Published on: July 31, 2025
In an official update that impacts early adoption plans for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, Square Enix has confirmed that there will be no upgrade path for owners of Octopath Traveler 0 or Dragon Quest 1-2 HD Remake who purchase the games on the current-generation Nintendo Switch.
This announcement affects both highly anticipated HD-2D titles and raises important considerations for fans looking to future-proof their digital libraries.
Octopath Traveler 0, the latest entry in Square Enix’s celebrated HD-2D RPG series, was announced with considerable excitement among Switch owners and RPG fans worldwide.
The series, known for its distinctive art style and critical acclaim since the original Octopath Traveler debuted on Nintendo Switch in 2018, continues Square Enix’s strong relationship with the platform.
However, as the industry looks ahead to the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, details surrounding cross-generation compatibility have become increasingly relevant to the user community.
Addressing these concerns, the official HD-2D Games account clarified via a statement posted on July 31, 2025: "It is not possible to upgrade from the Switch version to the Switch 2 version once purchased.
There are also no plans for an option to upgrade to the Switch 2 version in future.
Please make sure you purchase the correct version."
Square Enix has not provided a specific reason for the lack of an upgrade option, leaving consumers to choose carefully between the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 versions when making their purchases.
The same upgrade policy applies to the forthcoming Dragon Quest 1-2 HD Remake, another title that leverages the publisher's acclaimed HD-2D visual technology.
This approach stands in contrast to some other publishers and hardware makers who have offered upgrade paths or dual entitlements during recent generation transitions.
For dedicated players, this decision means weighing the value of immediate access against the potential benefits of waiting for the native Nintendo Switch 2 versions, especially with the improved hardware capabilities expected on the new console.
Both Octopath Traveler 0 and Dragon Quest 1-2 HD Remake are planned for release on the Nintendo Switch, with enhanced versions poised for Nintendo Switch 2 upon its launch.
As Square Enix’s announcement clarifies, prospective buyers need to pay close attention to their preferred platform prior to finalizing their purchase to avoid any inconvenience or expectation of a future upgrade.
Square Enix continues its legacy of supporting Nintendo’s platforms, and the publisher’s transparency regarding its policy enables consumers to make informed choices as the gaming industry transitions to its next hardware era.
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