Final Fantasy 9 Official New Release Drops On May 16

Rumors of a Final Fantasy 9 remake for PlayStation 5 have been circulating for years thanks to the infamous 2021 NVIDIA GeForce Now leak, which included a list of several “unannounced” games that have since proven to be real. However, recent rumors suggest that the project may officially be “on ice,” according to a leak from NateTheHate at least, and it’s unclear just how much longer fans will be waiting before the project gets official confirmation.

As Final Fantasy 9‘s 25th-year anniversary came and went last year, many fans felt it would have been the ideal moment for an official announcement of the remake, but ultimately ended the year empty-handed. That said, it’s not all doom and gloom for Final Fantasy 9 gamers, with several new projects to keep you busy until the remake eventually releases.

Custom Image by Lee D’Amato

Final Fantasy 9‘s beloved and iconic character Vivi is making a massive comeback in 2026, with several different new releases slated throughout the year. In particular, fans will want to mark their calendars for May 16 for the official Final Fantasy 9 Vivi Deck Box/Case from Square Enix.

This collectible item will be available in Japanese markets next week, with a US ship date set for June, and is available for pre-order on the official Square Enix storefront (JP, US) for roughly $45 USD.

The Vivi Deck Box is a high-quality storage case that fits “up to 155 single-sleeved cards, including the one side loader that comes with the case.” It’s one of a handful of unique new Final Fantasy 9 items featuring Vivi that hardcore fans will definitely want to add to their collection when it drops next week. You can catch a glimpse here:

Other exciting official Final Fantasy 9 releases featuring Vivi include the upcoming May 19 launch of the new picture book titled Vivi and Grandpa’s Memories for the Sky, a beautifully illustrated new release that fans can pre-order now as well. Further, Final Fantasy 9: The Black Mages’ Legacy, a highly anticipated anime adaptation of the game, is finally moving forward with an anticipated 2028 launch.

Square Enix also has a trove of Final Fantasy 9 merch and collectibles listed for sale on their official storefront, and if you’re looking dive back into the game again after all these years, it’s available to purchase on Steam right now at a massive 70% discount, listed for about as much as a cup of coffee/tea.

Fans can also grab the newly released Final Fantasy 9: House Grooves album, a newly released CD featuring Final Fantasy 9‘s iconic score, reinterpreted into a house-style remix. So while most fans of Final Fantasy 9 are really hoping to get an update on the unannounced remake sometime soon, there’s plenty to keep them busy in the meantime.