Games

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade: 90.3GB preload, storage planning, and smart cleanup

19 January 2026
Nintendo Switch 2
13 min.
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Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade: 90.3GB preload, storage planning, and smart cleanup

Summary:

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade arriving on Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a very modern surprise: the pre-load alone lands at 90.3GB. That number matters because it is not just “big for a handheld” big, it is “plan your storage before you press download” big. We are talking about a single game taking a huge bite out of the space we normally spread across a whole library. The good news is that we can handle it without turning our console into a stressful game of digital Tetris. It just takes a little strategy, like packing a suitcase for a long trip where you still want room for snacks.

We are going to walk through what Intergrade includes, why the download is so hefty, and how Nintendo Switch 2 storage works in real terms. From there, we will make space the easy way: checking what is installed, deciding what should be archived versus deleted, and making sure we do not accidentally erase something we will regret later. We will also look at microSD Express expansion, because on Switch 2 it is the difference between “one massive game at a time” and “we can keep our favorites installed without panic.” Finally, we will talk about what to do after we finish Intergrade. If we are the type who plays a story once and moves on, we can reclaim a ton of space quickly. If we like revisiting chapters or replaying fights, we can keep things tidy with a simple rotation system that keeps our library feeling roomy instead of cramped.

What the Final Fantasy VII Remake 90.3GB preload means on Nintendo Switch 2

The pre-load for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2 rolling out at 90.3GB is the kind of number that makes us sit up a little straighter. It is not a “maybe later” download – it is a “do we have room right now” download. If we treat it casually, we end up staring at a storage warning when we were hoping to stare at Midgar’s skyline. The main takeaway is simple: storage planning is part of the launch experience for this one. On Switch 2, big releases can feel a bit like moving into a new apartment. The place is nice, but if we bring every box we own, we are going to run out of floor space fast. The smartest move is deciding what needs to be unpacked right now and what can live in storage until we want it again.

Why Intergrade is a big download by design

Intergrade is not a tiny “touch-up” release. It is built as a premium version of Final Fantasy VII Remake, with upgrades and extra elements that naturally add weight. When we see a file size in the 90GB range on Switch 2, it usually points to a few familiar culprits working together: high-quality textures, lots of voiced scenes, large cinematic sequences, and the sheer density of modern action RPG assets. In other words, Intergrade is showing up with a full wardrobe, not just a weekend bag. The important thing is that this size is consistent with how this game exists on other platforms too, so the Switch 2 version is not doing something weird or unusual here. It is simply delivering a big-budget experience, and big-budget experiences tend to be heavy.

What is included in Intergrade in plain words

Intergrade includes the main Final Fantasy VII Remake experience that covers the story through Midgar, plus additional content that expands what we can play. That means we are not only getting the core adventure with Cloud and the crew, but also the extra episode content bundled into this edition. From a practical storage perspective, that bundle approach matters because it increases the overall footprint. We are not downloading “base game now, add-on later” as a separate decision. We are downloading the whole package. Think of it like ordering a meal that automatically comes with fries and a drink. It is a better deal, but it also takes up more space on the tray. If we were hoping for a slim install, Intergrade is not trying to be slim. It is trying to be the full experience in one place.

Quick reality check on download size versus installed size

When we see “90.3GB,” we should treat it as a real planning number, not a theoretical one. The download size tells us what we need available to pull the game onto the system, and the installed footprint is what will live on our storage afterward. For this release, official storage requirement ranges for the Switch 2 version have been communicated in the 90GB-plus range depending on edition, so the preload landing at 90.3GB fits right into that reality. The key point is that we should aim to have a comfortable buffer beyond the exact number. Not because we are guessing, but because consoles also need breathing room for system operations, updates, and save data. If we cut it too close, we create a situation where everything works until one patch arrives, and then we are back to playing musical chairs with our installs.

How much storage Nintendo Switch 2 really gives us

Nintendo Switch 2 ships with 256GB of internal storage, but we never get to treat that number like a completely empty closet. A portion is reserved for the system, which means our usable space is less than the headline figure. In practice, that is still a big improvement over earlier Switch models, but massive downloads like Intergrade can chew through it quickly. It is a little like buying a 256GB suitcase and then discovering the handle and wheels take up some room. The suitcase is still great, but we should pack with reality in mind. This is why the 90GB conversation matters so much: one game can take a huge slice of the internal space all by itself, and that changes how we think about keeping multiple big titles installed at once.

