Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake Will Not Have Upgrade Path from Nintendo Switch to Switch 2

While Square Enix has confirmed a Nintendo Switch 2 release for Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake, in a new FAQ, the company has also now confirmed that there is no upgrade path for players who pick up the Switch version of the game and then want to carry it over to a Switch 2. Among other things, the company has noted in the FAQ that both the Switch and Switch 2 will be getting distinct versions of Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake.

According to the FAQ, Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake who buy the game on the Nintendo Switch will be able to play it on the Switch 2, but it will run at the same performance and graphical levels as it would on the original Switch. Switch 2 players will also have to buy the game separately, as there will be no upgrades that can be bought at a lower price. Players who decide to move on from the Switch version of the game to the Switch 2 version will also have to start from scratch, as there will be no way to carry over save data.

Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake is a follow-up release to Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. Along with making use of the same art style, Dragon Quest 1 and 2 also have stories that take place after the events of Dragon Quest 3. Together the three titles make up what is referred to as the Edrick trilogy. The first gameplay trailer for Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake was shown off back in March during a Nintendo Direct. While the trailer didn’t reveal too many new features of the game, we did get to see what the titles will look like with the HD-2D art style that Square Enix has been using for some of its titles since Octopath Traveler.

The 2024 release of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake has also been quite successful for Square Enix, with the company crediting it earlier this year for a rise in operating income. According to Square Enix’s financial results briefing back in February, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake did better than expected, with net sales totalling up to ¥60 billion, and an operating profit of ¥4.6 billion

Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake is coming to PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and the Switch 2 on October 30. The game is currently available for pre-order on all platforms for $59.99.

As for the rest of the Dragon Quest franchise, a brand new mainline game, Dragon Quest 12: The Flames of Fate, has been under development for quite some time now. While Square Enix has been generally quiet about the title since its original announcement, we do know that it is being developed on Unreal Engine 5. Rumours have indicated that a remake of Dragon Quest 7: Fragments of the Forgotten Past is also currently under development. However, Square Enix hasn’t yet made an official announcement yet.