Square Enix found its claim to fame with the Final Fantasy series, meaning Final Fantasy 16 has big shoes to fill. Luckily, it’s had years in development and input from some of the studio’s hottest talent. Still, news has been slim, and players can’t help but wonder about the release date. Plus, since we’re between console generations, it’d be nice to know which platforms FF16 is releasing for as well. What’s the scoop?
Final Fantasy 16 Release Date for PS5
Square Enix has not set a release date for Final Fantasy 16. Officially, it seems the game may not even release in 2022. The latest update from producer Naoki Yoshida promises the game’s “next big reveal” in spring of 2022, meaning the launch is still at least months away.
However, there is a fan theory that the game could be coming out very soon — this year, in fact. One of the Easter Eggs in the intro of the PlayStation Showcase from September 2021 seems to indicate a June 16, 2022 release date for Final Fantasy 16. Seen in a subway station, a sign briefly displays the text “Valisthea 06.16” before disappearing off-screen. As we know from the game’s official website, Valisthea is the setting for FF16, so 06-16 implies that’s the date we’ll first get to explore it.
Is Final Fantasy 16 Coming to PS4, Xbox, or Switch?
Final Fantasy 16 will be a timed console exclusive for PlayStation 5. That means that after a specific period of time, the game could release for other platforms. A PC release of Final Fantasy 16 is likely, but the same can’t necessarily be said of platforms like the Xbox Series X/S or Nintendo Switch. By all accounts, the game won’t be releasing for PS4.
In fact, PC was mentioned during the game’s initial reveal. However, since then, Square Enix has gone back to referring to the game simply as a PlayStation console exclusive. It’s safe to assume that if you want to play it early, you’ll need a PS5. With that said, a PC release is not out of the question. The Final Fantasy 7 Remake did eventually get ported to PC, even if it does have a few performance issues.
As for the Nintendo Switch, well, that’s unlikely. Nintendo’s hybrid handheld doesn’t have the grunt to run FF7 Remake, so it’s very unlikely to be powerful enough to run a game designed specifically for the PS5. However, given the advent of cloud game streaming, it may technically be possible. But until we hear confirmation from the developers, it’s best not to get your hopes up.
