Final Fantasy 9 is easily one of the most beloved and favorite titles in Square Enix’s renowned Final Fantasy franchise, hailed among fans as a genuine love letter to the series’ roots. It features some of the most memorable and fan-favorite Final Fantasy characters of all time, and perhaps its most iconic character is officially returning this year in a surprise release.
In an unexpected new announcement for later this year, Vivi is officially returning in a brand-new Final Fantasy 9 release that follows the black mage “as Grandpa teaches him how to live a good life.” The title will officially launch on May 19, 2026, and fans of the franchise will definitely want to mark their calendars (via Square Enix).
Vivi Gets His Own Book This May
Final Fantasy 9’s Vivi looks upward.
Vivi the black mage makes his official return in a new Square Enix book authored by Final Fantasy 9 event designer Kazuhiko Aoki and illustrated by character designer Toshiyuki Itahana. It’s a 48-page illustrated picture book that takes place after Grandpa Quan fishes Vivi out of the ocean and teaches him about the world. “Together, they live a peaceful life of fine feasts and friends, eventually leading up to Vivi’s day of departure.”
The new FF release will launch in May for $17.99 USD, and while the current edition posted on the Square Enix website features only the Japanese text, there’s likely an English version in the works as well. If you’re looking to replay Final Fantasy 9 and dive back into the world, it’s currently available for purchase on the PlayStation store.
FF9 Fans Should Love The Story & Art
If you’re a die-hard fan of the Final Fantasy franchise and in particular the highly lauded Final Fantasy 9, you’ll definitely be interested in the art and story in this new release. It features some beautiful original art by one of the game’s top artists, and is visually stunning. The story itself promises to expand on the FF9 lore and give players insight into Vivi’s origins.
Overall, this upcoming Final Fantasy 9 book is one that hardcore fans will definitely want to mark their calendars for when it releases this spring. You can preview a sampling of the text and art style on the official Square Enix store page, and pre-orders will likely open up in the coming months ahead of the book’s official launch.
Final Fantasy 9
Systems
Released
July 7, 2000
ESRB
T for Teen: Violence, Mild Language
Developer(s)
Square Enix
Publisher(s)
Square Enix
Engine
Unity
