Which Is the Greatest Model of the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remasters in 2025? Steam, Console, and Cellular In contrast

Sq. Enix’s Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection sequence debuted on PC and cell again in 2021. Since its debut, we have seen a number of fixes and updates with the video games making their option to consoles together with Xbox Collection X|S as the newest platform to get the video games. Almost 4 years since debuting on PC and cell, we noticed one other main replace for the video games within the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence arrive this month for all platforms. Given the staggered launch throughout platforms even for updates, issues are rather a lot higher now. I am going that will help you determine which model of the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence is the very best for you with the video games in contrast throughout consoles, PC, and cell overlaying visuals, efficiency, load instances, and options.

I’ve performed the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster video games since they hit iOS and Swap throughout all platforms together with the most-recent Xbox and Apple Arcade releases. For the aim of this function, I’ve retested the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster video games on Nintendo Swap OLED, Steam Deck OLED, ROG Ally (Z1 Excessive), PS5, PS4 Professional, Xbox Collection X, iPhone 15 Professional, iPhone 12, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPad Professional (2020).

Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence defined

In the event you’ve in some way not saved up with what that is, Sq. Enix aimed to supply the definitive remastered model of the primary six Ultimate Fantasy video games with the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence. By updating Ultimate Fantasy I, II, III, IV, V and VI to trendy requirements and making them playable on trendy platforms, this bundle was an enormous step up over the missing variations of FF5 and FF6 from 2013 and 2014 that are not value even considering of proper now. 

This sequence did much more although with redrawn sprites, backgrounds, coloration adjustments, a background music association, high quality of life options, cheats, and way more. The top result’s nice albeit with some technical variations throughout platforms. Earlier than attending to these, the Pixel Remasters sadly aren’t the definitive variations since some content material from prior ports is lacking.

Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster options by platform – PC, cell, Swap, Xbox, and PlayStation

Once I began engaged on this text again in November final 12 months, I needed to put it on maintain due to the various video games releasing that I used to be overlaying round that point. This sequence had fairly a number of variations throughout platforms again then, however issues are very totally different now.  When Sq. Enix up to date the Steam variations of the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence with the 1.2.0 updates (1.2.1 on cell as of March 28, 2025), I resumed engaged on this text with the belief that we would be ready a very long time for the brand new updates to hit different platforms. Sq. Enix stunned me by then updating the cell releases with beforehand lacking options and the brand new ones. They then up to date all console variations as effectively. Earlier than attending to what function or platform variations are left, I will recap how the video games have been patched since launch:

Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster launch timeline

• July 2021: Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence debuts on PC and cell with FF1, FF2, and FF3.
• September 2021: FF4 launches for PC and cell.
• November 2021: FF5 launches for PC and cell.
• February 2022: FF6 launches for PC and cell.
• April 2023: Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster with FF1, FF2, FF3, FF4, FF5, and FF6 launches on PS4 and Nintendo Swap bringing new BGM,font, and recreation increase/help choices.
• January 2024: Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence on PC and cell will get up to date with the brand new console port options, however the BGM and font choices are omitted of the cell releases.
• September 2024: Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence launches for Xbox Collection X|S and Home windows through the Microsoft Retailer as a Play Wherever title.
• January 2025: Ultimate Fantasy 1 Pixel Remaster launches on Apple Arcade.
• March 2025: Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence will get up to date on Steam with new options and fixes, the cell variations are up to date quickly after with these fixes along with the lacking choices, and the console variations are additionally up to date with 1.2.0 a number of days later.

So with all platforms now at 1.2.0, are there any main variations in options and content material between the platforms? 

Properly, proper now there aren’t any function variations apart from some platform-specific variations. All variations now have the increase choices, background soundtrack toggle possibility, and basic font possibility along with all different game-specific adjustments and additions. The key function variations are: 

• Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster on Swap: The hybrid nature of the platform helps you to play it on the go or docked at house. With the ability to put a recreation like this in sleep mode can be a terrific function for resuming later.
• Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster on Xbox: This being a Play Wherever title means you’ll be able to play it in your Xbox Collection console at house and in addition entry your save again on Home windows PC to play in your laptop or on a conveyable PC just like the ROG Ally. The Xbox model additionally helps Fast Resume which is nice to have in video games like this just like the sleep function on Swap.
• Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster on PlayStation: This model gives Trophy assist and is playable on each PS4 and PS5 through backward compatibility. You can even play it on the PlayStation Portal if you happen to personal one.
• Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster on iOS/Android: The cell variations are probably the most moveable choices out there with each contact and controller assist. In addition they have cloud saving between gadgets to play on say an iPhone after which proceed on iPad and again.
• Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster on Steam: This model stays the very best because it helps you to mod out a few of the quirks and technical points nonetheless current along with being playable throughout PC handhelds and incredible on Steam Deck.

Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster font choices – basic, trendy, and mods

As of this writing, all variations of the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence embody the basic and trendy font choices. The trendy possibility stays ugly, however the basic possibility continues to be not good. If you’re pleased with the Basic font possibility, stick with it. In the event you aren’t, try our information on modding in some extra font choices to the Steam model right here.

Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster – scrolling points defined

The key challenge that’s current in each model of the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster no matter platform is the scrolling challenge. It is a persistent really feel of judder or what makes the sport not really feel easy when the digital camera strikes. The explanation this occurs is as a result of the characters transfer at 80 px/sec which is quicker than the sport’s personal body charge. The repair for this may be Sq. Enix patching the video games to have motion at 60 px/sec or 120 px/sec to be double the goal. One possibility could be uncapping the body charge utilizing mods on PC to 80, however I did not take a look at that.

The best option to discover that is to see how the digital camera motion is horizontally versus diagonally. The motion pace traces up higher when transferring diagonally. One instance is if you play FF5 and are on the Chocobo early on. This particular scenario is an efficient option to spot the opposite efficiency challenge that’s current in some platforms when taking part in the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster. 

The motion on the Chocobo in FF5 feels completely easy on PS4, PS5, Xbox Collection X, and PC. On older cell gadgets and on Nintendo Swap, there are some further stutter points right here. The video linked under from AustinSV on YouTube from about 0:58 into it does a superb job of showcasing the technical points within the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster which can be current even in the present day:

Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster visuals and efficiency variations throughout PC, console, and cell

Along with scrolling points detailed above which have an effect on each single model of the Pixel Remaster video games on each platform, a number of platforms have a further performance-related challenge. That is very seen within the opening of FF5 if you get on the Chocobo. Evaluate how the motion feels then and if you aren’t using the Chocobo. It is a good take a look at case even for the scrolling challenge as I cowl above, however when using the Chocobo, the PlayStation (PS4 Professional and PS5) and PC variations scroll completely with no judder or random hitching points each few seconds. 

There may be minor hitching on the Swap, cell, and Xbox Collection X (and Microsoft Retailer on Home windows) variations. I am stunned it hasn’t been addressed in any respect on the cell variations given how previous they’re now, and that there was no trace of an replace to repair it. I am additionally dissatisfied that even a number of ports later, the Xbox model shipped with this challenge nonetheless current. I initially thought this was only a efficiency challenge we see in some Unity video games on Swap or older cell gadgets, however after it occurred even on iPhone 15 Professional after which Xbox Collection X, I think about this has to do with one thing different than simply horsepower. I am unsure whether it is associated to the identical challenge we noticed within the latest Tremendous Monkey Ball recreation as detailed by Digital Foundry earlier than it was patched. 

On paper, the Xbox model could be my favourite since I can play it on my Xbox Collection X after which pickup my progress to play handheld on my ROG Ally. I used to be stunned to see the Microsoft Retailer or Play Wherever model on my ROG Ally have the identical hitching challenge whereas the Steam model doesn’t. Once more, this is not one thing that may be a dealbreaker for a lot of and whereas some may not discover it, I am dissatisfied to see yet one more scenario the place the identical recreation has points when operating off the Microsoft Retailer model versus it being fantastic on Steam. To recheck this particular hitching and confirm it isn’t current in all variations, I used my telephone’s sluggish movement digital camera and captured motion throughout the PS5, Swap, Xbox Collection X, ROG Ally, and Steam variations at 120fps.

There’s yet one more challenge that impacts the PC model if you happen to play the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster video games at a refresh charge that is not 60hz or 120hz and mainly not a a number of of 60. On the Steam Deck LCD, it performs completely, however the OLED mannequin with its 90hz show has the identical challenge I bumped into with the Suikoden remaster for example. The repair for that is capping your OLED display screen utilizing the short entry menu to 60hz. This limits the difficulty to simply the scrolling one I cowl under.

