Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake Tops Famitsu's Most Wanted Games List Ahead of Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 Launches

Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake Leads Famitsu’s Most Wanted Games for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 in Japan Japanese gamers’ preferences have come into focus once again with the latest Famitsu readers’ “Most Wanted” video game chart, covering ballot submissions from August 27 through September 2, 2024.

Square Enix’s highly anticipated Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake maintained its commanding position at the top, registering 668 votes for its Nintendo Switch release.

This demonstrates the enduring appeal of the Dragon Quest franchise, which has been a cornerstone of Japanese gaming culture since its inception. Kirby Air Riders, another upcoming title for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware, earned a significant 456 votes to claim the second spot.

The game’s expected launch later this year further cements Nintendo’s dominance in capturing fan excitement for innovative and nostalgia-driven experiences. Here’s a breakdown of Famitsu’s top ten most anticipated game titles, based on reader votes: 1.

Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake (Nintendo Switch) – 668 votes 2.

Kirby Air Riders (Nintendo Switch 2) – 456 votes 3.

Pragmata (PlayStation 5) – 445 votes 4.

Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake (PlayStation 5) – 323 votes 5.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – 315 votes 6.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (Nintendo Switch 2) – 276 votes 7.

Silent Hill f (PlayStation 5) – 239 votes 8.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A (Nintendo Switch) – 233 votes 9.

Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake (Nintendo Switch 2) – 230 votes 10.

Resident Evil Requiem (PlayStation 5) – 228 votes Square Enix’s Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake continues to stand out as a major release for both Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 platforms, employing the acclaimed HD-2D visual style that first captivated fans with Octopath Traveler.

The project revives the beloved early entries of the legendary RPG series, blending classic gameplay with modern aesthetics.

According to an official statement from Square Enix, the team is “dedicated to faithfully recreating the atmosphere of the original games while enhancing them for a new generation of players.” Meanwhile, Kirby Air Riders marks an exciting new direction for HAL Laboratory’s iconic franchise, building on decades of innovative gameplay and whimsical design.

It is set to launch later in 2024, with a focus on racing mechanics and expanded multiplayer features tailored for the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

The game’s strong placement in Famitsu’s ranking underlines fans’ desire for both fresh and familiar experiences. Other highly anticipated titles include Capcom’s Pragmata and Resident Evil Requiem for PlayStation 5, as well as new entries in the Pokémon and Hyrule Warriors series for Nintendo’s platforms.

These results demonstrate the continued strength of Japanese IP, as well as the community’s enthusiasm for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and flagship third-party franchises. Famitsu’s reader poll remains one of the most trusted barometers for industry anticipation in Japan, and the latest results highlight the enduring legacy of franchises like Dragon Quest and Pokémon.

With major releases across Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5 lined up for the coming year, the stage is set for another landmark period in Japanese gaming.

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