Fans hoping for a modern revival of the beloved classic Final Fantasy IX may need to wait longer than expected.
According to prominent industry insider NateTheHate, development on the rumoured PS5 remake is currently paused with “no new movement” at Square Enix.
The update comes from the latest episode of NateTheHate’s podcast, where he addressed the long-standing project directly: “The last update I had on it is 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.”
While not necessarily cancelled, the lack of progress suggests Square Enix has prioritised other titles for the time being.
Origins of the Final Fantasy 9 Remake Rumour
Speculation about a Final Fantasy IX remake first surfaced years ago in the infamous 2021 Nvidia GeForce Now leak.
That list accurately predicted several major titles that have since been released or announced, making FF9 one of the few remaining outliers.
Final Fantasy IX, originally released on the PlayStation 1 in 2000, remains a fan-favourite thanks to its charming characters (Zidane, Vivi, Steiner, Garnet), whimsical world of Gaia, and emotional story.
Many players have long requested a full remake with modern visuals, quality-of-life improvements, and potentially expanded content.
What “On Ice” Means for Square Enix’s FF9 Project
NateTheHate, who has a strong track record with Square Enix-related leaks, emphasised that being placed “on ice” doesn’t always equal permanent cancellation.
However, the absence of any recent development activity is notable, especially as Square Enix has been active with other major projects like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Final Fantasy XVI, and upcoming titles such as Kingdom Hearts IV and Dragon Quest entries.
It remains unclear how far along the FF9 remake was before being paused. Some earlier rumours suggested it was quite advanced, while others claimed it was still in early-to-mid stages.
Why Fans Are Still Hopeful for a Final Fantasy 9 Remake
Despite the current hold, demand for a Final Fantasy IX remake continues to grow.
The game’s 25th anniversary passed in 2025 with minimal celebration from Square Enix, further fuelling speculation.
Many fans point to the success of the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy as proof that classic entries can thrive with modern treatment.
A full remake could introduce updated combat (possibly blending active-time battle with real-time elements), enhanced graphics in the style of recent Square Enix titles, and new accessibility features to bring the story of Zidane and the gang to a new generation.
What This Means Moving Forward
Square Enix has not commented on the rumour, and the company rarely confirms or denies projects until they are ready for official announcement.
For now, players should treat this as unconfirmed insider information.
In the meantime, fans can still enjoy the original Final Fantasy IX through digital re-releases on modern platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and PC.
The gaming community will be watching closely for any future signals from Square Enix.
A return to active development could see the project re-emerge with a surprise reveal at a major showcase later in 2026 or 2027.
Are you still hoping for a Final Fantasy 9 remake on PS5, PC, and Xbox? Would you prefer a faithful remaster or a full modern reimagining? Let us know in the comments below.
