Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster – A First Look

Switch 2 Launch Title: A Journey into Flying Fairy’s HD World

Okay, so the big news—Nintendo Switch 2 is launching with the original Bravely Default in HD. I’m not even kidding, it’s called “Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster.” This was a 3DS hit way back in 2012. Wow, time flies. Anyway, it hit the West a year later, spruced up a bit.

Honestly, there’s a ton of backstory here. It all started as a Final Fantasy spin-off—bet you didn’t see that coming! But essentially, it grew legs and became its own thing. The details of this are probably better explained somewhere on Wikipedia by someone who cared more than me. Not that I don’t care, but you know, those folks are thorough.

Let’s talk about why this game is such a gem. Bravely Default is, by all accounts, a killer turn-based JRPG. It kicked off the whole “Brave/Default” system, which is pretty innovative if you ask me. You fight monsters but can “Default” to save your move or go “Brave” and unleash multiple attacks. It’s clever and makes you think—like, really think.

Anyway, side note, I’m psyched because I’ve played Bravely Default II and Octopath Traveler II, but the first one? Nah, never got around to it. People rave about it though, like some nostalgia-fueled trip with SNES-era vibes but fresh twists. Plus, it’s not full price: $40 in the U.S. Feels like a steal when games these days are hitting seventy bucks or more.

Oh, so I got to demo Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster at PAX East 2025. Real quick, I used Joy-Con 2s with this new grip thingy for RPG parts, and guess what? Minigames with a mouse. Wild, right? Played only on TV though, none of that handheld magic. Still, joysticks were slick—even on a dev kit!

Got a taste of the first ten minutes or so—just some random encounters in that first cave. Looked sharp, feeling like a remaster but not a total remake. Which, honestly, works. Managed a 60fps vibe, and man, those hand-drawn backgrounds pop with the new resolution.

Speaking of newness, Flying Fairy HD Remaster throws in two fresh minigames using Switch 2’s mouse. Weird, but I’m into it. I kinda think Nintendo loves these little quirks every two decades or so.

First up, Luxencheer Rhythm Catch. Imagine waving the Joy-Con 2s to some tunes, hitting shoulder buttons. Fun? Yes. Did I catch the rhythm? Debatable. Might’ve been my easy mode choice or my meh rhythm skills. Future tries, maybe?

Then there’s Ringabel’s Panic Cruise—yeah, my kinda jam. You’re piloting an airship, juggling wheels and levers, fixing valves—a hot mess in the best way. Could totally see this as a party game hit. Laughs guaranteed.

So yeah, these games aren’t selling points, just neat extras showing off Switch 2’s chops. That, plus a single-screen UI, revamped StreetPass with network stuff, and life upgrades like fast-forwarding. Handy!

Bottom line—June 5, Square Enix drops this HD gem from back when the 3DS was big. Sweet pricing, looks like they nailed it. Some features from the original? Still a mystery. But hey, it’s looking good!