Final Fantasy 9’s 25th Anniversary: New Merch, Picture Book, and Hopes for a Remake
Final Fantasy 9 fans have plenty to celebrate in 2025 as the game marks its 25th anniversary. This year is packed with exciting content and merchandise, making it a great time to revisit Zidane, Vivi, and their unforgettable adventure.
- Details on the 25th anniversary celebrations
- New merchandise and collaborations
- Upcoming Western release of the Final Fantasy IX Picture Book
- Fan anticipation for a possible remake
25 Years of Final Fantasy 9: What’s New?
Since its original release on July 7, 2000, Final Fantasy 9 has remained a beloved classic, known for returning the series to its roots with crystals, summons, and a charming group of heroes. Square Enix is making sure the 25th anniversary is special with a range of new initiatives. Earlier this year, they launched a dedicated anniversary website that outlines all the upcoming plans for the celebration.
New Merchandise and Game Collaborations
If you’re a collector, there’s good news. Square Enix is releasing new figures, plushies, bags, and many other items to refresh your Final Fantasy 9 collection. You can check out the full list of products here. Beyond physical goods, the game’s characters are also appearing in collaborations with mobile games popular in Japan, like Emberstoria and Sengoku Ixa, featuring beautifully updated character models.
Final Fantasy IX Picture Book Coming West
Another highlight is the upcoming Western release of the Final Fantasy IX Picture Book, written by Kazuhiko Aoki and illustrated by Toshiyuki Itahana. Scheduled for May 19, 2026, the book explores the story of Vivi and Grandpa Quan, offering fans new insights into the beloved black mage’s background. The Japanese version is already out, revealing details like the origin of Vivi’s name, which has excited fans worldwide.
Anniversary Movie and Fan Hopes
To celebrate the milestone, Square Enix also put together a special movie featuring memorable scenes from the game. It’s a heartfelt tribute that reminds fans why Final Fantasy 9 is so special:
Despite all these exciting developments, the biggest buzz remains around the rumored Final Fantasy 9 remake. The 25th anniversary feels like the perfect time for Square Enix to drop a teaser or trailer, but so far, no official announcements have been made. Fans continue to hope, even as they wait for the animated series that was announced four years ago. As the saying goes, “always leave them wanting more.”
