Final Fantasy 7 Remake Director Addresses Xbox Memory Challenges and Multiplatform Development
Introduction
The development of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 is progressing smoothly despite significant challenges posed by hardware limitations, particularly on the Xbox platform. Director Naoki Hamaguchi reveals insights into how Square Enix manages the complex process of developing for multiple platforms simultaneously without compromising quality.
Xbox’s Memory Limitation: A Notable Challenge
Naoki Hamaguchi, the director overseeing the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, shared in a recent Easy Allies interview at TGS 2025 that while development across platforms is mostly smooth, the Xbox version presents memory constraints that have proven troublesome.
Specifically, Hamaguchi noted that the Xbox Series S has a “lack of memory” compared to other platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. This limitation necessitates additional optimization efforts to ensure stable gameplay and a quality experience for Xbox users.
This concern echoes sentiments expressed by other developers, including EA’s technical director Christian Buhl, who recently described the Xbox Series S as having “less memory than even our mid-spec PC,” leading to frequent in-game crashes during development of titles like Battlefield 6. This highlights a broader hardware challenge impacting developers across the industry when targeting the lower-tier Xbox console.
Key Points on Xbox Memory Constraints
- Xbox Series S memory is less than comparable PCs, complicating game optimization.
- Developers often face crashes and stability issues on Xbox Series S.
- Higher-end consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X offer more development flexibility.
Square Enix’s Multiplatform Development Strategy
Despite these hardware challenges, Hamaguchi reassures fans that Square Enix’s strategy for developing Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 remains unaffected. The company employs designated development teams for each platform, ensuring their multiplatform approach does not interfere with the quality or progress of the game.
Work is currently well underway on the Nintendo Switch 2 port of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the second installment originally released in 2024. Hamaguchi expressed enthusiasm about the Switch 2 and Steam Deck, highlighting their growing capabilities which are now edging closer to those of major home consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Benefits of Square Enix’s Multiplatform Approach
- Dedicated teams focus on platform-specific optimization.
- Maintains high performance standards across diverse hardware.
- Supports a broad audience by covering consoles and handheld devices.
- Enhances flexibility in addressing platform-specific limitations.
Comparative Hardware and Market Trends
Recent industry analysis underscores the increasing disparity between the various hardware types developers must accommodate. For example, the Xbox Series S, with its limited 10GB of VRAM compared to 16GB on the Series X, constrains textures and graphical fidelity. This often leads developers to make compromises to maintain performance and stability.
Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch 2, officially announced to launch in late 2025 or early 2026, aims to bridge handheld convenience with improved performance, reportedly featuring a custom NVIDIA GPU and up to 8GB of RAM—comparable to mid-tier PC gaming laptops. Nintendo Life reports on these hardware specs pointing to powerful handheld gaming experiences.
Conclusion
In summary, while Xbox hardware — especially the Xbox Series S — presents inherent memory challenges that complicate game development, Square Enix’s disciplined multiplatform development strategy ensures that Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 continues to progress seamlessly. Dedicated teams for each platform allow the company to optimize the game effectively without compromise.
Moreover, the advancements in handheld hardware such as the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck demonstrate the evolving landscape of gaming platforms, where performance parity is rapidly improving. This trend offers exciting opportunities for players across devices to enjoy high-quality gaming experiences.
Further Reading
- Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 development update
- Battlefield 6 Xbox Series S memory issues
- Nintendo Switch 2 rumored hardware specs
Image credit: Square Enix
