Xbox Game Pass Adds a Remaster of a Polarizing Classic

The Xbox Game Pass library has expanded to include Final Fantasy 2—specifically, its latest remaster, which many Square Enix fans regard as the definitive version of the polarizing title. The JRPG arrives just ahead of the anticipated Xbox Game Pass Wave 1 lineup announcement for February 2026.

Since first launching in 1988, Final Fantasy 2 has been retouched and re-released half a dozen times, first by jumping from the original Famicom/NES to the WonderSwan Color. It later appeared on the PlayStation 1 as part of Final Fantasy Origins and the Game Boy Advance as Final Fantasy 1 and 2: Dawn of Souls. A PSP remake was released in 2007, shortly after a J2ME-powered demake launched for select feature phones, albeit only in Japan. The game was most recently revisited as part of the acclaimed Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection spanning the first six entries in the franchise.

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By Dominik Bošnjak

Xbox Game Pass Doubles Its Selection of Final Fantasy Games

The latest version of Final Fantasy 2 is available to Xbox Game Pass users starting today, February 3, on every tier except the entry-level XGP Essential. It is the third title to join Microsoft’s subscription catalog this month, and the 21st this year. It arrives less than a month after Final Fantasy 1 Pixel Remaster was added to Xbox Game Pass on January 8. In this context, it appears plausible that the service may continue receiving one remaster per month until the entire Square Enix collection is part of its library.

All Square Enix JRPGs Currently Available on Xbox Game Pass

Final Fantasy 1 Pixel Remaster
Final Fantasy 2 Pixel Remaster
Legend of Mana
Trials of Mana
Visions of Mana

Some fans have long ranked Final Fantasy 2 among the weakest entries from the franchise’s early, pre-3D era. This reputation is largely attributed to its unconventional progression system, which replaces traditional leveling with a less intuitive, use-based stat growth mechanic. The system encourages repetitive actions and can result in uneven character development without careful management. While the game remains polarizing, the consensus among the Square Enix fandom is that the Pixel Remaster is its definitive edition due to extensive rebalancing changes and various quality-of-life improvements, including a modern UI.

Expect More Game Pass News Today

Microsoft’s subscription service started February 2026 on a high note, adding three new titles in just as many days. One of them was an unexpected release, with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii quietly appearing in the Xbox Game Pass library on February 2. Its shadow drop followed the addition of the eccentric Russian nun adventure Indika earlier that same day. While the next arrival isn’t scheduled until February 5, Microsoft may share more Game Pass news even sooner. Based on its typical monthly announcement patterns, the Wave 1 lineup for this month is likely to be officially revealed later today, around 10am ET.

Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.

Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)

Upcoming Xbox Game Pass Arrivals with Confirmed Release Dates

Date	Game	Game Pass Tier(s)	Platform(s)	Notes
Feb 3	Final Fantasy 2	Ultimate, Premium, PC	Cloud, PC, Series X/S
Feb 5	Menace	Ultimate, PC	PC	Game Preview; day-one release.
Feb 13	High on Life 2	Ultimate, PC	Cloud, PC, Series X/S	Day-one release.
Feb 26	Towerborne	Premium	Cloud, PC, Series X/S	Day-one 1.0 release. Available in Game Preview on XGP Ultimate and PC GP since Apr 2025.
Mar 12	Replaced	Ultimate, PC	Cloud, PC, Series X/S	Day-one release.
Mar 26	Nova Roma	Ultimate, PC	PC	Day-one release.
May 19	Forza Horizon 6	Ultimate, PC	Cloud, PC, Series X/S	Day-one release.

In related news, Madden NFL 24 is scheduled to leave the service on February 15, according to the recently updated "Leaving Soon" section of the Xbox Game Pass web directory, as well as the Xbox Cloud Gaming site, which sources its catalog data from the same backend. That said, a single title would make for an uncharacteristically short list of departures, suggesting that additional mid-month removals may be announced alongside the Wave 1 lineup reveal for February 2026.

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