Switch 2 Exclusive Remaster Challenges Square Enix’s Strategy

The Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived on the scene with quite an impressive range of launch titles, even amidst the initial uproar tied to its unveiling. Leading the charge is its exclusive game, Mario Kart World, yet it’s the accompanying roster that’s catching eyes. Nestled in this lineup are significant third-party titles: Split Fiction, Cyberpunk 2077, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, and Hogwarts Legacy. Among these, the inclusion of the Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster might just be the unexpected standout. This game is a refreshed version of the 2013 Nintendo 3DS JRPG from the minds of Square Enix and Silicon Studio. The remaster, which Cattle Call is bringing to life, remains a Switch 2 exclusive, capturing the essence of the series’ deep roots in Nintendo consoles.

Since its inception, the Bravely Default series has lived solely within Nintendo’s domain. Every entry debuted on Nintendo platforms, with the company handling worldwide publication. The BRAVE exception is Bravely Default 2 from 2021, which wandered onto Windows PCs post its Nintendo Switch release. This close-knit history makes it less startling to see Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster stick with Nintendo, even if it slightly contradicts Square Enix’s recent multiplatform declarations.

Square Enix has a long history of binding its creations to specific consoles. Unlike some third-party giants like Capcom, EA, or SEGA, Square Enix often opts for exclusivity, whether through choice or platform agreements. Noteworthy titles like Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Final Fantasy 16 were initially PlayStation exclusives before branching out to PCs.

The exclusivity trend worked flawlessly during the PS1, PS2, and PS3 days. However, in today’s console landscape, the model seems to falter. With sales targets frequently unmet, particularly with recent Final Fantasy games, Square Enix unveiled a revitalization plan in May 2024 under “Square Enix Reboots and Awakens.” It promised a new direction, notably a push towards a multiplatform future, embracing systems from Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, to PCs.

Given this outlook, the exclusivity of Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster on Switch 2 might seem puzzling. One would think a 3DS game remaster could easily run on the original Switch, and the series’ niche audience likely wouldn’t drive vast numbers to purchase a new console. Expanding this game across platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and PC could invite fresh eyes to the franchise, bolstering its global reputation. Sticking strictly to Nintendo kind of undermines Square Enix’s broader multiplatform strategy, suggesting a need to break from old habits even with their less prominent titles like Bravely Default.