For a long time, rumors swirled around a possible exclusivity deal between Sony and Square Enix that left Xbox fans feeling left out, especially with big titles like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Final Fantasy XVI skipping Microsoft’s console. The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series, for example, was released on PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo but was absent from Xbox. These moves fueled speculation that Square Enix had some form of contract limiting their games on the platform.
However, the tide seems to be turning. During the recent Tokyo Game Show, Square Enix made an exciting announcement that Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster (featuring Final Fantasy I-VI) is finally coming to Xbox, marking the first time these classic RPGs will appear on the console. This news is huge for longtime fans who’ve waited years to see these iconic titles arrive on Xbox.
And the good news doesn’t stop there. Fans of the Mana series are in for a treat with two beloved titles making their way to Xbox Game Pass on September 27th. The first is Legend of Mana, a game that holds a special place in many gamers’ hearts from its PlayStation 1 days. Known for its unique world-building and charming, character-driven stories, Legend of Mana has always stood out in the action-adventure genre. Many consider it an underrated gem.
The second title, Trials of Mana, is a fully remade version of the original third game in the series, which was previously unavailable in the U.S. until its remastered release in 2019. The 2020 remake brought the game to a broader audience, and now Xbox players can finally experience it for themselves.
The shift towards more Xbox support seems to be tied to Square Enix’s recent financial results. Following a reported $140 million loss tied to Final Fantasy XVI & Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s disappointing commercial performance, the company appears to be doubling down on multi-platform releases. Earlier this year, in March, Final Fantasy XIV made its long-awaited debut on Xbox, and Octopath Traveler 2 arrived on Xbox and Game Pass from day one.
Looking ahead, Square Enix has even more exciting plans for Xbox users, with highly anticipated titles like Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and Fantasian Neo Dimension confirmed for release. This shift toward inclusivity and multi-platform support is an encouraging sign for Xbox fans who have long felt neglected.
With Square Enix finally bridging the gap and bringing its iconic JRPGs to Xbox, there’s hope that the days of skipping the platform are behind us. The future looks bright for Xbox fans, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see even more Square Enix titles—perhaps one day, we’ll finally witness the Final Fantasy VII Remake Trilogy make its way to Xbox.