After years of console loyalty, Final Fantasy appears ready to break down the last of its walls. Square Enix’s flagship franchise has long been associated with PlayStation, especially since the late 90s, but that relationship may soon shift in a major way. Multiple reports indicate that Final Fantasy 16, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth are expected to be announced for Xbox during the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase on June 8.
If true, this would be a major turning point not just for Square Enix, but for the perception of platform exclusivity in the industry as a whole. These titles, originally PlayStation-only experiences, would soon become accessible to a much wider player base. The showcase could be one of the most significant for Final Fantasy fans in years.
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Final Fantasy 16 Could Hit Xbox in 2025
Final Fantasy 16 was released exclusively for PlayStation 5 in 2023 and marked a bold departure from the franchise’s traditional formula. With a darker tone, action-focused combat, and no turn-based system, it divided fans while still offering something distinctly different. But that difference wasn’t enough to meet Square Enix’s sales projections.
A potential Xbox Series X/S release in Spring 2025 could help offset that, introducing the game to players who never owned a PlayStation console. This would mirror Square Enix’s recent strategy of porting games like Final Fantasy 14 to Xbox, despite its roots on PlayStation and PC.
Square Enix has already confirmed its intent to pursue a multi-platform strategy after several recent games underperformed as exclusives. This reflects a shift in the company’s priorities after decades of prioritizing single-console launches.
Beyond business, an Xbox release gives Final Fantasy 16 a second chance. Xbox players who enjoy mature fantasy RPGs like The Witcher 3 or Dragon Age: Inquisition may find themselves connecting with Clive’s story in ways that broaden the game’s legacy.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Trilogy Comes Full Circle
The Final Fantasy 7 Remake project has always walked a fine line between nostalgia and reinvention. With Remake in 2020 and Rebirth in 2024, Square Enix has slowly redefined what a remake can be. Yet Xbox fans have been left watching from the sidelines. That could finally change if Final Fantasy 7 Remake is announced for Xbox in 2025, followed by Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth in 2026. Bringing these titles to Xbox would not only expand the audience but also fulfill a promise of accessibility. As iconic as Final Fantasy 7 is, its retelling has been behind a wall for nearly half a decade.
While Final Fantasy 15 launched on Xbox back in 2016, Final Fantasy 7 Remake skipped the platform entirely despite widespread demand. Its arrival would mark the first time Xbox players could experience this reimagined world without needing to switch ecosystems.
This also raises an important question for Square Enix about whether Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 will launch simultaneously across platforms. If the answer is yes, something that certainly seems possible given a translated 4gamer interview that implied as much, then Square Enix’s shift toward multi-platform releases will have come full circle.
What This Means for Xbox, PlayStation, and Fans
These upcoming announcements highlight a broader change in the gaming industry. For years, PlayStation and Xbox have competed for exclusive titles to secure loyalty. But as game development costs rise and global audiences demand flexibility, more publishers are choosing reach over restriction.
For Xbox, this is a major win. Not only does it give the platform prestige titles that were once out of reach, but it also strengthens its position as a destination for RPG fans. It’s a continuation of what began with Persona 5 Royal, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and even Final Fantasy 14 finally arriving on Xbox platforms.
For PlayStation, it suggests a loosening of the grip on third-party exclusives. Sony still has a strong first-party lineup, but it no longer holds the same influence over Square Enix it once did. That’s a subtle but meaningful change, especially for long-time PlayStation players who used to see Final Fantasy as part of the brand’s identity.
And for fans, it’s a step toward inclusivity. Franchises like Final Fantasy should be playable across as many platforms as possible, especially when story is at the heart of the experience. Players would surely appreciate the chance to be able to experience Aerith’s journey, Clive’s rebellion, or Zack’s fate, regardless of what box they play on, and it seems like that scenario is a lot closer to becoming a reality.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
9/10
- Released
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February 29, 2024
- ESRB
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T For Teen Due To Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 4