The news that Final Fantasy 14 is coming to Switch 2 is a massive win for handheld MMO fans, but it arrives with a significant hurdle. While moving away from the PlayStation 4 toward a more portable experience sounds ideal, players will have to navigate a new and somewhat frustrating payment structure.
The Subscription Catch for Final Fantasy 14 on Switch 2
During the game's recent North American Fan Festival, Square Enix CEO Takashi Kiryu officially announced the expansion to Nintendo's next-gen hardware. However, Kiryu also clarified that the subscription model for this version will deviate from the current standard.
While players can use a standard subscription on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, the Nintendo Switch 2 requires a distinct, dedicated subscription just for that console. While the prospect of Final Fantasy 14 coming to Switch 2 is exciting, this separate requirement is the major caveat currently dividing the community.
Pricing Perks and Subscription Details
There is some good news for those looking to mitigate the extra cost. Square Enix has introduced several ways for players to save on the new console-specific tier:
- Players do not need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play the game.
- Existing Final Fantasy XIV subscribers can get the Switch 2 subscription for 50% less.
- Users with an active PC, Xbox, or PlayStation subscription will also receive a 50% discount on their Switch 2 subscription.
Why is a Separate Subscription Required?
The decision to implement a unique billing method was not made lightly by the development team. Naoki Yoshida, the director of Final Fantasy XIV, noted that the move followed extensive negotiations with Nintendo.
"After discussions with Nintendo, it was decided that the Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy XIV would require a separate subscription," Yoshida explained. "This was decided after many months of discussions with Nintendo and we understand this is different to how we've done things before."
