One of the most popular RPGs ever, Final Fantasy 7 has seen a sizable number of ports since its initial release. From its original release to the recent Final Fantasy 7 Remake, there have been ten different versions of the game released. There's also a fan-made Final Fantasy 7 on NES, though it is not exactly a viable way to experience the whole of what the game has to offer. Nearly all of these versions have their own features, glitches, and platform-specific perks.
In the past, Square Enix seemed to be a bit stingy about porting their games to newer consoles. But with the last console generation, Square Enix's whole library, specifically the Final Fantasy series, found its way to nearly every console, as well as Steam and mobile. With ports of the game everywhere and a different idea for a remake with Final Fantasy 7 Remake, finding which version to play can be difficult.
With nine versions for players to choose from, there are clear advantages and disadvantages to each platform. Since FF7 Remake's Intermission DLC sets up a sequel, it's as good of a time as any to experience the original game. With quite a few different ways to experience it in the modern era, here are the different versions of Final Fantasy 7, ranked.
#10 - Final Fantasy 7's Original 1998 PC Port Is The Worst Version
It's not a very accessible version anymore, but the original PC version of Final Fantasy 7 is known for being the worst version of the game. Coming on four discs, this version was released in June 1998. Some things are improved, but there are translation errors, downscaled cutscenes, and even a game-breaking bug stopping players from playing Chocobo races. Overall, even if players could get their hands on this version, it's really not worth the effort.
#9 - Final Fantasy 7 On Mobile Isn't The Best
Initially released in 2016, Final Fantasy 7 for iOS and Android mobile isn't an optimal way to enjoy the game. There is hope for a good mobile version with Final Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis launching in September, but as it currently stands the mobile version of FF7 is not a good way to enjoy the classic RPG.
While portability sounds fantastic and is a great advantage, it's not worth the cost of other issues the ports have. Years after launch, lag, crashes, and other glitches are frequent, not to mention the ugly transparent buttons all over the user interface. This mobile version is one to steer clear of.
#8 - Final Fantasy 7's Original Version On PlayStation Is A Good Port
The original version of Final Fantasy 7 on PlayStation isn't a bad way to enjoy the game. Experiencing the original version certainly has its charm. While there are ports that now have better features than the original PlayStation version, if you happen to have the game and your PlayStation readily available, you could do worse than playing the original version of Final Fantasy 7.
#7 - Final Fantasy 7's PlayStation Classic Version Is Good But Not Worth It
Coming with the PlayStation Classic, a plug-and-play console released by Sony in 2018, this version of Final Fantasy 7 isn't worth buying the console for. This port does have a save state feature and even uses the open button on the mini console to virtually change discs, a neat touch to bring it closer to the original. However, with the weak lineup of other PS Classic games and how hard the mini console is to come by now, it's not worth the trouble to play this version of the original game.
#6 - Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade Is Impressive On PS5
Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Intergrade is a fantastic version of Final Fantasy 7, but not the best way to experience the full story. Final Fantasy 7 Remake 2 could come soon, but right now the story that is presented by Remake is incomplete. For newcomers to FF7, Remake's more action-oriented gameplay could be appealing.
In addition, it serves as a great introduction to FF7's main characters that can heighten a player's appreciation for the original game. Yet despite all of this excellent content and impressive visuals, to get the full experience, playing an original version is highly recommended, especially given the ways that FF7 Remake plays with the original storyline.
#5 - Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade Shines On PC
The PC and PS5 versions of Intergrade are nearly identical, but PC gets a boost thanks to the customizable graphics settings and mod support. Graphics settings like HDR and mod-created ultrawide support make a great-looking game even greater. In addition, there are already plenty of fun mods for players to download and have fun with, including turning FF7 Remake into a perfect Sailor Moon game. That said, the same caveats about its story apply here as well.
#4 - Final Fantasy 7 On Xbox One/Xbox Series S/X Is Solid
With the rest of the entries in the list, players can't go wrong with any of them. All the modern console ports have modern features like triple speed, invincibility mode, and toggling random encounters on or off. However, some of the other modern consoles have advantages over the Xbox version that makes these versions of Final Fantasy 7 a bit weaker than other modern ports, as explained below, and Xbox consoles don't have access to Final Fantasy VII Remake either.
#3 - Final Fantasy 7 On PSN Is A Great Way To Play The Game
The PlayStation version of Final Fantasy 7 is pretty much the same as the Xbox version of the RPG classic but gets the edge for being around longer, and on more systems. The game, while not one of the classic PlayStation games coming to PS Plus, could make its way to the service soon. On the other hand, while FF7 used to be available on Xbox Game Pass, it has since been removed.
#2 - Final Fantasy 7 Via Steam Is One Of The Game's Best Versions
The Steam version of FF7 is pretty similar to the Xbox and PlayStation versions, but just as with Remake, mod support helps elevate this version above the console versions. Some great mod types include character model swaps, improved battle textures, and a remastered soundtrack. While there aren't any mods that make the game look quite like the FF7 Remake mod that reverts to isometric views, there are a great number of mods that can improve various parts of the game.
#1 - Final Fantasy 7 On Nintendo Switch Is Its Best Version
Final Fantasy 7 is a game that can currently be best experienced on the Nintendo Switch. With all the modern features like triple speed and the ability to turn off encounters, Final Fantasy 7 gets elevated to new heights when experienced on this console. Some games don't get much benefit from being on Nintendo's portable, but as a turn-based RPG that can have some grinding to it, FF7 is a perfect candidate for players to take on road trips, plane rides, or even just a quick break at the office. There isn't anything objectively better beyond the portability, but that flexibility can make a world of difference.
With so many different iterations of Final Fantasy 7, it can be hard to know which version is best. Ultimately, it's hard to go wrong with any modern console port. Final Fantasy 7 Remake, while a decent introduction to the characters, isn't exactly an optimal way to experience the main story, and with the original versions lacking the modern quality-of-life features the modern ports have, it's hard to recommend those at this point. Overall, if you own any modern console, they are all excellent places to dive into this timeless RPG. The top pick, even though the upcoming FF7 Ever Crisis remakes several games portably, the Nintendo Switch version of Final Fantasy 7 is currently the best way to experience this classic.