Square Enix is still discussing how to release Final Fantasy VII Revelation at retail, with director Naoki Hamaguchi pushing for some form of physical edition despite concerns about the game’s expected size.
The final chapter of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy is planned for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch 2. However, the publisher has not yet confirmed the full selection of physical and digital products that will be available at launch.
Hamaguchi said internal discussions are continuing and that no final decision has been made. He is working to ensure that players can buy something resembling a physical edition, although that may not mean the entire game will be stored on a traditional disc or cartridge.
Possible formats include a standard disc, a boot disc that begins an installation, a box containing a download code, or a Nintendo Switch 2 game key card. Each option has different limits, and the final format may vary between platforms.
Storage limits could determine the retail format
The main challenge appears to be the amount of data required for the game. Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth both shipped on two PlayStation discs, and Revelation is expected to contain the largest world in the trilogy.
Each platform also has its own storage rules and technical requirements. PlayStation and Xbox discs have fixed capacity limits, while Nintendo Switch 2 game key cards and other physical formats follow different restrictions.
Square Enix must decide how to distribute a large game without making the physical edition too expensive or requiring an unreasonable download.
| Possible format | Main advantage | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Full game on discs | Offers the closest option to traditional physical ownership | The complete game may require several discs |
| Boot disc | Provides a physical product and begins installation | A large download may still be necessary |
| Download code in a box | Simple and cheaper to manufacture | Does not contain a playable physical copy |
| Switch 2 game key card | Maintains a retail product for Nintendo’s system | Storage and download requirements may remain |
| Digital edition | Avoids physical storage restrictions | Does not meet demand from physical collectors |
Manufacturing several discs would increase production, packaging, and shipping costs. Square Enix would also need to consider whether those additional expenses should affect the game’s retail price.
Hamaguchi said the team wants to find an option that comes as close as possible to what players expect. More information will be shared after the company completes its discussions with platform holders.
Revelation’s expanded world may require more storage
The game’s size is likely to grow because Revelation will revisit and expand locations introduced in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
The Grasslands region provides one example. It was already a large area in Rebirth, but the final game will change how players move through it. Chocobos will be able to fly, opening routes and locations that were previously inaccessible.
The arrival of Meteor will also affect familiar regions. Existing areas will reflect the crisis facing the world, with new quests showing how residents respond to the approaching threat.
These changes are intended to make returning locations feel different rather than simply repeating content from the previous game. However, expanded terrain, additional missions, new dialogue, larger environments, and more detailed assets will increase the total installation size.
The Highwind airship is also expected to transform exploration. Giving players greater freedom to travel between regions may require Square Enix to connect and expand areas that were more separated in Rebirth.
Physical games are becoming less common
The discussion comes as more publishers shift toward digital distribution. Digital sales now represent most game purchases for several major companies, reducing the commercial importance of manufacturing discs.
Some retail releases already contain only a code, while other games require large downloads even when a disc is included. These formats allow publishers to keep products in stores while avoiding the cost of placing the complete game on physical media.
Hamaguchi still believes physical products will continue to exist in some form. His comments suggest that Square Enix understands the importance of physical editions to collectors and long time Final Fantasy fans.
However, a box containing a code would not provide the same ownership benefits as a complete disc. It could not normally be resold after activation, and access would depend on the continued availability of platform accounts and download servers.
Square Enix has not confirmed which format it will use. The final decision will depend on storage capacity, platform rules, manufacturing expenses, and the total size of the completed game.
A proper physical edition remains possible, but fitting the largest game in the trilogy into a practical retail package may be one of the final production challenges facing Final Fantasy VII Revelation.
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