Final Fantasy IX fans waiting on the long-rumoured remake are getting something much smaller instead: a music box. Square Enix has opened pre-orders on its North American store for a pocket-sized music box that plays “Not Alone,” one of the most emotional tracks from the 2000 PlayStation classic. It costs $25.99. Shipping is expected next month, though Square Enix hasn’t given a specific date.
The lid shows silhouettes of the main party: Zidane, Garnet, Vivi, Adelbert Steiner, Freya, Eiko, Quina and Amarant. Square Enix says the artwork on each box in the range is based on the scene where its song plays in the game. For this one, that is a meaningful choice. “You’re Not Alone!” plays during one of the game’s emotional turning points, when Zidane’s friends rally around him in his lowest moment. Putting all eight party members on the lid matches that scene.
It’s not the only Final Fantasy IX box in the range. “A Place to Call Home” and “Roses of May” are also available to pre-order, along with “Theme of Love” from Final Fantasy IV and “The Crystal Tower” from Final Fantasy III. All five lean heavily on Nobuo Uematsu’s 8-bit, 16-bit and PlayStation work, which suits a product aimed at fans with long memories.
Final Fantasy IX has a loyal following because it looked back when the series was moving forward. After the sci-fi settings of VII and VIII, it returned to crystals, castles, black mages and a lighter fairy-tale tone, without losing emotional weight. Uematsu has often described it as one of his favourite scores, and its songs regularly feature in orchestral concerts. Turning those melodies into music boxes makes sense, since the soundtrack’s softer songs already suit a delicate, slower arrangement.
The timing is notable. Final Fantasy Resonance, a turn-based entry that mixes HD-2D pixel art with 3D cinematics, launches within days. Final Fantasy VII Revelation, the last part of the Remake trilogy, is due in 2027. Final Fantasy IX, meanwhile, keeps getting merchandise and rumours but no new game, despite years of talk about a remake. There is no evidence that this music box hints at anything bigger. Square Enix often makes collectibles from older games, and a $26 trinket doesn’t signal a project.
Still, the attention fans give to a small item like this shows how much Final Fantasy IX still matters to them. The question for Square Enix is when it will give those fans more than merchandise.
