Square Enix’s long-rumoured Final Fantasy IX remake has been paused. Industry insider NateTheHate reported on his podcast that the project remains “on ice” — with no new movement confirmed as of early 2026. The original Final Fantasy IX was released in 2000, earned a 93 score on GameRankings (now defunct), and sold approximately 9 million copies worldwide — making it one of the most-loved entries in the series.
First mentioned as a potential project in 2024, the remake was described as a more contained effort compared to Square Enix’s ongoing multi-game productions. No official statement has been issued by the studio. Below is everything known — verified and laid out clearly.
Final Fantasy IX — A Game Worth Remaking
Core facts about the original game and the current remake situation, verified against known sources.
Final Fantasy IX — Original PlayStation release, 2000. Published by Square (now Square Enix).
From Beloved Classic to Frozen Project
Every key milestone — from the original launch through the 2026 pause — in chronological order.
The last update I had on it was that the game is still on ice. Now, on ice with Square Enix could mean they may return to it one day, but as far as I’ve heard, there’s been no new movement with it. Hopefully, one day Square Enix returns to it, and we may see a Final Fantasy 9 remake come to light.
— NateTheHate, industry insider, via podcast (2026)
The Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy — a large-scale, multi-title series by Square Enix. The FF9 project was described as a more contained effort by comparison.
What Fans Are Asking
Five common questions about the remake’s status — each answered using only confirmed, verified information.
What Else Is Happening in Gaming
More stories from across the gaming world.
The Final Fantasy IX remake was reported in 2024 as a project under consideration at Square Enix — described as a more contained effort compared to the studio’s ongoing multi-part productions. As reported by industry insider NateTheHate, the project is currently paused with no confirmed resumption date. Square Enix has not addressed these reports with any official statement.
The original game — released in 2000 in Japan and North America, and February 2001 in Europe — remains available today on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, as well as on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One through the 2016/2019 enhanced ports.