Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake for Nintendo Switch: No Upgrade Path to Switch 2 Announced

Square Enix’s Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, one of the most anticipated RPG releases of 2024, is officially launching on both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 in October.

This visually revived collection brings new life to the iconic early entries of the Dragon Quest franchise, renowned for pioneering traditional JRPG mechanics and storytelling.

However, ahead of release, Square Enix has clarified a key detail about platform compatibility that prospective buyers should know. According to a recent official FAQ published by Square Enix, there will be no upgrade path offered for players who purchase Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake on the Nintendo Switch and wish to play it later on the Switch 2.

The statement from the company reads: "No upgrade path currently exists or is planned.

Please purchase the version of the game for the console on which you intend to play." This means that owners of the Nintendo Switch version will not be entitled to a discounted or complimentary upgrade for the Switch 2 edition of the game. The developer further specifies that download codes are also platform-locked.

A Switch 2 DLC code can only be redeemed on the Switch 2 version, and the same restriction applies vice versa for the original Nintendo Switch.

This detail is reiterated across official communications and highlighted in the purchase fine print, underscoring the importance of selecting the right platform when buying Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. This approach is consistent with certain past third-party releases in the Nintendo ecosystem, though some recent titles on PlayStation and Xbox have popularized free or paid upgrade paths between hardware generations.

Square Enix's stance ensures that each version of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a separate product on Nintendo platforms. Physical collectors may also note that a Game-Key Card version has been confirmed for Switch 2, offering an official option for those seeking a tangible release for the new hardware.

The eShop will carry both digital versions, ensuring broad accessibility. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake draws upon the celebrated HD-2D aesthetic first seen in Octopath Traveler and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, blending pixel artistry with vivid environments and modern visual effects.

Square Enix’s Yamamoto and Horii teams are behind the project, leveraging the company’s expertise in reviving classic JRPGs for a new era. As Dragon Quest continues its legacy on Nintendo systems, players are encouraged to choose their preferred hardware carefully, given the confirmed lack of an upgrade path.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake will be available for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 in October 2024, with pre-orders expected to open soon via the eShop and participating retailers.

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