Whereas many Nintendo Swap 2 video games supply upgrades from their Swap 1 counterparts, Sq. Enix’s upcoming Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake will not be one in all them.
In a prolonged Q&A, the writer has now confirmed there might be “no improve path” between the model of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake for Swap 1, and the totally separate however in any other case near-identical model of the identical sport for Swap 2.
After all, the Swap 1 model of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is playable on Swap 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 Swap 2-specific version.
Moreover, each save information and obtain codes for in-game bonus objects are additionally locked to the particular variations of the sport. So, even for those who did begin enjoying on Swap 1 after which determine to later totally re-purchase the Swap 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 knowledge bonus for an in-game Canine Swimsuit (in Dragon Quest 1) and Cat Swimsuit (in Dragon Quest 2). These will unlock for those who purchase a Swap 2 model of the sport, for those who beforehand unlocked them with a Swap 1 copy.
“Every model has completely different graphical specs based mostly on the {hardware}’s processing capabilities,” Sq. Enix wrote of the remake’s variations on Swap 2. “Nonetheless, there aren’t any variations within the story, sport content material, or during which objects will be obtained.”
The writer has given no cause why the 2 variations of the sport stay separate, with no $10 paid-for improve choice (as with comparable third-party Swap 2 video games similar to Hogwarts Legacy and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds) or the scenario, as discovered by followers with many different Swap 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, Swap, Swap 2, and Xbox Sequence X/S. Simply bear 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 at the moment 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 exhibits, 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 [email protected] or discover him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social