FF9 Remake Hype Grows With Anniversary Plans

Final Fantasy IX has launched its 25th anniversary website, announcing various upcoming projects. Discover what's in store for Final Fantasy IX's 25th anniversary celebration and potential future announcements.

Final Fantasy IX Marks Its 25th Anniversary This Year

25th Anniversary Website Goes Live

Square Enix has unveiled a dedicated website celebrating Final Fantasy IX's 25th anniversary. The site confirms the company is "preparing various commemorative projects including merchandise and collaborations."

The anniversary website showcases an extensive collection of Final Fantasy IX merchandise, including character figures, plush toys, vinyl records, soundtrack CDs, and illustrated storybooks. Beyond these confirmed items, Square Enix has promised additional announcements throughout the anniversary celebration period.

Originally released on July 7, 2000 for PlayStation, Final Fantasy IX has sold over 8.9 million copies worldwide. The game was later included in Square Enix's Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Ultimate Box Japanese edition in December 2012. A remastered version launched for iOS and Android devices in February 2016, followed by a PC port later that year. PlayStation 4 users received the game in September 2017, while Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows 10 versions arrived in February 2019.

Potential Final Fantasy IX Remake and Long-Awaited Anime Project

The anniversary website's launch has reignited speculation about a potential Final Fantasy IX remake. Given the tremendous success of Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth, many consider FFIX a strong candidate for similar treatment. In NHK's 2019 nationwide poll, Final Fantasy IX ranked as the fourth most popular title in the series. While the anniversary site doesn't specifically mention a remake, the game's enduring popularity makes it a prime contender.

Another project awaiting updates is the previously announced Final Fantasy IX anime series. Originally revealed in 2021 under the title "Final Fantasy IX: The Black Mages' Legacy," the animated project was set a decade after the original game, following the six children of fan-favorite black mage Vivi. The series has remained in development limbo since its initial announcement.

Paris-based Cyber Group Studios had secured distribution and merchandise rights in collaboration with Square Enix, planning to produce the series internally. However, the company filed for bankruptcy in October 2024 and entered judicial recovery proceedings. Multiple potential acquirers have expressed interest in Cyber Group's intellectual properties, with United Smile and Newen Studios specifically indicating they would continue production of the FFIX animated series if successful in their acquisition bids.