Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Demo Launches on Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S

Image via Square Enix

Square Enix has released a free playable demo for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S, allowing more players to experience the game. The demo which will be available starting April 28, provides a generous slice of the upcoming RPG, giving fans several hours of gameplay before the full release on June 3.

The demo includes the first two chapters of the game which set the stage for the next installment in Cloud's journey. Players begin with the iconic Nibelheim flashback in which Cloud Strife and Sephiroth team up during one of the story's pivotal moments. From there, the story shifts to present-day events in Kalm, where the party has regrouped after escaping Midgar. The demo then changes to the Grasslands, which feature a mix of exploration, combat, and early side content.

Beyond the story, the demo demonstrates key gameplay systems such as Synergy Abilities in combat and an open-area design that expands the world beyond what players saw in Final Fantasy 7 Remake. There's also a "Streamlined Progression" option, which allows players to enable boosts such as unlimited HP and MP or a constantly filled ATB indicator for those who want to focus on the story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7LqPYxJYTs

Progress made in the demo is carried over to the full game giving players a head start when Rebirth launches. As an added incentive, those who play the demo will unlock bonus items such as the Kupo Charm, which increases material drops along with a Survival Set to help in early gameplay.

Pre-orders for the Switch 2 and Xbox versions are already available with a limited-time discount valid until June 10. The Standard Edition contains additional Summoning Materia and gear, whereas the Digital Deluxe Edition includes exclusive items such as a digital art book and mini soundtrack.

With Rebirth finally available on more platforms, Xbox and Nintendo players are catching up with PlayStation 5 users who first played the game in early 2024. The demo also provides an early look at how well the ambitious RPG performs on new hardware, including the Switch 2 where expectations are high after the previous game's solid but limited performance.

For anyone still unsure about jumping in, this demo offers a strong preview. It balances cinematic storytelling with open-world exploration, giving a clear sense of what makes Rebirth one of the most anticipated RPG releases of the year.