The company has not provided a rationale for the lack of a paid upgrade option or the separation of the two versions, which is unusual compared to other third-party titles on Switch 2.

Many fans have expressed frustration over the lack of an upgrade option, feeling that paying full price again for a game they already own is unreasonable.

The game will be sold as standalone versions, requiring players to choose which one to buy based on their console.

Square Enix announced that the upcoming Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, launching on October 30, 2025, will have separate versions for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, with no upgrade path between them.

Players must purchase each version separately, as save files and download codes are not transferable, and data migration between the two versions is not possible.

While players who completed the Dragon Quest III remake on Switch can transfer their save data to the Switch 2 version, this does not apply to the I & II remake.

Square Enix explained that differences in graphics are due to hardware capabilities, but the story and game content will remain unchanged across versions.

Concerns have been raised about Switch 2's game key cards, which do not contain game data but facilitate digital downloads, unlike traditional cartridges.

Square Enix has stated there are no updates planned for compatibility issues and recommends purchasing the version compatible with the player's intended system.

Square Enix has advised consumers to make an informed purchase decision, emphasizing that there are no plans for an upgrade option.

Fans had hoped for a free or discounted upgrade similar to other titles like Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, but no such option has been announced.

The game is scheduled to launch on October 30, 2025, across multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and both Nintendo Switch models.