Some would possibly surprise if these points are even value citing and detailing, however after so many ports, remasters, and re-releases through the years, Sq. Enix ought to do higher with its premier franchise. The entire level of this bundle was to be the very best variations of the basic Ultimate Fantasy video games. To see such fundamental technical points stay not solely within the authentic launch, but in addition after a number of platform ports and updates could be very disappointing. 

Which model of the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence is the very best? 

As of the 1.2.0 replace that’s now out there on each platform, there is no such thing as a main function distinction between the platforms. One of the best model of the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence is the Steam model particularly since you’ll be able to mod it and repair the few remaining technical points and in addition get totally different font choices or different mods based mostly in your preferences. 

When taking the efficiency points under consideration, the PC and PlayStation variations of the video games undergo primarily from the scrolling points whereas the cell, Swap, and to a lesser diploma even Xbox Collection X variations even have further efficiency points. That is current on trendy cell gadgets just like the iPhone 15 Professional as effectively sadly. 

Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster issues nonetheless current in 2025

As for what I hope to see Sq. Enix repair since they’re nonetheless updating the video games on all platforms, the precedence continues to be the scrolling challenge plaguing each single model on each platform. Past that, I would hope the extra efficiency points current on cell, Swap, and Xbox Collection X could be resolved. Given the significance of Ultimate Fantasy to Sq. Enix, it’s good to see patches this a few years later, however once more, we actually should not have needed to wait so lengthy for fundamental fixes within the case of some platforms given the premium worth. 

Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster bodily launch editions

For individuals who like proudly owning bodily variations of video games, particularly for Ultimate Fantasy releases like I do, there are some things to bear in mind in regards to the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster bundle. The Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster bundle has a bodily launch solely on PS4 and Nintendo Swap. It acquired one round launch by way of the Sq. Enix Retailer bundles. Since then, it had an Asia Swap launch (pictured under) and in addition an everyday retail launch in North America and Europe. The latter is the most recent SKU for it, and sadly not one of the bodily releases have all updates on disc/cartridge. The Asia Swap launch has reversible artwork however no stickers. The newest North American / European launch has a sticker sheet however no reversible artwork. Whereas I do not see it taking place, this bundle deserves an Xbox bodily launch as effectively. 

Which model of the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster must you purchase?

Everybody has their very own priorities for what they need, so I will checklist the benefits and drawbacks of each single model under:

• Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster on PlayStation: In the event you care about trophy assist or do not care about moveable play (until you stream to a PlayStation Portal or telephone), that is the very best console model to get.
• Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster on Xbox: When you have entry to a PC handheld or play on each Xbox Collection consoles and PC, the Play Wherever function is a giant promoting level along with the Fast Resume function, however the hitching challenge holds this again a bit.
• Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster on Nintendo Swap: The hybrid nature of the Swap is the largest promoting level for the Pixel Remasters on the platform, however that is additionally held again by the hitching challenge proper now.
• Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster on Steam: With the ability to mod the video games and repair a few of the lingering points is the primary draw of this launch along with them taking part in wonderful on Steam Deck.
• Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster on iOS: As of the newest replace, the iOS (or Android) model of the video games is at function parity with different platforms, however the hitching challenge continues to be right here. This model is value getting if you happen to play rather a lot in your telephone or have Apple Arcade within the case of the primary recreation.

Hopefully this helped you determine the place it’s best to get the Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence of video games and if you happen to already personal it, acquired you to replace or redownload and revisit this set of video games. I am wanting ahead to hopefully revisiting these video games once we doubtlessly get one other huge replace. It might be nice if a few of the lingering points could be mounted so there are much less caveats to recommending these basic RPGs for contemporary platforms.

The Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster sequence of video games is now out there on Xbox Collection X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Swap, iOS, Android, and PC (Steam, Microsoft Retailer). We’ve got full walkthroughs of Ultimate Fantasy I, Ultimate Fantasy II, Ultimate Fantasy III, Ultimate Fantasy IV, Ultimate Fantasy V, and Ultimate Fantasy VI. Take a look at all our different guides overlaying the whole Ultimate Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection right here.