This has been a rough console generation for consumers, but we did receive a scrap of generosity in the form offree next-gen upgrades. This meant that, at long last, we didn’t have to buy a game twice if we wanted to go from playing on PS4 to PS5, or Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S.
Nintendohas a version of this, although it’s more convoluted and, in many cases,actually costs money, but it is there - we don’t have to buy the full game all over again. That is, unless you’re buyingDragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake, because this will not give you any kind of free upgrade.
Be Careful Which Version Of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake You Buy If You’re On Switch
As explained on anFAQ page, Switch 2 owners will have to verify they pick up the actual Switch 2 copy of the game, because next-gen features are only in those copies. Playing an original Switch copy of Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake on the Switch 2 will still work, but it will play as it would on an original Switch.
The FAQ makes it clear that the Switch copy will play the same on either console, and takes it a step further, telling players that there will be no way to upgrade. “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 reads.
On top of that, a Switch 2 version of the game will not work on the original Switch at all, so be careful if you haven’t made the upgrade yet.
This was very much how it all worked prior to the current generation, so it’s a shame to see a case of the industry regressing. Free next-gen upgrades might be one of the very few consumer-friendly practices we’ve seen as of late, and the publishers still do make money from the game, since there’s at least one purchase. It also might embolden gamers to take the leap with a console upgrade, since it won’t be like the old days when you had to build up an all-new games library - you already have a bunch of upgraded games waiting for you.
In any case, Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake launches on July 01, 2025. It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2.
