Switch 2 Exclusive Remaster Challenges Square Enix’s Strategy

The launch of Nintendo Switch 2 has been met with a fair share of buzz, and not just for its controversies. The debut lineup is turning heads, headlined by an exciting exclusive, Mario Kart World. But that’s not all—gamers can expect several big-name third-party hits like Split Fiction, Cyberpunk 2077, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, and Hogwarts Legacy to join the Switch 2 roster. Surprisingly, an unexpected treat comes in the form of Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster. Originally a 2013 Nintendo 3DS JRPG crafted by Square Enix and Silicon Studio, this title is being revitalized in HD by Cattle Call, and will be a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.

Since its inception, the Bravely Default series has stayed loyal to Nintendo. Each installment has premiered on Nintendo devices and published globally by Nintendo. Though Bravely Default 2 did break tradition with a Windows PC release post-Switch launch, the Flying Fairy HD Remaster sticking with Nintendo isn’t exactly out of left field. However, it does contradict Square Enix’s recent ambitions for broader platform releases.

Square Enix’s penchant for exclusivity is no secret, having frequently tethered major releases to specific consoles. Titles like Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Final Fantasy 16 initially graced only PlayStation platforms before gradually branching out to PCs. Despite pledges for a broader multiplatform strategy, particularly highlighted by their “Square Enix Reboots and Awakens” growth initiative announced in May 2024, the situation with Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster suggests otherwise.

For a game like the Bravely Default remaster, sticking to the Switch 2 might not be the wisest move. It’s an optimized 3DS game that would likely perform well on the original Switch too. Considering that Bravely Default is somewhat of a niche franchise, using it to drive Switch 2 sales seems ambitious. Rather than limiting its availability, Square Enix could expand its reach to PlayStation, Xbox, and PC markets. Doing so could introduce the series to a more extensive audience and possibly bolster its global fan base. If Square Enix is committed to moving away from its habituated exclusivity, ensuring titles like Bravely Default are available across multiple platforms would be a step in the right direction.