Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined Arrives Before Dragon Quest 4-6 Remakes: Square Enix’s Approach Explained

Square Enix’s long-running Dragon Quest franchise continues to evolve on modern platforms, with fresh remakes bringing classic adventures to new audiences.

The unexpected announcement of Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined for Nintendo Switch sparked both excitement and questions among dedicated fans, many of whom expected that Dragon Quest 4, 5, or 6 would receive the remake treatment next.

This directional choice comes as Square Enix readies multiple significant releases for Nintendo’s hybrid platform, including the upcoming Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake, scheduled for release on October 30, 2025. During a recent live stream on the “Yuubou & Mashirito no KosoKoso Housoukyoku” channel, Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii provided insight into the reasoning behind the company’s release strategy.

Co-host Kazuhiko “Mashirito” Torishima expressed curiosity about the sequence, noting the decision to remake Dragon Quest 7 ahead of 4, 5, or 6.

Horii explained that "many development factors are in motion, and the choice to remake 7 first was simply circumstantial." While the conversation suggested there was no deliberate exclusion of the earlier entries, Horii was careful not to confirm any specific plans regarding remakes of Dragon Quest 4, 5, or 6.

"I haven’t explicitly said anything about those titles," Horii reiterated when prompted further, highlighting that any assumptions about future projects remain unsubstantiated. Addressing the development progress of Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined, Yuji Horii emphasized the team’s objective: "Our aim is to ensure the games are available on current platforms." When asked whether the remake of Dragon Quest 7 was progressing smoothly, Horii affirmed, "Yes, development has advanced significantly, and a considerable amount of work is already done." As for potential technical or narrative challenges with remaking earlier entries, Horii acknowledged that Dragon Quest 4’s distinctive chapter-based story structure may introduce additional complexity to its development timeline, but he stopped short of offering specific explanations or timelines for these projects. For fans eager for more classic content on the Nintendo Switch, the release schedule is clear: Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake will launch on October 30, 2025, followed by Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined, set for a February 5, 2026 debut.

Both titles will be available on the Nintendo Switch through the eShop, continuing Square Enix’s legacy of bringing beloved role-playing experiences to modern audiences. While Square Enix has not officially announced remakes for Dragon Quest 4, 5, or 6, Horii’s remarks leave the door open for future possibilities.

For now, the focus remains on the highly anticipated remakes already on the horizon, ensuring long-time fans and new players alike can experience these iconic stories on today’s leading Nintendo hardware.

Nintendo Switch Square Enix Nintendo Switch Yuji Horii Dragon Quest Enix Square Dragon Quest 7 Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined Dragon Quest 4 Dragon Quest 5 Dragon Quest 6 Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake