Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake Lacks Upgrade Path Between Nintendo Switch Generations
The upcoming Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake won’t allow players to upgrade their version from the original Nintendo Switch to the Switch 2, and save data won’t carry over between the two systems. That’s the word from Square Enix, who recently updated the official Dragon Quest website with the details.
According to the FAQ, the two versions will be treated as entirely separate games. The publisher stated, “There is no upgrade path currently available or planned. Please buy your copy for whichever system you would like to play it on.” This means if you own the Switch version and later get a Switch 2, you’ll have to purchase the game again rather than upgrading your existing copy.
Both versions will offer the duplicate content overall, but Square Enix points out that graphical differences will exist due to the differing hardware capabilities of the two consoles. So, the Switch 2 edition might look a bit sharper or run smoother, but it won’t be the same install with a simple update.
Save data sharing is also off the table. The FAQ clarifies: “No. The Switch 2 version and the Switch version are treated as separate games, so save data cannot be transferred or shared between them (this also applies to transferring data from the Switch 2 version to the Switch version).” That’s a bummer for anyone hoping to pick up where they left off after upgrading their console.
Additionally, the remake will be available as a Game Key Card upon release, a format that Nintendo has recently started testing in Japan, with mixed reactions. This digital-physical hybrid system has sparked debate among fans, making it interesting to see Dragon Quest adopt it.
The remake is slated for release on October 30 across multiple platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. It follows the success of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, which was a major hit in Japan last year, selling over one million physical copies.
