Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Series Launches on April 19 for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4

The Fantasy Pixel Remaster series will launch for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch later this month, Square Enix has announced.

Previously only available for PC and mobile devices, the wonderful pixel series received a rating late last year for both PS4 and Switch. Fast forward a couple of months, and Square Enix has now confirmed that the collection is launching on Switch and PS4 later this month on April 19. The collection includes enhanced versions of Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy II, Final Fantasy III, Final Fantasy IV, Final Fantasy V, and Final Fantasy VI, complete with overhauled graphics, rearranged soundtracks, various Quality-of-life improvements, the option to change fonts, and more.

For those unknown with the original PC release, the rearranged soundtracks in the remastered pixel collection soundtracks have been overseen by original composer Nobuo Uematsu.

So how will these games in the pixel series be made available on PlayStation 4 and Switch later this month? Well, players can buy all of the games separately digitally or the entire series as part of the Final Fantasy - Final Fantasy VI pixel series bundle. The Switch games can be pre-ordered right now and those who purchase the game(s) before May 25  receive two Final Fantasy-themed wallpapers for each individual game. Those buying the entire collection before May 25 will receive all of the themed wallpapers. On PlayStation 4, the pre-order will be made available later.

Here's what we wrote about the collection in our review of the first three Final Fantasy pixel games.

"The worth of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters rests entirely on how the player feels about the originals and what they do what out of a remaster", Francesco de Meo wrote in 2021. If you're looking for truly modernized versions of these all-time classics, maybe the Pixel Remasters aren't for you. But, if nostalgia is about to overtake you just for reading about them, then the Pixel Remasters can be a worthy purchase if you're willing to overlook some issues that will hopefully be fixed in the future."

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series main features:

• Change soundtracks: The Pixel Remaster series features utterly superb new orchestral arrangements of FINAL FANTASY I - VI’s soundtracks. However, we know some of you may want to recreate the original experience of playing these games, so you’ll be able to switch between the original and rearranged soundtracks.
• Change fonts: The console release of FINAL FANTASY I - VI gives you the option to switch between two different fonts: the default font and a new pixel-based font that recreates the feel of the original games.
• Turn off random encounters: Sometimes you just want to explore in peace, so a feature in the Pixel Remaster games lets you turn off random encounters completely. This means you can roam the world without being harassed by monsters. That also means you won’t get stronger, so be careful how you use it…
• Adjust experience: Speaking of getting stronger, want to speed things up a little? Boost features let you adjust the experience gained by up to four times. Perfect if you want an easier run through the games.

Written by Aernout van de Velde