On Tuesday, storied game studio Square Enix released a free demo for its hit sequel, FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox systems. Starting now, fans can use their new Nintendo handhelds as well as Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Play Anywhere, and Xbox on PC to join platinum blond series protagonist Cloud Strife in Chapters 1 and 2. With the free demo, players can kick off campaigns today and carry demo progress into the full game when it drops on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
The game’s first chapter follows a young Strife and Sephiroth as they work to uncover the cause behind monsters in the former’s hometown. In Chapter 2, Strife and the gang explore the Grasslands region and engage in exciting side quests, battle baddies, locate treasures, and more. According to Square Enix’s latest news release, fans can also “[t]ake advantage of new ‘Streamlined Progression’ features that allow players to focus on the story, such as unlimited HP and MP, always-full ATB gauge and easier weapon ability acquisition.”
Eager players can pre-order Digital and Physical Editions of FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH to unlock special bonuses. Gamers who pre-order the Standard Digital will secure the Magic Pot Summoning Materia, Accessory: Reclaimant Choker, Armor: Orchid Bracelet, a slick digital artbook, and mini-soundtrack. Get the Digital Deluxe and nab all Standard goodies plus the Moogle Trio Summoning Materia, Posh Chocobo Summoning Materia, Armor: Shinra Bangle Mk. II, and Armor: Midgar Bangle Mk. II.
Pick up the FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Nintendo Switch 2 Physical Edition for one Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY Zack Fair card featuring exclusive variant art from studio artist and designer Tetsuya Nomura.
Between this and Saturday’s Square Enix announcement, FINAL FANTASY fans are likely kicking their heels. Over the weekend, the game studio announced it would open themed cafes in Los Angeles, California, and Shinjuku, Tokyo, sometime this spring. The former, operated by J-Pop Culture Cafe Inc., will be the first cafe of its kind in the United States. Fans in The Golden State — or those willing to travel — can check out the new cafe when it opens at 316 E 1st St., Los Angeles, California 90012 sometime this spring.
Ready to join Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and Red XIII in a daring Midgar escape? Nintendo Switch 2 users can download the free Final Fantasy VII Rebirth demo via the Nintendo eShop; Xbox gamers can find the JRPG demo on the Microsoft Store.
