A Switch Owners Dilemma: Which Version of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Should We Buy?

Square Enix's Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake brings the foundational JRPGs into stunning pixel-meets-3D visuals, but for Nintendo fans juggling Switch and the new Switch 2, the launch on October 30, 2025, poses a real conundrum. Unlike some cross-gen titles, there is no upgrade path from the standard Switch version to the enhanced Switch 2 edition, forcing players to pick one at purchase. This means SQUARE ENIX is treating each release as a separate game, to the point that they will appear as separate titles on your Switch UI if you purchase both editions. If you own both consoles or plan to, your decision hinges on priorities: Do you crave top-tier graphics and performance, or seamless play across devices? Let's unpack the differences to help you decide.

The Case for Switch 2 - More HD Than Before

The Switch 2 version shines with superior graphical specs tailored to the hardware's beefier internals, offering sharper visuals, smoother frame rates, and potentially faster load times. However, its physical edition is a "Game Key Card"—essentially a code on a cart that requires downloading the full game upon insertion, with no actual data on the card itself.

This format locks it exclusively to Switch 2 hardware, rendering it unplayable on the original Switch, unlike recent release Hades II which included both the Switch and Switch 2 versions on a single cart. Digital buyers face the same dilemma, and save data stays siloed, so starting fresh is mandatory if you switch versions later.

If you plan to play solely in docked mode, or if you've fully migrated to Switch 2, this premium experience might justify the trade-off, especially if you value those enhanced particle effects in battles, or sharper depth of field on the overworld map.

The Case for Switch - Questing on the Go

On the flip side, the standard Switch version delivers solid portability: Its physical cartridge works on both original Switch models and Switch 2 via backward compatibility, letting you swap systems without rebuying or redownloading.

The graphics, however, remain at Switch 1 levels even on Switch 2, there are no automatic enhancements like the upgraded ports for some other titles we've seen. But you get the full game on-cart for offline play anywhere. This makes it ideal for families sharing consoles or tvs ( like we do ), travelers relying on handheld mode, or collectors wanting a tangible game that won't disappear with the with the Switch eShop. While you are giving up some graphical enhancements, the flexibility may outweigh that for multi-device households.

As the Hero, The Choice is Yours

Ultimately, your choice boils down to playstyle. If you game exclusively on Switch 2 or stick to docked setups where graphics matter most, grab the Switch 2 edition and let those visual upgrades shine. But if you juggle multiple Switches, share with family, or prioritize on-the-go sessions, the Switch version's cartridge offers unmatched versatility, ensuring you can enjoy Erdrick's origins on whatever console is handy. Whichever you pick, this remake's faithful yet fresh take on the classics is worth the plunge, you just may have to plan ahead a little more on this release to avoid double-dipping.

Personally? I think I'm going with the original Switch version. I didn't have any problem with the graphics in last year's, excellent, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and I played most of that game away from our main TV, which is where the Switch 2 is set up in our home. It's already hard enough to find time to complete a big RPG like this, so I don't need console time-share issues to make it even tougher. What do you think? Are you picking graphics over versatility? Portability over polish? Let us know over on X or Facebook.

Dragon Quest I&II HD-2D Remake for Nintendo Switch

Dragon Quest I&II HD-2D Remake for Nintendo Switch 2

DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake is coming to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Windows PC and Steam on October 30, 2025. You can pre-order the physical editions using this link to help support GameMinr.com