Internal storage basics and why it fills faster than expected

The tricky part about storage is that it disappears quietly. We install a few games here, a patch there, maybe some DLC, and suddenly we are doing math we did not plan to do. Intergrade makes that math unavoidable, because even with a strong internal drive, a 90GB-plus install can represent a large percentage of what we can actually use. That does not mean the console is failing us. It means modern games are simply larger than what handheld libraries were built around a few years ago. The best mindset is to treat internal storage like “fast access space” for our current rotation. Keep what we are actively playing installed. Keep what we are not playing either archived or deleted. If we do that, the console stays flexible, and big downloads stop feeling like emergencies.

microSD Express expansion and what matters when buying one

Nintendo Switch 2 is designed to use microSD Express cards for storage expansion, and it is important to take that “Express” part seriously. Regular microSD cards that worked in the original Switch family are not the same thing for Switch 2 storage expansion. With microSD Express, we are buying into faster read and write performance that is meant to keep games running smoothly. The practical benefit is simple: we gain room for huge downloads without constantly deleting favorites, and we can build a library that fits our habits. If we jump between games often, expanded storage is freedom. If we mostly play one game at a time, it is still helpful because it keeps the internal drive from feeling squeezed. Either way, choosing the right card is like choosing the right shelf space. We do not want something that technically fits but feels wobbly the moment we load it up.

Before we download: a practical space-making plan

Making room for Intergrade does not have to be dramatic. We do not need to wipe our library or start deleting things in a panic like we are defusing a bomb. The goal is to free enough space to download and install comfortably, while keeping our saves safe and our sanity intact. The easiest way to think about it is a simple “keep, pause, remove” checklist. Keep the games we are actively playing right now. Pause the ones we want to return to soon by archiving them. Remove the ones we are done with by deleting them if we are confident we will not reinstall soon. This is the same logic as cleaning a desk. We are not throwing away the whole office, we are just clearing the surface so we can actually work.

Check free space the right way before the preload starts

Before we do anything else, we should look at the console storage screen and get a clear read on how much space is free on internal storage and any microSD Express card we are using. This is where we avoid bad assumptions. A game icon on the home screen does not always mean the full install is present in the way we expect, and older installs may have grown over time thanks to updates. Once we know our true free space, we can compare it to the Intergrade preload number and decide how much we need to clear. The best approach is to aim for a buffer that keeps the system comfortable, not just barely functional. If we free space until we are hovering right around the minimum, we are setting ourselves up for frustration the moment an update needs room to land.

Archive, delete, or move: choosing the best option for each game

Archiving is the “pause button” option that keeps a game’s icon and save data while freeing the bulk of the installed software. It is perfect for games we love but are not actively playing this week. Deleting is the “clean break” option for games we are finished with, especially if we know we will not reinstall soon. Moving is the “shuffle the closet” option if we have both internal storage and microSD Express storage available, because it lets us prioritize what sits where. For a big download like Intergrade, a common smart move is to keep the current main game we are playing on internal storage and move older favorites to the card. That way, we get performance-friendly placement for what matters now, while still keeping our library accessible. It is less like losing games and more like reorganizing a bookshelf so the book we are reading is not buried under ten others.

Managing the preload and launch-day updates like a pro

Preloads are meant to reduce launch-day hassle, but they can still feel confusing if we expect them to behave like a single universal switch flipping on at the same time for everyone. In reality, rollout timing can vary by region and account, and that is why some people see the preload first while others are still waiting. The key is not to turn that into a stress spiral. If the preload is available, we grab it when we can and let it run. If it is not available yet, we focus on being storage-ready so we are not scrambling later. Also, we should remember that large modern releases often come with day-one updates or feature patches across platforms, so it is smart to keep a little extra space free beyond the initial download. That is not paranoia, it is just how big releases tend to work in 2026.

Why preloads roll out in waves and what to do if we cannot start yet

If we cannot start the preload immediately, the best move is to treat that time as preparation time, not wasted time. We can confirm our free space, update the system software, and make sure our storage expansion is set up correctly if we are using microSD Express. When the preload becomes available, we want it to be a smooth one-click start, not a last-minute scramble. It also helps to check that our console is set to download software updates automatically if we like that hands-off approach, or to keep things manual if we prefer full control. Either way, the goal is simple: when the gate opens, we are ready to walk through it without tripping over a storage error message. Nothing kills hype faster than feeling like we are negotiating with a hard drive instead of playing a game.

Keeping bandwidth under control at home while the download runs

A 90.3GB download is not just a storage event, it is a household internet event. If we start it at peak hours, we might notice streaming getting grumpy or other downloads slowing down. The simple solution is timing. If we can, we start the preload overnight or during a quieter window. If we share internet with others, we communicate like reasonable humans and pick a time that does not ruin anyone’s evening. On the console side, we keep it plugged in and stable so the download can finish without interruptions. It is also smart to avoid starting multiple massive downloads at once unless our connection can comfortably handle it. We do not need to turn our router into a stress test lab. We just want Intergrade ready to go, without the rest of our digital life feeling like it is stuck in traffic.

