Industry insiders have stated this remake project does not exist. Recent claims about a Kingdom Hearts remake titled “Kingdom Hearts Relux” being developed by TOSE Software have been directly contradicted by sources with Square Enix knowledge.
β Industry insider with Square Enix access, February 2026
The leaker behind these claims, eXtas1s, has a mixed track record. While he correctly leaked Dragon Quest VII Remake, multiple other predictions have not materialized. Official Square Enix sources have not confirmed any remake project.
The Rumor That Wasn’t
In early February 2026, leaker eXtas1s claimed Square Enix was developing a Kingdom Hearts remake for 2027 release. The alleged project would feature modern graphics, playable Riku segments, and a new Jungle Book world based on cut content from the 2002 original.
Industry sources quickly disputed these claims. While Kingdom Hearts IV remains in active development since its April 2022 announcement, no credible evidence supports the existence of a remake project at Square Enix or TOSE Software.
The original Kingdom Hearts launched March 28, 2002 for PlayStation 2, establishing the Disney-Square Enix collaboration that has shipped over 35 million units worldwide across the franchise.
What Fans Actually Want in a Kingdom Hearts Remake
Exploring Community Wishlist Despite Debunked Rumors
Modern Graphics Overhaul
Updated visuals with modern lighting while preserving the original’s colorful aesthetic, similar to how Crisis Core Reunion approached its PSP source material
Community Interest: High
Playable Riku Segments
New sequences showing Riku’s parallel journey during the original story, addressing a request from the community spanning over two decades
Community Interest: High
Restored Cut Content
Addition of worlds like Jungle Book that were planned but removed from 2002 release, plus expanded areas in locations like Traverse Town
Community Interest: Moderate
Modernized Combat System
Updated mechanics incorporating quality-of-life improvements from Kingdom Hearts II and III while maintaining the original’s feel
Community Interest: High
Improved Camera Controls
Modern camera system using right analog stick instead of PS2’s L2/R2 shoulder button configuration
Community Interest: Very High
Remastered Audio
Orchestral arrangements of Yoko Shimomura’s score with preservation of Hikaru Utada’s iconic theme songs
Community Interest: High
Community Poll Results
Kingdom Hearts IV: Confirmed Development Information
Official Announcement Timeline
Kingdom Hearts IV was announced April 10, 2022 during the franchise’s 20th anniversary event in Tokyo. Development began by January 2020, two years before public announcement.
Development Team Structure
Square Enix Business Division 3, the Osaka-based team behind Kingdom Hearts III, handles development. Tetsuya Nomura directs with Tai Yasue as co-director. Masaru Oka and Akiko Ishibashi joined Nomura on writing duties.
Technical Implementation
The April 2022 reveal trailer used Unreal Engine 4, but final development occurs in Unreal Engine 5. This technical upgrade represents Square Enix’s continued investment in the franchise’s visual presentation.
Setting and Characters
The game takes place in Quadratum, a realistic Tokyo-inspired world modeled on Shibuya. Protagonist Sora returns alongside Donald Duck, Goofy, and Strelitzia, a character from Kingdom Hearts Union Ο mobile game.
Confirmed Gameplay Features
Includes parkour elements, Keyblade transformations, grappling hook traversal mechanics, and reaction commands similar to Kingdom Hearts II. A new “scrap and build” mechanic was shown in the reveal trailer.
May 2025 Development Update
Following Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link mobile game cancellation, Square Enix confirmed Kingdom Hearts IV development continues. New screenshots showed updated character models and Quadratum environments in Unreal Engine 5.
Kingdom Hearts Development Timeline
Kingdom Hearts released in Japan for PlayStation 2, beginning the Square-Disney collaboration. North American release followed September 17, 2002.
Kingdom Hearts III released after five years of development. Shipped over 5 million units, becoming the fastest-selling entry in franchise history.
Development begins on Kingdom Hearts IV. Project remained unannounced for over two years during pre-production phase.
Square Enix and Disney announce Kingdom Hearts IV during series’ 20th anniversary event. Reveal trailer introduces “Lost Master Arc” storyline and Quadratum setting.
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link mobile game cancelled after years in development. Square Enix confirms Kingdom Hearts IV work continues with new screenshot release.
Rumor Emerges and Gets Debunked: Leaker eXtas1s claims Kingdom Hearts remake “Relux” in development for 2027. Industry insiders with Square Enix knowledge immediately dispute claims, stating no such project exists.
Reality vs. Speculation
Recent reports claimed Square Enix was developing a Kingdom Hearts remake featuring modern graphics, playable Riku segments, and restored cut content. Industry sources with Square Enix knowledge disputed these claims, stating no such project exists at the company or TOSE Software.
Square Enix’s confirmed focus remains Kingdom Hearts IV, which entered development in January 2020 and was announced April 2022. The game introduces the “Lost Master Arc” storyline in Quadratum, a realistic world inspired by Tokyo’s Shibuya district.
The original Kingdom Hearts launched March 2002 for PlayStation 2. The franchise has shipped over 35 million units worldwide across multiple platforms. Kingdom Hearts III released January 2019, shipping over 5 million units and becoming the series’ fastest-selling entry.
Information about Kingdom Hearts IV development and release plans will be shared through official Square Enix channels when available.