After years of speculation and fan-driven hope, Square Enix has dropped its most explicit hint yet that a Final Fantasy IX Remake could finally be on the horizon. The company sparked excitement across the gaming community with a nostalgic post on X (formerly Twitter), quoting a line from the beloved classic’s ending: “My memories will be part of the sky…” The cryptic caption, “If you know, you know” followed by a crying emoji, has fans buzzing with anticipation that an official announcement is just around the corner.
While no official confirmation has yet been made, this is the first time Square Enix has directly referenced Final Fantasy IX in a promotional context, lending weight to persistent rumors that a remake is in the works. The tweet follows closely on the heels of the Final Fantasy IX 25th Anniversary website launch, which reignited speculation earlier this month. With both of these events happening in quick succession, many believe a reveal is likely imminent—potentially at an upcoming summer showcase or gaming expo.
Originally released in 2000, Final Fantasy IX is considered a fan favorite for its heartfelt narrative, whimsical art style, and emotionally rich characters like Zidane, Vivi, and Garnet. Though less commercially dominant than Final Fantasy VII, it holds a cherished place in the series’ legacy. Until now, however, it hadn’t received the same remake attention as its more famous sibling.
This latest tease builds on long-standing rumors, most notably from the infamous NVIDIA GeForce Now database leak in 2021, which listed a Final Fantasy IX Remake among unannounced titles. At the time, Square Enix offered no comment, and fans were left to wonder if it was real or just wishful thinking.
The apparent success of the Final Fantasy VII Remake Trilogy, with its cinematic storytelling and modernized gameplay, has created an appetite for remakes of other entries in the franchise. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the most recent release, garnered widespread acclaim and further demonstrated the demand for revitalizing classic titles. A similar approach to Final Fantasy IX could not only honor the original but also introduce its magic to a new generation of players.
Square Enix has been quiet on specifics, but if past marketing patterns are anything to go by, this kind of emotional, nostalgic teaser usually precedes a formal reveal. Whether that happens in a dedicated Square Enix event or a larger industry showcase like Summer Game Fest remains to be seen.
As excitement builds, fans have taken to social media to express their hopes—and concerns—for how a potential remake might reimagine the world of Gaia. Many are calling for the game to retain its whimsical tone and chibi-esque design, while others hope for a deeper dive into character development and side stories that were only hinted at in the original.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to continued updates from Square Enix and prepare for what could be one of the most beloved JRPG remakes in recent memory.