Switch 2 Exclusive Remaster Defies Square Enix’s Strategy

Amidst the buzz and debates that have followed its announcement, the Nintendo Switch 2 has emerged with a launch lineup that’s creating quite the stir. Leading the charge is the eagerly awaited Mario Kart World, a marquee exclusive for the console. Beyond that, Nintendo has secured a solid collection of major third-party titles to join the launch day celebrations. Gamers can expect to see the likes of Split Fiction, Cyberpunk 2077, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, and Hogwarts Legacy hitting the shelves. Yet, perhaps the most unexpected addition comes in the form of Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster. This title, a spruced-up remake of the beloved 2013 Nintendo 3DS JRPG by Square Enix and Silicon Studio, will be exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch 2, courtesy of Cattle Call’s efforts.

The Bravely Default series has a storied history with Nintendo platforms. From the outset, each installment has graced Nintendo consoles first, with the company handling global publishing duties. The only departure from this trend was in 2021, when Bravely Default 2 made its way to Windows PCs shortly after debuting on the Nintendo Switch. But with Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster locked in as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, one can’t help but notice it contrasts with Square Enix’s recent multiplatform aspirations.

Square Enix has a reputation for keeping its titles exclusive to particular systems, unlike some of its contemporaries like Capcom or EA. The Japanese developer often opts for exclusivity, either on its own accord or through deals with console makers. Historically, PlayStation has been the primary beneficiary of this strategy, with blockbusters like Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 16 launching first on Sony’s consoles before making their way to PC.

Despite this history, Square Enix has signaled a shift in strategy. Recognizing a need to adapt to the current gaming landscape, where exclusivity can limit sales, the company outlined a three-year growth plan dubbed “Square Enix Reboots and Awakens” in 2024. Central to this new direction is a pivot towards a more inclusive, multiplatform approach—which includes Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and PCs. This change came on the heels of disappointing sales numbers for its recent exclusives, suggesting that expanding its reach could be key to future success.

The release of Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, however, raises questions about Square Enix’s commitment to its professed multiplatform ambitions. It’s a curious decision to restrict the remaster, especially given its origins as a cult favorite rather than a blockbuster hit. The original Switch could likely handle this 3DS classic with ease, so why not broaden its availability to other consoles as well? By doing so, Square Enix could introduce a broader audience to the series, fostering newfound admirers and potentially increasing its global appeal.

For Square Enix to truly push forward with its multiplatform model, it needs to step away from old habits of platform exclusivity. Opening access to games like Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster could serve to enhance its reputation and reach within the gaming community, perhaps drawing in players who game across different platforms, from PlayStation and Xbox to PC—and beyond.