Games

Square Enix fixes the FF7 eShop bug—Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade pre-orders now open

13 October 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
9 min.
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Square Enix fixes the FF7 eShop bug—Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade pre-orders now open

Summary:

Square Enix has confirmed that the Nintendo eShop issue preventing some players who purchased the original Final Fantasy VII remaster from pre-ordering Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2 has been resolved. That’s good news if you were locked out; you can now proceed with your pre-order and choose between the standard and Digital Deluxe options, plus a limited early purchase edition in certain regions. We walk through how to verify your eligibility, what each edition includes, and why storage planning matters more than ever due to the Game Key Card format on Switch 2. We also touch on performance expectations, practical differences between digital and physical, and a simple troubleshooting checklist if the eShop still gives you grief. Finally, we step through the resolution timeline and what this moment means for broader third-party support on Nintendo’s latest hardware. If you’ve been waiting to lock in Intergrade on Switch 2, you now have a clear path forward—and a few smart pointers to make launch week smoother.

Nintendo eShop Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VII Remake fix

The roadblock was simple but frustrating: players who had previously purchased the original Final Fantasy VII remaster on Nintendo Switch found themselves unable to pre-order Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the Nintendo eShop. Square Enix has now confirmed that the underlying cause has been addressed, removing the block and opening pre-orders to eligible accounts. Why does that matter? Because it ensures the transition from the classic remaster to the modern reimagining is seamless on Switch 2, and it restores confidence that your purchase history won’t penalize you when new releases arrive. For many, this also ends a week of mixed messaging, stray error codes, and worry about missing early purchase windows. With the fix in place, we can focus on the fun parts: locking in the edition that fits, planning storage, and preparing for launch day without having to wrestle the store.

How to check eligibility and place your pre-order

Start by confirming you are signed into the same Nintendo Account that owns your original FF7 remaster purchase. Head to the Nintendo eShop on your Switch 2 (or the web storefront) and search for “Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade.” If the issue is truly resolved on your account, the page should present standard pre-order options without any warnings tied to your previous purchase. If you see the listing, add the version you want to your cart and proceed with the normal checkout flow. On web, ensure your region matches the console’s region to avoid price or availability discrepancies. It’s worth giving the purchase page a slow scan for edition labels and any small print around early purchase perks or bundles to avoid accidental duplicate purchases—especially if you’re eyeing Deluxe options that package extra digital items alongside the base release.

Release timing, editions, and what each version includes

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is slated to arrive on Nintendo Switch 2 with the same Intergrade content package players know—Remake plus the INTERmission episode. Regions may also list a limited early purchase edition window and a separate Digital Deluxe Edition that folds in bonus digital items. The early purchase edition can include access to the original Final Fantasy VII as a limited-time add-on in certain listings, while the Digital Deluxe Edition bundles cosmetic or soundtrack extras on top of the base game. If you prefer physical, note that the Switch 2 release uses the Game Key Card format for Intergrade, which impacts how you install and where the game data lives. That difference doesn’t change the edition perks themselves, but it will influence how you prep your storage before launch day.

Bonuses and regional notes players often miss

Edition language sometimes varies between regions, so read the fine print on your local eShop product page. You may find a limited early purchase window clock that specifies when bundled items—like the original FF7 download—remain available. Likewise, the Digital Deluxe Edition often carries a warning to “avoid duplicate purchases” if multiple bundles overlap. If you’re importing or shopping across regions, remember that DLC and bonus content typically follow the region of purchase, not the region of your console. That means sticking to your primary region is the safest way to ensure every bonus, soundtrack, or cosmetic item attaches correctly to your account and downloads without drama.

If you own the original FF7 on Switch: what you should know

Owning the original remaster is no longer a barrier. With the fix rolled out, your history of purchasing the 2019 release should not block you from pre-ordering Intergrade. That said, it’s smart to verify that your original FF7 license appears under “Redownload” or “Purchased” in your account’s software list; it helps confirm you’re on the right account before you checkout for Intergrade. If your account holds both the remaster and other FF7-related items, take an extra moment to ensure the listing you add is specifically “Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade” for Switch 2, not a soundtrack or legacy item that happens to surface in search. Clear naming helps, but avoiding a mis-click saves you a support ticket later.

Game Key Card format and storage planning on Switch 2

Physical buyers will encounter the Game Key Card: a box with a card that redeems a license to download the full game to internal storage or microSD. The practical upshot is that you’ll need adequate available space and a stable connection to pull down the full install. Intergrade is a large release, and while sizes can vary by region and patch, planning for tens of gigabytes is sensible. If you’re new to Switch 2, consider a high-performance microSD card—preferably one that meets or exceeds Nintendo’s recommended specs for fast asset streaming. That helps smooth streaming-heavy sequences and keeps loading times reasonable. The Game Key Card does not store the game data itself, so treat it like a durable receipt and keep it safe with other important codes.

Expected performance targets and version differences to consider

On Switch 2, developers have been vocal about how media speed and storage bandwidth inform the experience. While exact frame-rate and resolution targets can shift with patches, the takeaway is clear: using fast storage is part of getting the best feel from a large, modern release. Intergrade’s core content remains the same across platforms, but Switch 2’s hybrid nature means you’ll likely weigh docked clarity against handheld convenience. If you’ve played on other systems, expect similar content and features, with platform-specific technical trade-offs. As always, keeping your system firmware and game fully updated is one of the easiest ways to benefit from ongoing optimization.

