Why Final Fantasy 16 Probably Won’t Follow FF15’s Single Release Path

Final Fantasy 16 stirred quite the debate among gamers, but it’s clear it wasn’t content to just follow the usual path. The game shook up the classic Final Fantasy formula by introducing a high-energy, hack-and-slash combat style and doing away with the typical team of playable characters. Instead, it embraced a vibe that was more akin to Devil May Cry than what fans of the franchise might expect from a traditional JRPG. The result? A game that stood out among its peers, for better or worse. While some critics knocked it for having lackluster side quests and thin role-playing features, plenty of die-hard fans appreciated its bold, new approach.

If we look back a bit, Final Fantasy 16 shares a few similarities with its predecessor, Final Fantasy 15. Both titles stirred a lot of discussion among fans and had more of an action-focused bent than earlier games in the series. However, Final Fantasy 15 managed to capture a broader audience and outsell the latest installment, partially due to its wider console availability and more aggressive cross-media promotion. While Final Fantasy 16 could boost its popularity by borrowing a few strategies from its predecessor, it’s unlikely to follow in all of FF15’s footsteps, especially with new tech on the horizon.

Speaking of reaching beyond just gaming, FF15 had quite a bit of adaptation going on, including one memorable version for mobile devices titled FF15: Pocket Edition. Square Enix, the mastermind behind Final Fantasy, pushed hard to make Final Fantasy 15 the next blockbuster. Unlike its successor, FF15 didn’t just stay confined to one platform; it branched out into various mediums, spawning books, films, TV shows, and even multiple spin-offs. There was an MMO strategy game, a VR fishing experience, and more. One spin-off that often flies under the radar is the Pocket Edition. This 2018 release was a streamlined, episodic take on FF15 for mobile devices that retained the original’s plot, characters, and setting but introduced a simpler battle system, a quirky chibi art style, and some fresh side quests. Initially a mobile exclusive, it quickly found its way to consoles and PC within a year.

In today’s gaming landscape, adaptations of console games specifically reimagined for handheld devices have become rare. Go back to the ’90s or the 2000s, and you’d find tons of console titles getting reimagined for handhelds. Many PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and Wii games got special versions for systems like the DS or Game Boy Advance, much like FF15: Pocket Edition. These weren’t typically direct ports but wholly new games adapted from their console counterparts. Fast forward, and the lines between handheld and home consoles have almost blurred into oblivion. Portables such as the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch can handle many blockbuster titles directly. As a result, creating downgraded handheld versions isn’t really a thing anymore. That’s why if Final Fantasy 16 ever makes its way to portable devices, it’s unlikely to receive a tweaked Pocket Edition makeover.

Looking ahead, if the buzz around the next-gen Nintendo Switch holds true, Final Fantasy 16 could likely run on this anticipated device with just a few graphical adjustments. Square Enix might even venture to bring it to top-tier smartphones. We’ve already seen graphically demanding games like Death Stranding, Resident Evil Village, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage launch on mobile platforms, suggesting that a mobile version of Final Fantasy 16 isn’t out of reach.