"Final Fantasy 9 25th Anniversary Site Sparks Switch 2 Remake Rumors"

The newly launched site, though currently available only in Japanese, commemorates the original release date of Final Fantasy 9—July 7, 2000—and confirms that the iconic title is celebrating its silver anniversary this year. The announcement page also teases fans with the promise of special projects to mark the occasion.

“We are preparing various projects, including merchandise and collaborations to commemorate the 25th anniversary, so please look forward to it!” reads the message on the site.

While these words may seem straightforward, their placement on a dedicated anniversary hub has led many to believe that Square Enix may soon deliver more than just collectibles. Fans are hopeful that the company could finally unveil the Final Fantasy 9 remake that has been the subject of persistent rumors for years.

Adding fuel to the fire is the timing of the site’s release, which coincides with anticipation around Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2-focused Direct event scheduled for April 2. Could Square Enix choose this moment to officially announce a Final Fantasy 9 remake tailored for the new console? Many fans certainly hope so.

Of course, it's possible there's no remake in the works at all. The site does specifically mention merchandise and collaborations rather than game announcements. However, the phrase “various projects” has done more than enough to spark lively discussions across forums and social media channels.

Interest in a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake was further amplified last year when Naoki "Yoshi-P" Yoshida, producer of Final Fantasy XIV, shared his thoughts on the challenge such a project would present.

“Of course, I do know there are requests for Final Fantasy 9 to be made, but when you think about Final Fantasy 9, it’s a game with huge volume,” Yoshi-P explained. “When you think about all of that volume, I wonder if it’s possible to remake that as a single title. It’s a difficult one. It is a tough question.”

He even hinted that any future remake might follow the multi-part format seen in the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, suggesting a segmented approach could better handle the depth and breadth of the original game’s content.

Earlier this year, during a reveal for Final Fantasy XIV’s expansion Dawntrail, Yoshi-P offered a nod to Final Fantasy 9 fans by announcing exclusive themed bonuses for the Collector’s Editions. These include the Ark summon from Final Fantasy 9 reimagined as a mount in Final Fantasy XIV, along with a wind-up Princess Garnet (also known as Dagger) minion. Players who pre-ordered Dawntrail received an additional Zidane-themed wind-up minion, referencing the series’ fan-favorite protagonist.

During a live presentation at PAX East, Yoshi-P added a cryptic remark alongside the announcement: “You may have noticed a lot of Final Fantasy 9 references here, but the reason is a secret.” He then mimed zipping his lips shut, leaving fans buzzing with theories.

Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail Final Fantasy 9 Bonuses

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Speculation about a Final Fantasy 9 remake first gained traction after it appeared in a list of unannounced titles revealed during a 2021 Nvidia leak. That list, later confirmed to be legitimate by Nvidia, included several games that Square Enix eventually announced or released, such as the Chrono Cross remaster, Kingdom Hearts 4, and the Final Fantasy 7 remake for PC. However, both the Final Fantasy 9 remake and a rumored Final Fantasy Tactics reboot remain unconfirmed.

Just months before the Nvidia leak, in June 2021, reports emerged that an animated series based on Final Fantasy 9 was reportedly in development. Unfortunately, there has been no official update on that front since.

With the arrival of the 25th-anniversary website, however, the wait may not be much longer. Whether Square Enix delivers a full remake, a spin-off, or simply a celebration through limited-time content and merchandise, one thing is certain: Final Fantasy 9 continues to hold a cherished place in the hearts of fans worldwide.