Final Fantasy IX Celebrates 25 Years with New Picture Book, Exclusive Merch & Remake Hype Rising
[July 11, 2025 | Earthtechy Gaming News Desk]
If you’re a longtime fan of Final Fantasy IX like me, 2025 feels like a dream come true. This iconic JRPG just turned 25, and Square Enix is making sure we celebrate in style—with heartfelt tributes, new merch, crossovers, and even more whispers of that long-rumored remake.
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A Quarter-Century of Final Fantasy IX Magic ✨
Originally released in Japan on July 7, 2000, Final Fantasy IX brought the franchise back to its high-fantasy roots. Crystals, summons, kingdoms at war, and a quirky band of unforgettable heroes—this game had it all. It was the last Final Fantasy game created under the direction of series founder Hironobu Sakaguchi and remains a beloved favorite for many, myself included.
And while Final Fantasy VII often steals the spotlight thanks to its sprawling remake saga, fans of FFIX know that the charm, heart, and whimsical world of this PS1-era gem hold a timeless allure. The good news? Square Enix seems to agree.
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Limited-Edition Merch You’ll Actually Want
This year, the FF9 anniversary celebrations kicked off with a wave of nostalgia-fueled merchandise—and let me tell you, it’s not just another T-shirt drop.
From plushies of fan-favorite characters like Vivi and Steiner to collectible figures, bags, and other premium items, Square Enix is offering something for every kind of fan. Whether you’re looking to decorate your gaming shelf or grab a unique gift, this collection feels like a love letter to the game’s original art and world design.
💡 Pro tip: Keep an eye on Square Enix’s 25th Anniversary portal to snag these items before they’re gone.
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Vivi’s Tale Comes to Life: Picture Book Confirmed for the West 📖
Perhaps the most heartwarming addition to this year’s celebration is the Final Fantasy IX Picture Book, written by Kazuhiko Aoki and beautifully illustrated by Toshiyuki Itahana. Originally released in Japan, the picture book is now officially heading West with an English edition set to release on May 19, 2026.
The story centers on Vivi Ornitier, the lovable black mage, and his time with Grandpa Quan. If you’ve ever wondered about Vivi’s origins or wanted a deeper emotional connection to his backstory, this book will melt your heart. Fans were especially thrilled to learn that the book subtly hints at how Vivi got his name—details that resonate with those of us who have followed his journey for decades.
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FFIX Characters Join Eastern Mobile Games 🎮
Square Enix didn’t stop at physical merch and storytelling—they also brought FFIX into their live-service mobile games in Japan. Emberstoria and Sengoku Ixa, two of Square Enix’s mobile titles exclusive to the Eastern market, recently received special crossover events featuring Final Fantasy IX characters.
And honestly, the character models are stunning—modernized, detailed, and filled with personality. Seeing familiar faces like Zidane, Garnet, and Vivi reimagined with updated graphics is both nostalgic and exciting. It’s clear that Square Enix is treating this anniversary as more than just a milestone—it’s a heartfelt tribute to one of their most beloved worlds.
While these crossovers haven’t made it to the West (yet), they’re a promising signal that Square Enix is actively investing resources into the FFIX IP. And as we all know, where there’s investment, there’s potential for something bigger.
But What About the Remake? Fans Still Holding Out Hope 👀
Now, let’s address the Moogle in the room—the long-rumored Final Fantasy IX Remake. It’s the one thing fans are begging for, and with all this 25th anniversary buzz, speculation is heating up again.
While Square Enix hasn’t officially confirmed anything (yet), this year feels ripe for a surprise announcement. The timing is perfect. With Final Fantasy VII Rebirth bringing massive attention to the franchise and FFIX being honored across products and platforms, fans—including myself—are clinging to hope that a remake trailer or teaser could drop during an upcoming showcase or game event.
There’s even talk online that the FFIX Remake could follow the more stylized, whimsical tone of the original—avoiding hyper-realism in favor of preserving that warm, storybook charm. If done right, it could deliver the same emotional depth and character-driven storytelling that made the original so unforgettable.
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Why Final Fantasy IX Still Matters—25 Years Later 🌍
Even after two and a half decades, Final Fantasy IX stands apart from the rest of the series. Its themes of identity, purpose, loss, and love are just as powerful today as they were in 2000. And unlike some of its grittier or more sci-fi-infused counterparts, FFIX’s fairytale aesthetic, pre-rendered backdrops, and stylized character models make it a timeless classic.
For me, this anniversary reminds us why we fell in love with these characters in the first place—from Zidane’s rebellious charm to Vivi’s quiet courage. It’s a game that doesn’t just entertain—it connects. That’s why it remains one of the most cherished entries in the Final Fantasy saga.
So whether you’re reliving it on modern platforms, diving into the picture book next year, or simply holding out for a full-blown remake—you’re not alone. This anniversary isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a celebration of storytelling, legacy, and one of gaming’s most heartfelt adventures.
