As the gaming community eagerly counts down to the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX, speculation about a potential remake of this beloved classic is reaching a fever pitch. The chatter has picked up momentum, especially since an NVIDIA leak in 2021 suggested the existence of an unannounced project tied to the game.

Recently, Square Enix stirred excitement among fans by teasing “a variety of projects” to celebrate the milestone anniversary. In a statement on their official site, the company announced, “FINAL FANTASY IX, released on July 7, 2000, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025. We are preparing a variety of projects to commemorate the 25th anniversary, including merchandise and collaborations, so please look forward to it!”

While Square Enix has not explicitly confirmed a remake, the timing feels ripe for exciting announcements. With Nintendo gearing up for major reveals about the upcoming Switch 2, fans can't help but wonder if Square Enix might choose a similar window to unveil plans for Final Fantasy IX.

A big question remains: what kind of remake should we expect? Will it be a grand, AAA production on par with the highly successful Final Fantasy VII Remake and its continuation, Rebirth? Or will the remake resemble the smaller-scale, yet charming, take on Final Fantasy IV seen on the Nintendo DS?

In any case, the anticipation continues to build as we inch closer to the anniversary date. Fans are eagerly imagining what Square Enix could unveil, from engaging gameplay updates and enhanced graphics to innovative features that could breathe new life into the classic tale. The prospect of seeing characters like Zidane and Vivi reimagined with modern technology is thrilling, and the entire gaming community is holding its breath for what’s to come.

As the excitement mounts and we await official confirmations, one thing is certain: Square Enix has captured the attention of nostalgic gamers everywhere, and the gaming world is ready for a triumphant return to Gaia. Stay tuned; exciting times are ahead in the realm of Final Fantasy!