Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is finally dropping on October 30, 2025, but there’s a bit of fine print you need to know before hitting that pre-order button.
In a move that’s already sparking some fan frustration, Square Enix has confirmed there will be no upgrade path between the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 versions of the game. Yep — no free upgrade, no shared save data, and no enhanced visuals unless you shell out again for the Switch 2 version.
Let’s break down what this means, and whether it’s worth waiting or jumping in at launch.
Release Date & What You’re Getting
- Release Date: October 30, 2025
- What’s Included: Remakes of Dragon Quest I (1986) and Dragon Quest II (1987)
- New Features:
- Full HD-2D visual overhaul (same art style as DQ3 Remake and Octopath Traveler)
- New cutscenes, difficulty settings, and customization options
- Bonus costumes if you have Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake save data
- Full HD-2D visual overhaul (same art style as DQ3 Remake and Octopath Traveler)
This release is the next piece of Square Enix’s effort to modernize the OG Dragon Quest trilogy, following the success of the DQ3 HD-2D Remake. And yeah — it’s looking gorgeous.
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No Cross-Gen Upgrade (or Saves)
According to a FAQ posted on the game’s official page:
- The Switch and Switch 2 versions are treated as separate titles
- There’s no upgrade path between them
- Save data is not transferable between Switch and Switch 2
- Digital codes are locked to each console version
- You can play the Switch version on Switch 2, but without any graphics enhancements
So if you buy it for your OG Switch and then upgrade consoles? You’ll either be playing the lower-res version — or buying the whole thing again.
You gotta pick your platform wisely — no free cross-gen perks here.
Bonus Suits for Loyal Fans
There is one cool touch:
If you’ve played Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake and have save data on either system, both versions of DQ1 & 2 will recognize it.
You’ll unlock:
- Dog Suit for Dragon Quest I
- Cat Suit for Dragon Quest II
It’s nothing game-changing, but it’s a neat reward for playing the trilogy in order.
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So… Should You Wait for Switch 2?
If you’re the type who values sharper graphics and smoother performance, and you plan to grab the Switch 2, it might be smarter to wait for that version. The two are functionally identical except for graphical improvements, but if visuals matter to you, that’s not a small thing.
But if you’re still rocking your Switch and just want to experience these classics in modern form, there’s no wrong time to dive in. The game’s content is the same, and you won’t miss any major features outside of the graphics bump.
Pro Tip: If you do buy on Switch now and decide to jump to Switch 2 later, keep in mind you’ll have to start fresh — no save transfer means your old progress stays behind.
Choose Your Quest Wisely
While it’s a bit of a bummer that Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake doesn’t offer a clean upgrade path, it’s still shaping up to be a killer release for fans of retro RPGs with a modern twist.
This kind of thing may not sit well with players who expect cross-gen support in 2025, but given the popularity of DQ3 HD-2D, Square Enix probably isn’t sweating it. Just make sure you’re buying the version that fits your setup — and your future plans.
Are you planning to wait for the Switch 2 version, or are you jumping in on day one? Let us know how you’re playing your Dragon Quest adventure. ⚔️✨
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