Prior to its launch, there was speculation that Final Fantasy 8 would get a physical release. Unfortunately for fans hoping to own a physical copy of the critically-acclaimed JRPG, that didn't actually come to pass. However, it looks like a physical version of Final Fantasy 8, packed in with a physical version of Final Fantasy 7, will be released on the Nintendo Switch later this year - with a catch.
The Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 8 Remastered Twin Pack is only releasing in Asian territories. Square Enix has not announced plans to release the physical versions of the game anywhere else. For those living in Asia or who are willing to import the game, Square Enix stopped short of revealing an exact release date, but the Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 8 Remastered Twin Pack should be available to purchase at some point in the next few months.
While it's disappointing to learn that the physical versions of the Final Fantasy 7 and 8 Switch ports won't release outside of Asia (at least for now), it's not all doom and gloom. It's also been confirmed that the Final Fantasy 7 and 8 physical Switch versions will have English language options, which should make it much easier to play through the games, even if players have to import.
We also wouldn't rule out the possibility that Square Enix eventually plans to bring the physical versions of Final Fantasy 7 and 8 on the Switch to other regions. It may be testing the waters by only releasing the twin pack in Asian territories first to see if there is a consumer demand for the product, and if it's successful there, it could very well be convinced to bring the games elsewhere. Games as big as Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 8 Remastered surely have global appeal, so it would be surprising to see the twin pack stay exclusive to Asia.
In the meantime, some fans may be wondering why the Final Fantasy 9 enhanced port doesn't appear to be getting the same treatment as Final Fantasy 7 and 8. Again, a physical version of Final Fantasy 9 could be possible if this twin pack sells well enough, so fans will just have to wait and see what happens.
Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 8 Remastered Twin Pack will launch for the Nintendo Switch later this year, exclusively in Asia.