Final Fantasy 8 Remastered gets September release date

(Image credit: Square)

Final Fantasy VIII Remastered just got a release date, and it's sooner than we expected. On September 3, fans will have the chance to re-experience the cult-classic Final Fantasy 8 with updated visuals and customization options on Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and Steam. 

Sandwiched in between the releases of two undisputed classics, Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 10, Final Fantasy 8 feels very much like a middle child of the franchise. Too often overlooked by casual observers, the remaster's release on every major platform should give it some much-needed attention.

The news was rather unexpectedly announced on the official Final Fantasy Twitter page along with an all-new trailer. The Twitter announcement also confirms that pre-orders are now open and links to a page with information on where to do so: the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, and Steam. Conspicuously enough, there's no mention of the Nintendo eShop or Switch release anywhere on the page at the time of this writing, so here's hoping we can pre-order it on the Switch soon.

Final Fantasy 8 joins a growing catalog of remastered Final Fantasy games to be and to have been released on PC and consoles. After a long delay, Final Fantasy X/X-2 were released on Switch and Xbox One this past April, and of course there's the most highly-anticipated full-fledged remake of Final Fantasy 7 coming next March.

Speaking of Final Fantasy 7, read what we thought after spending some time with the upcoming remake.

Jordan Gerblick

After scoring a degree in English from ASU, I worked as a copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. Now, as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer, I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my apartment, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.

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