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

Final Fantasy 16 has certainly stirred up some debate, but it’s impossible not to admire its boldness. Rather than sticking to the classic formula, the game took a sharp turn with its energetic, hack-and-slash combat and departure from having a playable party. This move made it feel more like a Devil May Cry game than a traditional JRPG, setting itself apart in the storied franchise, whether fans loved it or not. Despite facing criticism for lackluster side quests and minimal role-playing features, it earned applause from many die-hard fans for daring to innovate.

When you take a closer look, Final Fantasy 16 and its predecessor, Final Fantasy 15, share some similarities. Both sparked debates among players, and both leaned more toward action compared to previous installments. However, Final Fantasy 15 enjoyed more widespread success. Though FF16 saw a decent level of success, it didn’t reach the same sales heights as FF15, partly due to its exclusivity on PlayStation consoles and the absence of significant cross-media marketing. While FF16 might boost its popularity by adopting some strategies from FF15’s playbook, it likely won’t mimic its predecessor in every way, thanks to recent tech developments.

FF15 had a wide array of adaptations, including a mobile phone version known as FF15: Pocket Edition. Square Enix pulled out all the stops to promote FF15, treating it as a major event. In contrast to FF16, FF15 branched out across various media, including books, movies, and TV series, along with several spin-offs like an MMO strategy game and a quirky VR fishing adventure.

A particularly interesting side project, Final Fantasy 15: Pocket Edition, was released in 2018 and distilled FF15 into bite-sized episodes for mobile play. It retained the core story, world, and characters but opted for a toned-down combat system and a whimsical, chibi art style, adding fresh side quests to the mix. Originally, this was a mobile exclusive for Android and iOS, but it made its way to consoles and PCs not long after.

Today’s gaming landscape has evolved beyond the era when handheld consoles frequently saw spin-off versions of larger console games. A few decades ago, it was common to see PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and Wii games being reimagined for handheld consoles like the DS and Game Boy Advance. These adaptations weren’t direct ports but entirely new experiences, much like FF15: Pocket Edition.

Nowadays, the distinction between handhelds and home consoles is fading. Devices like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch pack enough punch to run many AAA games without significant drawbacks. As a result, companies no longer feel the need to produce cut-down adaptations for portable gaming. Should Final Fantasy 16 eventually make its way to handhelds, you can expect it to appear as a full-fledged version rather than a simplified edition like FF15 did.

If the rumors about the Nintendo Switch 2’s specs hold water, Final Fantasy 16 will likely run smoothly on the new device with minor adjustments. Should Square Enix decide to make it happen, the game could possibly find its way onto high-end smartphones. After all, tech marvels like Death Stranding, Resident Evil Village, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage have already landed on iPhones and iPads, so a native FF16 mobile port is well within the realm of possibility.