Whereas many Nintendo Swap 2 video games provide upgrades from their Swap 1 counterparts, Sq. Enix’s upcoming Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake will not be considered one of them.
In a prolonged Q&A, the writer has now confirmed there shall be “no improve path” between the model of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake for Swap 1, and the solely separate however in any other case near-identical model of the identical recreation for Swap 2.
In fact, the Swap 1 model of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is playable on Swap 2 by way of the newer console’s backwards compatibility, however this model is not going to reap the benefits of the graphical upgrades discovered within the Swap 2-specific version.
Moreover, each save information and obtain codes for in-game bonus gadgets are additionally locked to the particular variations of the sport. So, even when you did begin taking part in on Swap 1 after which determine to later totally re-purchase the Swap 2 version, you’d want to begin 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 when you purchase a Swap 2 model of the sport, when you 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 are not any variations within the story, recreation content material, or through which gadgets may be obtained.”
The writer has given no motive why the 2 variations of the sport stay separate, with no $10 paid-for improve possibility (as with related third-party Swap 2 video games corresponding 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 (by way of Steam and Microsoft Retailer), PS5, Swap, Swap 2, and Xbox Collection X/S. Simply keep in mind to watch out which model you are shopping for
“In a approach, Dragon Quest’s, let’s say ‘traditional’ storyline and trope-ish setting is simpler to understand as we speak than perhaps 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 most important films and TV reveals, Dragon Quest is a reminder that some tales are timeless for a motive.”
Tom Phillips is IGN’s Information Editor. You’ll be able to attain Tom at [email protected] or discover him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social