While this news is only really circulating now, digging up an old press release reveals that Final Fantasy VII: Snowboarding was announced (and released) way back in 2005.

While that may be a bit of a mystery, the other mystery is that of a Final Fantasy snowboarding game existing at all. Kotaku and CasualGaming.biz are reporting that the game is only available now and in Japan, yours if you have a specific handset (carrier DoCoMo’s FOMA 703i/902i series handsets, to be precise) and ¥315 (or $3) to spare.

Screenshots and the original press release follow below (with spelling errors intact), if only to try and sort out two mysteries at once:

PRESS RELEASE

FINAL FANTASY VII Snowboarding

Developer: SQUARE ENIX Co., Ltd. Publisher: SQUARE ENIX, Inc. Format: BREW Genre: Action Game Carrier / Compatible Phone: Verizon Wireless / LG VX8000 Ship Date: April 1, 2005

FINAL FANTASY VII was released in 1997 and sold nine million units worldwide. In it, you could play a snowboarding minigame at an amusement park called the Gold Saucer. FINAL FANTASY VII Snowboarding is a complete port of this minigame, bringing 3D snowboarding action to your mobile phone. Available through Verizon Wireless’ new V CAST service, V CAST customers can download MUSASHI: MOBILE SAMURAI on the new 3G-capable LG VX8000 phone – the pinnacle of visual entertainment.

KEY FEATURES

• Addictive 3D Gameplay

FINAL FANTASY VII Snowboarding brings the thrilling action of the console version to the palms of customers’ hands. New moves have been included to the non-stop 3D action adding to the heart pumping gameplay.

• Record Breakiing Speed

Guide Cloud,, tthe herro off FINAL FANTASY VII,, allong 3-D rendered courses at speeds unprecedented on mobile handsets.

• Two Gameplay Modes

Players can choose bettween two gameplay modes. In “Score Attack” mode, score points for technique, time, and balloons collected. In “Time Attack” mode, race to the goal in the shortest time possible.

• Accesible for Players of all Experience Levels

Anyone can enjoy the game, regardless of their experience level. Aside from the varied courses, simple controls make the game extremely accessible.

© 1997, 2005 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. FINAL FANTASY is a registered trademark of Square Enix Co., Ltd. FINAL FANTASY and the SQUARE ENIX logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.