Square Enix is finally confirming details about the Switch and Switch 2 versions of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake and unfortunately, the news isn't exactly great: Square Enix has stated it will not be providing any update path, free or paid, between the different console releases, effectively treating each like its own thing.
First spotted by Wario64, Square confirmed the news in a FAQ posted to the official Japanese Dragon Quest site. The exact copy on the page reads, "No, there is no upgrade path currently available or planned. Please buy your copy for whichever system you would like to play it on." It also clarifies that the performance of Switch version of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake will be capped on the Switch 2, meaning that if you want the (likely small) graphical edge, you're going to have to buy the newest version of the title.
The news has understandably upset a contingent of fans due to concerns and reservations surrounding Switch 2 key cards. The Switch 2 version of the Dragon Quest remakes comes on one of these game key cards, which have proven to be controversial since their widespread adoption on the new system, since they don't technically hold any game data on them. Instead, they basically grant a one-time permission to then download the game digitally. The Switch version comes on a traditional cartridge with the game files on it.
Savvy fans were hoping that they might be able to buy the similarly priced Switch version and net a free or cheap upgrade as is typical for cross-generation games. After all, Square Enix is providing an upgrade path for its other big remake of the year, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, though that game isn't receiving its own Switch 2 release.
Further down the FAQ, Square also confirms that while players who completed Dragon Quest III's remake on Switch will be able to transfer their data over to a Switch 2 version of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, they will not be able to migrate data between the different versions of the latter. So you can't start the upcoming games on your Switch and then transfer your save over to a Switch 2 version should you get one down the line or vice versa.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake will be available on October 30 on the Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Source
First spotted by Wario64, Square confirmed the news in a FAQ posted to the official Japanese Dragon Quest site. The exact copy on the page reads, "No, there is no upgrade path currently available or planned. Please buy your copy for whichever system you would like to play it on." It also clarifies that the performance of Switch version of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake will be capped on the Switch 2, meaning that if you want the (likely small) graphical edge, you're going to have to buy the newest version of the title.
The news has understandably upset a contingent of fans due to concerns and reservations surrounding Switch 2 key cards. The Switch 2 version of the Dragon Quest remakes comes on one of these game key cards, which have proven to be controversial since their widespread adoption on the new system, since they don't technically hold any game data on them. Instead, they basically grant a one-time permission to then download the game digitally. The Switch version comes on a traditional cartridge with the game files on it.
Savvy fans were hoping that they might be able to buy the similarly priced Switch version and net a free or cheap upgrade as is typical for cross-generation games. After all, Square Enix is providing an upgrade path for its other big remake of the year, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, though that game isn't receiving its own Switch 2 release.
Further down the FAQ, Square also confirms that while players who completed Dragon Quest III's remake on Switch will be able to transfer their data over to a Switch 2 version of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, they will not be able to migrate data between the different versions of the latter. So you can't start the upcoming games on your Switch and then transfer your save over to a Switch 2 version should you get one down the line or vice versa.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake will be available on October 30 on the Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Source