Square Enix marked FINAL FANTASY IX’s 25th release anniversary on July 7, 2025, with a commemorative video, new artwork by character designer Toshiyuki Itahana, a fan-art campaign and anniversary merchandise. The fan-art submission period has ended, but the official portal later showcased selected entries.
What Square Enix announced for the anniversary
Square Enix’s North American FINAL FANTASY Portal Site published its anniversary overview on July 7, 2025. The celebration brought together artwork, a video, a fan-art project, merchandise and a July calendar. The publisher called the occasion the game’s 25th release anniversary.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
FINAL FANTASY IX - Nintendo Switch | $38.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Final Fantasy IX Picture Book: Vivi and Grandpa's Memories for the Sky | $16.77 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Final Fantasy IX | $21.00 | Buy on Amazon |
New artwork by Toshiyuki Itahana
Character designer Toshiyuki Itahana created two anniversary illustrations showing different perspectives on the Iifa Tree: one from the party’s viewpoint and another from antagonist Kuja’s. The announcement also introduced new character illustrations by Itahana. Square Enix’s anniversary overview presents the artwork as part of the celebration.
The anniversary video
The video, titled “FINAL FANTASY IX 25th Anniversary Special Movie,” went live on July 7, 2025. Square Enix describes it as a commemorative video. Neither the portal announcement nor the video description announces a remake, so the video should not be treated as confirmation of one. The portal links to the video; its description also reports that the game has sold “over 8.9 million” physical and digital copies worldwide, a figure attributed to Square Enix that is not accompanied by a precise measurement date. Watch the anniversary video on YouTube.
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- Selling over five million copies since its release in 2000, FINAL FANTASY IX proudly returns on Nintendo Switch!
- Experience the adventure once again with characters and pre-rendered movies featured in high definition, as well as a new booster system with a selection of various modes such as "high speed" or "no encounters"!
- Abilities - Learn new abilities by equipping items. When fully mastered, these abilities can be used even without equipping items, allowing for nearly endless customization options.
- Trance - Fill your Trance gauge as you sustain hits in battle. When fully charged, your characters will enter Trance mode, granting them powerful new skills!
- Synthesis - Never let items go to waste. Combine two items or pieces of equipment together and make better, stronger items!
Can you still submit fan art?
No. The official submission period ran from July 7 through October 31, 2025, and has closed. Square Enix subsequently published selected entries in multiple rounds, making the project a completed submission campaign followed by an official showcase rather than an open call. The anniversary overview and later fan-art showcase posts document the campaign.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What anniversary goods were announced?
The celebration also included two distinct keepsakes: a music release for listeners and an illustrated storybook centered on Vivi. The announced prices and release dates below are Square Enix’s North American details, not guarantees of current price, stock or availability.
| Item | What it contains | Announced North American details |
|---|---|---|
| FINAL FANTASY IX 25th Anniversary Vinyl – Timeless Tale – | Original tracks and newly recorded versions, including “Melodies of Life”; new anniversary cover art by Itahana; liner notes from Nobuo Uematsu; MP3 download code included. | Suggested retail price: $52.99; announced for August 2025. Square Enix’s vinyl announcement. |
| Vivi picture book | An original story written by event designer Kazuhiko Aoki and illustrated by Itahana; 48-page hardcover. | Suggested retail price: $17.99; announced release date: May 19, 2026. This is a storybook, not a strategy guide. Square Enix’s picture-book announcement. |
The vinyl’s included MP3 code provides digital access to the tracks without requiring a record player. The book offers a different kind of keepsake: an original illustrated story rather than a music collection. These dates and prices come from the North American announcements; for live stock, current price or regional availability, check the relevant Square Enix store listing. Square Enix’s Japanese product portal notes that release dates can change and points customers to store listings for current sales information. Japanese Square Enix goods portal.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Final Fantasy IX
- Dark times have spread over the world of Gaia.
- Four separate governing nations, some blinded by their short-sighted greed.
- Some persevering in the name of justice, are battling on and off in a deadly game for power.
- One kingdom, that of Lindblum, headed by the honorable and trustworthy Regent Cid, finally decides to take a stand against the unspeakable massacres by the troops of Alexandria.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
