Final Fantasy 9 Remake Speculated to Release in 2026

Final Fantasy 9 remake rumors continue to swirl, with a new report saying that the game will not drop until 2026. According to major leaker Nate the Hate, the long-rumored remake is “in active development” but will not be available until 2025. While Square Enix has not confirmed the project, the latest rumor has once again hyped fans up about witnessing the classic revamped on newer platforms.

Originally released in 2000 for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy 9 is conventionally considered a return-to-form adventure for the series, in particular by returning to the medieval fantasy aesthetic of early years. Unlike more sci-fi-influenced earlier versions, this version has a high-fantasy setting, the tale of Zidane Tribal, a thief protagonist who must kidnap Princess Garnet, and become embroiled in something much greater. The game was a huge hit, selling more than 5.5 million copies and gaining the reputation of being one of the greatest Final Fantasy games ever produced.

Plans to remake Final Fantasy 9 were discussed in 2023, after leaks on the now-famous NVIDIA GeForce Now database hack included an unreleased remake on Square Enix’s development list. The company has never made a confirmation statement, however.

Square Enix Remains Silent on Development

In spite of ongoing rumors, Final Fantasy 14 producer Naoki Yoshida once quashed the possibilities of a remake. While hosting a Final Fantasy 9 and Final Fantasy 14 crossover event, Yoshida said that the crossover did not indicate a remake in the making. However, he did admit that most fans would be happy to have the game remade, citing the difficulty of getting such a massive project to materialize.

Although an official remake has not been announced yet, fans can already enjoy Final Fantasy 9 with a new twist. The well-known Moguri Mod, which recently released its 9.0 update, provides a general visual overhaul for the PC version of the game. It includes upscaled backgrounds, ultra-widescreen support, increased frame rates, and enhanced textures, making it a good substitute while waiting for more news about a possible remake.

For the time being, Final Fantasy enthusiasts will have to wait patiently for Square Enix to have its say. If Nate the Hate’s allegations prove true, an announcement may arrive sooner rather than later, paving the way for a 2026 release.