Digital vs. physical on Switch 2: which one suits you better

Digital is straightforward: you pay, pre-load when available, and play at launch without juggling a box. Physical gives you a shelf item and the fun of a boxed release—but because Intergrade uses a Game Key Card, you still download the full title. If you value instant access and zero packaging, digital wins. If you enjoy collecting boxes or want retailer bonuses, physical has appeal despite the identical download step. Either way, plan your storage; both routes ultimately live on your console or microSD, and both benefit from faster media. If you’re tight on space, archive a few smaller titles temporarily to make room for Intergrade’s installation.

Troubleshooting: if the eShop still won’t let you pre-order

First, confirm you’re on the correct Nintendo Account and region. Next, fully close and relaunch the eShop, or power cycle the console to refresh your session. If you originally bought FF7 on a different account tied to the same system, switch to that account for the Intergrade pre-order. On the web, clear cache or try a private window to eliminate stale cookies. If the store page still throws up a barrier, check the official series feed or your region’s eShop product page for maintenance notices. As a last resort, contact Nintendo Support with your transaction history and any error codes. Include the date you purchased FF7 remaster and a screenshot of the current Intergrade listing; that shortens back-and-forth and speeds resolution.

Timeline of the bug and Square Enix’s resolution

The flow was quick: reports surfaced that owners of the original FF7 remaster couldn’t pre-order Intergrade on Switch 2. Shortly afterward, Square Enix acknowledged the situation and stated that a fix was being deployed. Once live, players began confirming that pre-orders were accessible again, and the official messaging shifted to “issue resolved, pre-orders open.” That clarity helped calm concerns around early purchase windows and Deluxe bundles, while also signaling that the publisher and platform holder were aligned on addressing store logic conflicts tied to prior purchases. The lesson for us: when a listing behaves oddly, give it a day, then retry after an official note confirms a fix has rolled out.

What this signals for third-party support on Switch 2

Bumps happen during a platform’s ramp-up, especially when publishers balance big cross-platform releases with new storefront logic and media formats. The swift resolution here is promising: it shows coordination between Square Enix and the eShop team, and it clears the runway for a high-profile January launch. It also highlights why storage speed and format choices—like Game Key Cards—are central topics for large-scale releases on Switch 2. We’re seeing major publishers ship ambitious projects with transparent notes about installation needs, edition overlaps, and pre-purchase windows. The result is a healthier pipeline where expectations are set early and fixes arrive quickly when wrinkles appear.

Final prep checklist before launch day

Double-check your edition, confirm your payment method, and ensure your storage is ready. If pre-loading opens ahead of launch, grab it as soon as possible so you’re not stuck waiting on a giant download when servers are busiest. Keep your console docked or near a charger during the install, and avoid heavy network use elsewhere in your home to maximize throughput. Finally, skim your platform’s patch notes the week of release to catch any last-minute improvements or bug fixes. A few small steps now save a lot of frustration later—and make day one feel smooth, not stressful.

Bonuses and retailer extras worth noting

Depending on your region, retailers and the publisher’s own store may offer small perks with physical pre-orders. These bonuses are usually cosmetic, collectible, or promotional and don’t affect gameplay. If you care about snagging something exclusive, shop early and read the listing details closely. Offers are often “while supplies last,” and the most attractive extras tend to disappear fastest. If none of the physical trimmings matter to you, the digital route keeps everything clean and consolidated under your account with zero packaging to manage.

Account region, age ratings, and parental controls

Before launch, confirm your account region matches the store you intend to buy from and that your age rating settings or parental controls won’t block a timed unlock. These settings occasionally cause confusion on busy release days, especially if multiple users share the same console. Aligning regions and verifying permissions beforehand keeps your countdown smooth and avoids late-night troubleshooting when you’d rather be exploring Midgar.

Conclusion

With the eShop issue resolved, nothing stands between you and a Switch 2 pre-order of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade except choosing the edition and prepping your storage. We’ve seen how to verify eligibility, why fast storage matters with Game Key Cards, and what to do if the store still throws a wobble. Now it’s about setting yourself up for an easy launch: pick your version, make room on your system, and keep an eye out for pre-load timing. When the doors open, you’ll be ready to step back into a reimagined classic on hardware built for modern, on-the-go play.

FAQs
  • Does owning the original FF7 remaster still block pre-orders?
    • No. The issue has been fixed, and eligible accounts can now pre-order Intergrade on Switch 2 without that conflict.
  • Is the physical version a full cartridge?
    • No. It uses a Game Key Card that redeems a license; you download the full game to internal storage or microSD.
  • How much storage should I plan for?
    • Plan for a very large install and leave extra headroom for patches. A fast microSD is recommended for performance and convenience.
  • What’s the difference between the standard and Digital Deluxe editions?
    • The Deluxe typically includes extra digital items like cosmetics or soundtrack content; check your regional listing for exact details and to avoid duplicate purchases.
  • I still can’t pre-order. What now?
    • Verify account/region, relaunch the eShop, try the web store, and gather error codes. If the problem persists, contact Support with screenshots and your purchase history.
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