is not a difficulty. The Swap 2 model is truthfully disappointing docked given the shimmering and decrease high quality graphics in comparison with enjoying the PS5 or Xbox variations at 1080p. The Swap 2 model is not a foul approach to play Closing Fantasy XIV, however I do not advocate it except you don’t have any different choice.

Transferring over to transportable, I believe that is the place Closing Fantasy XIV shines on Swap 2. It’s strong, however a bit conservative in comparison with how it’s on Steam Deck and ROG Ally. I did not anticipate 60fps, however I hoped for higher visuals. The touchscreen positively helps, however that is laborious to advocate in the event you already play on PC handhelds since these have extra buttons and enter choices (particularly on Steam Deck) and you’ll play these along with your present subscription as a substitute of paying the added Swap 2 Closing Fantasy XIV subscription (50% off for present energetic subscribers). 

Closing Fantasy XIV on Swap 2 is a strong pickup and play model of the sport with the least friction to really getting in-game. It additionally has a quicker preliminary load than PC handhelds and allows you to play instantly with out having to sort your password and one time password each single time. Which may not matter to some, however it’s positively annoying sufficient for me to say it. I additionally admire the HD rumble implementation on Swap 2 which is rather a lot higher than the missing rumble on Deck. If the extra subscription does not trouble you, that is a simple advice for transportable play, however I hope Sq. Enix improves the docked expertise. 

In case you play solely on TV or a monitor and on consoles, remember that VRR helps rather a lot in a recreation like this in the event you play with the 120hz choice enabled in your console. I haven’t got VRR on PS5 or PS5 Professional, so the Xbox model is definitely higher in that regard on my setup. If in case you have VRR and personal a PS5 Professional, simply the console brute forcing the PS5 construct helps rather a lot as I lined in my PS5 Professional impressions.

What I need fastened in Closing Fantasy XIV on Swap 2

Along with hopefully optimizing the sport extra to doubtlessly supply the next high quality expertise docked, I hope to see no less than 4K and 1440p UI choices added for docked play. Being compelled to 1080p is disappointing. I additionally hope we see extra mouse assist added as AustinSV lined in his video going over mouse assist on Closing Fantasy XIV console and extra. Past that, DLSS assist can be nice because it appears prefer it does not use it in any respect proper now and the PC model does assist DLSS. We have seen video games patch in DLSS later like Fallout 4 and I hope that occurs right here as properly. Perhaps Sq. Enix was a bit conservative with the hand held expertise to avoid wasting on battery life, however I hope we see the next high quality choice added for individuals who need it. 

As somebody who performs FFXIV on every part I’ve entry to, I’ll positively preserve enjoying it on Swap 2 handheld alongside different units. I’ll revisit the port docked every time we get any updates to deal with the way it appears and runs there. I additionally sit up for checking it out natively on AYN Thor sooner or later for one more article. 

Closing Fantasy XIV is now out there on Nintendo Swap 2, Xbox Sequence, PS5, PS4, Steam, PC, and Mac. Closing Fantasy XIV: Evercold launches in January 2027 for a similar platforms.