After we finish the game: keeping Switch 2 storage healthy

Once we roll credits, the storage conversation becomes way more fun because we get to make choices instead of compromises. If Intergrade is the kind of story we will replay, keep it installed and build around it. If it is a one-time journey for us, reclaiming that space can feel like opening a window in a room that was getting a little stuffy. The best part is that we do not need to decide forever. We can delete the install and reinstall later if we want to revisit it. The goal is to keep our console feeling light and ready, not clogged with installs we are not touching. Storage is like a kitchen counter. If it is covered in appliances we never use, cooking becomes annoying. If we keep only what we actually use, everything feels easy.

When deleting makes sense and when archiving is smarter

Deleting makes the most sense when we are confident we will not return soon. If we are done with the story, done with side content, and we know the next big release is already calling our name, deleting is a clean win. Archiving is smarter when we are on the fence. Maybe we want to replay a few chapters, chase a challenge, or keep it ready for a friend or family member to try. Archiving also helps if we like seeing our library laid out on the home screen without everything actually taking up space. The key is understanding that neither choice is “wrong.” The wrong move is keeping giant installs around out of guilt. Our console storage does not care about guilt. It only cares about space, and we should treat it like a practical resource we manage intentionally.

A simple rotation system for big games we love

If we regularly play large releases, we can make storage management almost effortless with a rotation system. Keep one or two big games installed as our active rotation, plus a handful of smaller favorites we always return to. When a new giant download arrives, we rotate one big game out by archiving or deleting it, and rotate the new one in. This keeps internal storage from becoming a chaotic pile, and it keeps decision-making simple because we are not reevaluating our entire library every time. We can also use microSD Express storage as our “bench,” where we keep games we might return to soon without crowding internal space. Think of it like a team roster. Not everyone plays every match, but the players we want available are still part of the squad.

What else to know about FF7 Remake Intergrade on Switch 2

Intergrade landing on Switch 2 is not happening in isolation. This release is arriving alongside other platform versions, and Square Enix has also confirmed an update schedule tied to that timing. That matters because it means Switch 2 players are getting the version of the game that fits into the wider release moment, rather than a forgotten side port that never gets attention. It also means we should expect feature parity in key areas that matter to how we play, especially if we care about options that make the experience more approachable. For many players, the best part of a modern release is not just visuals or performance, it is the feeling that the game meets us where we are. Whether we want the classic challenge or a smoother path through the story, the platform-wide approach signals that Square Enix wants more people to actually finish the ride, not just buy the ticket.

Streamlined Progression and the broader update arriving across platforms

Square Enix has confirmed that “Streamlined Progression” is arriving in a free update timed with the Switch 2 and Xbox launches, and that the same feature set is also coming to PlayStation 5 and PC via an update on the same date. In practical terms, that means Switch 2 players are not being treated like second-class citizens who get a watered-down package, and it also means the wider audience is getting consistent options. Streamlined Progression includes assist-style features that make it easier to push through combat and focus on the narrative momentum, which can be a big deal for players who love the story but do not want to bounce off difficulty spikes. The important takeaway is not “how powerful the assists are,” it is that the release window is designed to welcome more playstyles. That is great for newcomers, great for busy adults, and honestly great for anyone who wants to revisit Midgar without needing to sweat every fight.

Conclusion

The Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade preload hitting Nintendo Switch 2 at 90.3GB is a clear message: we are in an era where storage is part of the play experience. The good news is we can make it painless with a little preparation. We check our free space, decide what to archive versus delete, and consider microSD Express if we want our library to breathe. Then we let the preload run at a smart time, keep a buffer for updates, and enjoy the game without staring at warning screens. After we finish, we reclaim space the same way we created it, with intentional choices instead of panic taps. If we treat our Switch 2 like a living library that we curate, big downloads stop feeling like problems and start feeling like exciting arrivals. And when Midgar is calling, it is a lot more fun to answer with “ready” than “wait, what do you mean I am out of space?”

FAQs
  • How big is the Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade preload on Nintendo Switch 2?
    • The preload has been reported at 90.3GB, so we should plan our storage with that number in mind and keep extra free space for updates and system needs.
  • Do we really need microSD Express for Switch 2 storage expansion?
    • Yes, Nintendo Switch 2 is designed to be compatible with microSD Express for storage expansion, so if we want more room, we should shop specifically for microSD Express cards.
  • Should we delete games or archive them to make space?
    • Archiving is best when we want to keep the game in our library and reinstall later without losing saves, while deleting is best when we are confident we will not reinstall soon.
  • Will Intergrade take up most of our Switch 2 internal storage?
    • It can take a very large share of the usable internal storage, which is why it helps to plan a rotation of installs or expand storage so we are not forced into constant cleanups.
  • What should we do after finishing Intergrade if we want our space back?
    • If we do not plan to replay soon, deleting the install can free a huge amount of space quickly. If we might replay, archiving keeps things tidy while making reinstallation easy later.
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