With Square Enix managing somewhat of a renaissance with the Final Fantasy franchise, there are rumors swelling that there could be a Final Fantasy 9 remake in the works. Final Fantasy 7 has been getting all the love through the remake project for a few years now, and although it certainly deserves the love, it does feel like some of that should be spread around. As brilliant as the original FF7 was, it isn't the only great game in the series, with Final Fantasy 9 being an underrated classic sandwiched between the more popular FF8 and FF10.

The game is getting some attention in July through some merch drops, but FF9's 25th anniversary deserves more, especially for a game that has often been overlooked compared to others in the franchise. Final Fantasy 9 presented players with a change in direction to the more cartoony and whimsical after the comparative edginess and romance focus of FF8, and a remake should still be stylized, being different from the more realistic visuals of FF7 Remake and FF16. If it is on the horizon, the FF9 remake should consider a multi-platform launch too, especially after the Switch 2 announcements.

FF9 Remake Would Be Great On Nintendo Switch 2

Final Fantasy On The Go Just Feels Right

Should a Final Fantasy 9 remake be in the works, Square Enix should consider a multi-platform launch, instead of being a PlayStation exclusive. Many studios have discovered that porting games to PC is like printing money, and with the Switch 2 announcements, Final Fantasy is coming to the console via FF7 Remake Intergrade.

FF9 could benefit from lessons learned from prior titles, especially because FF7 Rebirth and FF16 reportedly underperformed Square Enix's expectations, and a multi-platform release would help this massively, as Capcom learned after Monster Hunter Wilds broke sales records with its multi-platform release on PC and PS5.

Final Fantasy 16 still managed to sell 3 million copies in its first week on PS5 alone.

With Final Fantasy 9's more stylized aesthetic, it could benefit from a cheaper production than the FF7 games and lower system requirements to run, making it great for the Switch 2 at launch. Although it could go the realistic route, with Zidane getting that treatment with Dissidia NT, it feels like a lower-production remake true to its roots is also perfect to experiment with. That experimentation should come in the form of a multi-platform release, at least for the PS5, PC, and the Nintendo Switch 2, helping reach the sales targets for future titles.

Remake Intergrade’s Switch 2 Port Is Encouraging

And More Is On The Way From The FF7 Remake Project

After FF7 Remake Intergrade's Switch 2 port, and more on the way from the Remake project on the console, Final Fantasy looks like it will benefit from having another home. With the games eventually coming to PC, too, the series is diversifying, where players can get a hold of its games, and this variety will only help the franchise's sales in the future. The 25th Anniversary of FF9 also benefits from coming after the Nintendo Direct for the Switch 2, meaning that a potential remake can be announced for the console with its reveal.

It seems that Remake Intergrade isn't going to be a one-and-done for the Nintendo Switch 2, and Nintendo and Square Enix are looking at working together more in the future.

More importantly, it was said that there is more to come from the FF7 Remake project for the Switch 2, possibly as a Crisis Core Reunion and Rebirth port. It seems that Remake Intergrade isn't going to be a one-and-done for the Nintendo Switch 2, and Nintendo and Square Enix are looking at working together more in the future. This makes sense, given Cloud and Sephiroth's inclusion in Smash Bros. Ultimate, and if the FF9 remake goes more classic with its combat, it would be perfect for a console on the go.

Another Huge JRPG Would Bolster The Switch 2 Library

Slower Combat Would Suit The Switch 2's Handheld Capabilities

There are already many games coming for the Switch 2, and a massive JRPG like FF9 will only help it more. With its aesthetic, going a bit more classic, and perhaps turn-based, with an FF9 remake, rather than the heavy action of FF7 and FF16, would feel right, and this slower approach fits the Switch 2's mobile capabilities. Being interrupted by a stranger on the train won't negatively affect the turn-based, ATB system combat, and stylized visuals help pop out more on the smaller screen, and it would be nice to see a Final Fantasy remake closer to its roots.

Taking the exploration sections of Final Fantasy games on the go will help deal with some of the tedium of their open worlds, and if Square Enix chooses to make lower-budget, more classic remakes in the future, the Switch 2 feels like the right home for them. Many classic Final Fantasy games can already be found on mobile devices, and while this isn't going to be the case with a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake, this project would benefit greatly from a multi-platform release to alleviate the sales target issues.

Source: Nintendo 公式チャンネル/YouTube