Whereas many Nintendo Change 2 video games provide upgrades from their Change 1 counterparts, Sq. Enix’s upcoming Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake will not be one in every 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 Change 1, and the fully separate however in any other case near-identical model of the identical sport for Change 2.
After all, the Change 1 model of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is playable on Change 2 through the newer console’s backwards compatibility, however this model is not going to make the most of the graphical upgrades discovered within the Change 2-specific version.
Moreover, each save information and obtain codes for in-game bonus objects are additionally locked to the precise variations of the sport. So, even if you happen to did begin taking part in on Change 1 after which resolve to later absolutely re-purchase the Change 2 version, you’d want to start out 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 information bonus for an in-game Canine Swimsuit (in Dragon Quest 1) and Cat Swimsuit (in Dragon Quest 2). These will unlock if you happen to purchase a Change 2 model of the sport, if you happen to beforehand unlocked them with a Change 1 copy.
“Every model has totally different graphical specs based mostly on the {hardware}’s processing capabilities,” Sq. Enix wrote of the remake’s variations on Change 2. “Nonetheless, there are not any variations within the story, sport content material, or by which objects could be obtained.”
The writer has given no purpose why the 2 variations of the sport stay separate, with no $10 paid-for improve choice (as with related third-party Change 2 video games akin to Hogwarts Legacy and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds) or the state of affairs, as discovered by followers with many different Change 1 video games, the place some titles merely run higher on Nintendo’s newer {hardware}.
Sq. Enix is about to launch its Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake on October 30, 2025, for PC (through Steam and Microsoft Retailer), PS5, Change, Change 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 ‘traditional’ storyline and trope-ish setting is simpler to understand immediately 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 attempting to compete with the largest motion pictures and TV reveals, Dragon Quest is a reminder that some tales are timeless for a purpose.”
Tom Phillips is IGN’s Information Editor. You possibly can attain Tom at [email protected] or discover him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social