Tom Phillips
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While many Nintendo Switch 2 games offer upgrades from their Switch 1 counterparts, Square Enix's upcoming Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake won't be one of them.
In a lengthy Q&A, the publisher has now confirmed there will be "no upgrade path" between the version of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake for Switch 1, and the entirely separate but otherwise near-identical version of the same game for Switch 2.
Of course, the Switch 1 version of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is playable on Switch 2 via the newer console's backwards compatibility, but this version will not take advantage of the graphical upgrades found in the Switch 2-specific edition.
Additionally, both save files and download codes for in-game bonus items are also locked to the specific versions of the game. So, even if you did start playing on Switch 1 and then decide to later fully re-purchase the Switch 2 edition, you'd need to start your playthrough again from scratch.
Curiously, the only Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake item that does seem to be cross-compatible is a save data bonus for an in-game Dog Suit (in Dragon Quest 1) and Cat Suit (in Dragon Quest 2). These will unlock if you buy a Switch 2 version of the game, if you previously unlocked them with a Switch 1 copy.
"Each version has different graphical specifications based on the hardware's processing capabilities," Square Enix wrote of the remake's differences on Switch 2. "However, there are no differences in the story, game content, or in which items can be obtained."
The publisher has given no reason why the two versions of the game remain separate, without a $10 paid-for upgrade option (as with similar third-party Switch 2 games such as Hogwarts Legacy and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds) or the situation, as found by fans with many other Switch 1 games, where some titles simply run better 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 (via Steam and Microsoft Store), PS5, Switch, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S. Just remember to be careful which version you're buying
"In a way, Dragon Quest’s, let’s say 'classic' storyline and trope-ish setting is easier to appreciate today than maybe a decade ago," IGN wrote in our Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake preview. "Nowadays, with graphics as advanced as they are and storylines trying to compete with the biggest movies and TV shows, Dragon Quest is a reminder that some stories are timeless for a reason."
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social