Final Fantasy IX Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Exclusive Square Enix Artwork and Merch Drops

As one of the most beloved titles in the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy IX is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Originally released for the PlayStation on July 7, 2000, the acclaimed turn-based RPG by Square Enix has captivated fans for decades with its memorable characters, intricate story, and classic gameplay.

In anticipation of this milestone, Square Enix has been commemorating Final Fantasy IX’s enduring legacy with a series of exclusive merchandise releases and stunning new artwork, delighting long-term fans and collectors alike. In recent days, Square Enix has increased the excitement by unveiling three new pieces of artwork in celebration of Final Fantasy IX’s 25 years.

The latest illustration, released overnight, features main characters Zidane, Garnet, and the rest of the party overlooking the iconic Iifa Tree—a key location within the game’s richly developed world.

This evocative scene, crafted by renowned character designer Toshiyuki Itahana, showcases details familiar to fans, such as the two planets hanging in the sky and the enigmatic Silver Dragon in the horizon.

Attentive viewers will also spot fan-favorite characters Vivi and Steiner featured in the composition, adding an extra touch of nostalgia to the anniversary tribute. The response from the Final Fantasy IX fanbase has been overwhelming, with online communities buzzing with admiration for the new visuals.

While speculation about a potential Final Fantasy IX remake continues to circulate, Square Enix has not made any official announcements regarding a new installment or reimagining of the classic RPG.

For now, these anniversary artworks serve as a celebration of the original game’s impact on the industry and its enduring fan following. Among the three new pieces, a standout is the calendar illustration by artist Yuya Ishihata, known for his work on the Final Fantasy X collaboration with Magic: The Gathering.

This piece captures the main cast performing on the stage of the M.S.

Prima Vista—the iconic theatre ship operated by the Tantalus Theatre Troupe.

Fans can spot familiar faces, including Beatrix, and detailed crowd scenes showcasing troupe members such as Marcus, Blank, Cinna, Ruby, Baku, and more. Another artwork by Toshiyuki Itahana focuses on Kuja, the game’s main antagonist, depicted within the haunting atmosphere of the Iifa Tree alongside his Silver Dragon.

The peaceful yet foreboding composition reflects some of the most memorable moments and themes from Final Fantasy IX’s narrative. Though new merchandise—including picture book prequels, special vinyl editions, and themed collectibles—continues to roll out for this anniversary, Square Enix has expressed no present plans for a new announcement tied to July 7.

The company has highlighted its intent to celebrate the past achievements of Final Fantasy IX and its ongoing legacy on platforms like PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, where the title is available through the eShop. As Final Fantasy IX reaches this significant 25-year milestone, both Square Enix and the game’s passionate community honor its place within the franchise’s storied history.

Whether through exclusive art or nostalgic collectibles, the anniversary is a testament to the RPG’s enduring appeal and influence on the genre.

Final Fantasy Square Enix PlayStation Final Fantasy IX Enix Square Toshiyuki Itahana Yuya Ishihata Nintendo Switch eShop