Whereas many Nintendo Switch 2 video games supply upgrades from their Switch 1 counterparts, Square Enix’s upcoming Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake will not be certainly one of them.
In a prolonged Q&A, the writer has now confirmed there will likely be “no improve path” between the model of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake for Switch 1, and the fully separate however in any other case near-identical model of the identical recreation for Switch 2.
In fact, the Switch 1 model of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is playable on Switch 2 through the newer console’s backwards compatibility, however this model won’t benefit from the graphical upgrades discovered within the Switch 2-specific version.
Moreover, each save recordsdata and obtain codes for in-game bonus gadgets are additionally locked to the particular variations of the sport. So, even in case you did begin enjoying on Switch 1 after which resolve to later absolutely re-purchase the Switch 2 version, you’d want to begin your playthrough once more from scratch.
Curiously, the one Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake merchandise that does appear to be cross-compatible is a save knowledge bonus for an in-game Canine Swimsuit (in Dragon Quest 1) and Cat Swimsuit (in Dragon Quest 2). These will unlock in case you purchase a Switch 2 model of the sport, in case you beforehand unlocked them with a Switch 1 copy.
“Every model has completely different graphical specs primarily based on the {hardware}’s processing capabilities,” Square Enix wrote of the remake’s variations on Switch 2. “Nevertheless, there aren’t any variations within the story, recreation content material, or wherein gadgets could be obtained.”
The writer has given no cause why the 2 variations of the sport stay separate, with out a $10 paid-for improve choice (as with related third-party Switch 2 video games corresponding to Hogwarts Legacy and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds) or the scenario, as discovered by followers with many different Switch 1 video games, the place some titles merely run higher on Nintendo’s newer {hardware}.
Square Enix is set to launch its Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake on October 30, 2025, for PC (through Steam and Microsoft Retailer), PS5, Switch, Switch 2, and Xbox Collection X/S. Simply keep in mind to watch out which model you are shopping for
“In a means, Dragon Quest’s, let’s say ‘basic’ storyline and trope-ish setting is simpler to respect right now than possibly a decade in the past,” IGN wrote in our Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake preview. “These days, with graphics as superior as they’re and storylines making an attempt to compete with the largest films and TV reveals, Dragon Quest is a reminder that some tales are timeless for a cause.”
Tom Phillips is IGN’s Information Editor. You possibly can attain Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or discover him on Bluesky (*1*)