Square Enix Announces Final Fantasy 40th Anniversary Gallery Cards with NFC Features

Square Enix has revealed the SQUARE ENIX GALLERY CARDS Vol. 1 FINAL FANTASY 40th Anniversary Collection. Launching in Japan on January 8, 2027, these collectible art cards celebrate four decades of the Final Fantasy series. Players and collectors should note that these are art cards and not playable cards for the Final Fantasy Trading Card Game, as Square Enix has not announced any gameplay connection between the two products.

The debut collection consists of 180 card variations based on 97 different illustrations. Some pieces of artwork appear in multiple rarity levels or finishes. The set includes 12 rarity categories, ranging from standard Common cards to the serialized Ultima Legend Rare (UTL). The UTL card is a primary chase item featuring a digital signature from artist Yoshitaka Amano and an individual serial number. Square Enix clarified that this is a digital signature rather than a hand-signed autograph.

Another high-tier rarity is the Phantom Legend Rare (PTL), which utilizes Japanese printing technology to create a three-dimensional holographic effect. Additionally, the set includes 16 Harmonic Rare (HR) cards. These cards feature embedded NFC tags that allow users to hold a compatible smartphone near the card to access a page with links to supported music-streaming services. The music is not stored on the card itself, and access may depend on regional availability or existing streaming subscriptions.

The collection's rarity breakdown includes 9 Material Legend Rare, 18 Super Rare, 16 Harmonic Rare, 9 Legend Rare Foil, 18 Rare Foil, 27 Uncommon Foil, 9 Legend Rare, 18 Rare, 27 Uncommon, and 27 Common cards. The packaging features a new illustration of Y’shtola from Final Fantasy XIV.

In Japan, individual packs containing five cards cost ¥550. A sealed box contains ten packs (50 cards total) for ¥5,500. The cards measure approximately 88 by 63 mm. Pre-orders began on the Japanese Square Enix e-STORE on September 10, 2026, with other Japanese retailers following on September 11. While announced with Japanese pricing, the product is available through international retailers like Japan Figure.

Square Enix will display the collection at the SQUARE ENIX SHOP booth during Tokyo Game Show 2026, held at Makuhari Messe from September 17 to 21. Attendees will be able to see previously unrevealed card designs and high-rarity details.