The Final Fantasy series is one of the most iconic and beloved in the gaming world, known for its epic stories, memorable characters, and stunning visuals. But what if the series had continued to primarily release titles on Nintendo platforms, instead of branching out to other consoles? How would the series have been different?

One thing is for certain, the series would have had a much different audience. Nintendo has a reputation for catering to a more family-friendly crowd, and this would have likely influenced the tone of the series. We may have seen a more light-hearted and whimsical approach to the stories and characters, rather than the darker and more mature themes that have become synonymous with the series.

Additionally, by continuing to primarily release titles on Nintendo platforms, Square Enix would have been able to tap into the unique audience that Nintendo attracts. The Nintendo Switch has outsold its competitors this generation, and has a strong fan base that values immersive and innovative gameplay experiences. By focusing on this audience, Square Enix could have potentially attracted a different demographic, who may have appreciated the fantastical worlds and characters of the Final Fantasy series in a different way. This could have led to a more diverse fan base and potentially even more success for the series.

As the Nintendo Switch continues to dominate the current console generation, it’s worth considering the unique audience that Nintendo has been able to cultivate over the years. The Switch’s success can be attributed in part to its ability to appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers, offering a wide range of titles that cater to different playstyles and preferences.

Nintendo has always been known for their family-friendly and approachable games, with titles like Super Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon being household names even among non-gamers. These franchises have been able to capture the hearts of both children and adults, making them a staple in many households.

On the other hand, the Switch also boasts a strong selection of more hardcore titles, such as the Dark Souls series, Doom, and The Witcher 3. These games have been able to attract a more mature audience, and the Switch’s portability has made it easier for these players to take their games on the go and play at their own convenience.

In addition to catering to both casual and hardcore gamers, the Switch has also been able to attract a diverse audience. Its portability has made it a hit among commuters, while its ability to play both at home and on the go has made it a favorite among busy adults and parents. The Switch’s unique design has also made it accessible to gamers with disabilities, who have previously been limited by traditional console design.

All of these factors have contributed to the Switch’s massive success and have solidified Nintendo’s position as a major player in the gaming industry. As the Final Fantasy series continues to evolve and expand, it’s worth considering how the series may have turned out differently if it had continued to primarily release titles on Nintendo platforms. With the Switch’s diverse audience and wide range of titles, it’s possible that the series may have been able to reach even more players and gain even more popularity.

Additionally, the series would have likely had a different visual style. Nintendo’s hardware has always been less powerful than its competitors, and this would have forced the series to rely more on 2D sprites and less on the stunning 3D graphics that have become a staple of the series.

However, there are also potential benefits to the series releasing primarily on Nintendo platforms. The series would have likely seen a much stronger connection with its audience, as Nintendo has always had a strong community of dedicated fans. Additionally, the series would have had a much stronger presence in the gaming world, as Nintendo has always been a major player in the industry.

Overall, while it’s impossible to say for certain how the series would have turned out if it had continued to primarily release titles on Nintendo platforms, it’s clear that it would have been a very different series. The Final Fantasy series has had a storied history, and it’s fascinating to think about how things could have been different.