Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake Leads Japanese Game Sales on Nintendo Switch

Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake Soars to Top of Japanese Software Sales on Nintendo Switch The Japanese gaming market has once again demonstrated its enduring enthusiasm for classic RPG experiences, as Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake debuted at the top of the country’s software sales chart this week.

Powered by strong demand for the new high-definition reimagining, Square Enix’s much-anticipated remake achieved a remarkable launch on Nintendo Switch, cementing its status as a major release in 2024’s gaming calendar. According to the latest sales data published by Famitsu, Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake for Nintendo Switch reached 232,250 units sold in its opening week, securing first place on the chart.

The PlayStation 5 edition followed with an impressive 96,812 units, while the Nintendo Switch 2 platform—reflecting the series’ growing adaptability—added a further 84,456 units.

Together, these numbers illustrate the franchise’s cross-platform appeal and the strong anticipation among longtime fans and newcomers alike. Dragon Quest’s enduring legacy in Japan can be attributed to its innovative storytelling, iconic characters, and ongoing support from developer Square Enix.

The transition to the unique HD-2D visual style, made famous by recent remakes and original titles in the Square Enix portfolio, has resonated with players eager for a blend of nostalgia and modern presentation. Beyond Dragon Quest, the latest Famitsu chart also features a slate of familiar Nintendo titles maintaining their momentum.

Notably, Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch secured fourth position with 82,812 additional units sold this week, bringing its cumulative Japanese sales to over 1.15 million units.

Mario Kart World, launched for Nintendo Switch 2, achieved 50,845 sales this week and has now surpassed the significant milestone of 2 million units sold domestically—a testament to the Mario Kart series' enduring appeal on Nintendo platforms. Remasters and new entries also made an impact, with Tales of Xillia Remastered debuting on both Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, selling 10,370 and 7,290 units respectively in their first week.

Other high-performing titles include Donkey Kong Bananza on Nintendo Switch 2, Earthion, and perennial favorites like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, both continuing their multi-million sales streaks. Famitsu’s latest sales data once again highlights the competitive landscape of the Japanese gaming market and underscores the powerful influence of legacy franchises, particularly those nurtured on Nintendo’s hardware.

The success of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake on both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 platforms reflects the deep connection Japanese gamers feel for franchises that blend tradition with innovation. As the market continues to evolve with new hardware and remastered favorites, developers like Square Enix and Nintendo demonstrate the value of honoring classic titles while embracing modern game development techniques—a commitment that continues to drive both sales and player engagement. Sales data credited to Famitsu, Japan’s foremost video game sales tracker.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo PlayStation PlayStation 5 Famitsu Switch Dragon Quest HD-2D Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake Dragon Quest 1 Square Enix Mario Kart World Pokemon Legends: Z-A Tales of Xillia Remastered