Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Releases Aerith Character Introduction Video Ahead of Switch 2 Launch

Square Enix has unveiled a new character introduction video spotlighting Aerith Gainsborough ahead of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade's launch on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S. The video is designed to help newcomers understand who Aerith is and her role in the story before diving into the remake.

Who is Aerith Gainsborough?

Aerith is one of the most beloved characters in gaming history and serves as one of the central figures in Final Fantasy VII. She is the last surviving member of the Cetra, an ancient race with a deep spiritual connection to the planet and its Lifestream, the life force that connects all living things.

Born to Ifalna, a pure-blooded Cetra, and Gast Faremis, a human scientist, Aerith is half-Cetra, half-human. Her life took a tragic turn when she was just 28 days old. Professor Hojo, the head of Shinra's Science Research Division, tracked down her father and killed him, then captured Aerith and her mother. The two spent seven years as test subjects in Shinra's laboratories before managing to escape. Ifalna was mortally wounded during their escape and only made it as far as the train station in Sector 7, where she entrusted her daughter to a kind stranger named Elmyra Gainsborough.

Raised by her adoptive mother in the slums of Sector 5, Aerith grew up to become a flower seller. Despite Midgar's harsh, polluted environment where nothing should grow, Aerith's connection to the planet allows her to cultivate beautiful flowers. Her church in the Sector 5 slums houses a thriving garden, a small miracle in the otherwise desolate city.

Shinra has kept a close eye on Aerith throughout her entire life. As the last Cetra, she possesses the unique ability to hear the voice of the planet, making her invaluable to the corporation's schemes. Players first encounter Aerith on the streets of Midgar after Cloud's mission to bomb Mako Reactor 1, setting in motion one of gaming's most memorable storylines.

For more Final Fantasy news, see Final Fantasy's 38th Anniversary celebration.

Game Information

Now Coming to Switch 2 and Xbox

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade launches on Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S on January 22, 2026. The game has been available on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, but this marks its first appearance on Nintendo and Xbox platforms.

The complete package includes two narratives: the main remake covering Cloud's escape from Midgar, plus the INTERmission episode featuring the ninja Yuffie Kisaragi. A Game Boost feature allows players to customize their difficulty, including options for permanent full HP/MP and maximum damage output for those who want to experience the story without combat challenges.

The standard edition is priced at ¥5,478, while the Digital Deluxe Edition costs ¥7,101. A free demo is available with save data that transfers to the full version. Early digital purchasers who buy before January 31 will receive the original Final Fantasy VII as a bonus. Physical copies for Switch 2 include a Magic: The Gathering booster pack.

Square Enix is also running a collaboration with Tokaido Shinkansen in Nagoya featuring voice dramas and digital stamp rallies through April 15, 2026. For another iconic Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake also brings classic JRPG storytelling to modern platforms.