Like the shifting of the tides, Microsoft has seemingly taken over the gaming space following their Xbox Games Showcase, highlighting both their strongest current titles and most anticipated upcoming releases — including The Outer Worlds 2, the next Call of Duty installment, and promising new entries like the BioShock-inspired Clockwork Revolution. But one major surprise stole the spotlight: the arrival of Square Enix’s beloved Final Fantasy series on Xbox.
A few years ago, no one would’ve expected Final Fantasy to find a home on Xbox consoles. The platform wasn’t known as a haven for JRPGs; instead, it leans into big-budget shooters like Halo and Gears of War. The idea of seeing Cloud Strife or Clive Rosfield on an Xbox would’ve sounded like a long shot.
All Final Fantasy Entries on Xbox
And yet here we are. Every mainline Final Fantasy entry is now playable on Xbox platforms. From the golden era titles starting with Final Fantasy I to modern classics like Final Fantasy VII, Xbox has become the only console where you can access the entire Final Fantasy series. Even better, many of these games are available via Xbox Game Pass, meaning you won’t have to spend more than the subscription fee to play most of them.
This marks a new era, with Microsoft seemingly gaining a strong foothold in Square Enix’s iconic franchise. Their growing partnership is evident, and with Square Enix repeatedly expressing their move away from console exclusivity, it’s clear that more of their titles are headed to multiple platforms, benefiting both the company and the players.
Sony’s PlayStation, once synonymous with Final Fantasy, now struggles to keep pace. Oddly enough, Final Fantasy XIII is missing from the PlayStation Store, which is a baffling omission considering the series’ legacy on the platform. Meanwhile, Xbox players can still experience Lightning’s story, giving Microsoft an unexpected win in this ongoing competition.
Recently, Microsoft shadow-dropped Final Fantasy XVI on Xbox consoles, bringing Clive’s Game of Thrones-like journey into the Xbox ecosystem. As the latest mainline title in the franchise, this move is a major statement, and a good sign that future entries might arrive on Xbox day one.
The Future of Xbox and Final Fantasy Games
Next in line is Final Fantasy VII: Remake, arguably one of the best modern reimaginings of a classic game. Square Enix has confirmed that Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, the second installment in the trilogy, will also launch on Xbox. As for the elusive third and final entry, its release plans for Xbox remain unknown.
And it’s not just Final Fantasy. Many of Square Enix’s other titles are also available on Xbox and Game Pass, including the beloved Kingdom Hearts saga (with over nine titles from the collection) and standout JRPGs like Octopath Traveler and more. If it carries the Xbox name, chances are it supports a good portion of Square’s catalog.
click to enlargeIt’s a wild time for Final Fantasy and gaming as a whole. If you had told me 10 years ago that the entire Final Fantasy series would one day be playable on Xbox (a platform built for shooters and Western blockbusters), I would’ve called you crazy. Look who’s the crazy one now.
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