What is going on with Square Enix’s Switch 1 and Switch 2 game upgrades for Dragon Quest, Octopath, and more?

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Square Enix has consistently supported the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, with several games already announced for the system. They even launched *Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster* as a Switch 2 exclusive. Recently, *Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles* came to both Switch and Switch 2, and *Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven* received an enhanced version for Switch 2. Their next release, *Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake*, will be available on both Switch models. While it’s positive that many games are coming to both the original Switch and the Switch 2, the way Square Enix is handling these cross-generation releases isn’t ideal for some titles.

It’s confusing when it comes to Square Enix games on both the original Switch and the new Switch 2. Some let you transfer your saved progress to the new console without buying the game again, while others don’t offer any transfer options at all. I’ve compiled a complete guide detailing the features available in each game across both Switch generations. I’ll explain why I believe Square Enix made the choices they did regarding upgrades and save transfers, and also note which games are available as physical copies. The main goal of this guide is to help you easily see which games allow you to continue your progress from the original Switch to the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 cross generation release terminology

Let’s quickly define some terms related to games that work on both the original Switch and the new Switch 2, as they appear in digital stores, at retail, and elsewhere, before we dive into the games themselves.

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: If a game is listed as a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, it includes the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 native (upgraded) releases in a single purchase physically or digitally. If you own say The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, you can download it and play the Switch 1 version on your Switch or the upgraded Switch 2 version on your Switch 2. If you own it physically, it will load up the correct version depending on the console you insert the cartridge into. 
  • Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games can be upgraded from the Switch native release to the Switch 2 version by purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack. These can be free like with Hades II or paid like with Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

  • Game Key Card release: A Game Key Card is a Switch 2 cartridge that only contains the license for a game. It will download the game data as an update when you insert the cartridge into a Nintendo Switch 2 system and try to launch the game. This reportedly costs a lot less to manufacture compared to full cartridges and is a good way for publishers to have retail presence for a game on Nintendo Switch 2. The advantage for users is the ability to trade it in or resell and also the fact that retail releases usually have better pricing than digital.
  • Nintendo Switch 2 physical cartridge: A proper physical release on Nintendo Switch 2 is available as a red game card (as some refer to it as) with the full ROM on the cartridge. 

Just one more point: Deltarune showed that save data can transfer between the Switch and Switch 2, and that Nintendo will likely offer a free upgrade to the new version if you buy the game digitally on either console. This means there aren’t strict limitations on upgrading. The Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma release is specifically for the Switch 2, while Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition isn’t a cross-generation title. Importantly, both of these games have the game data directly on the cartridge, unlike games like Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, which uses a download code.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake on Switch and Switch 2

The official FAQ for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake confirms that players can’t transfer save data or upgrade from the Switch version to the new Switch 2 version. This seems to be because Square Enix wanted to offer a physical copy of the game for Switch 2 without making a more expensive, full-game cartridge version.

If you played Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on Switch, your save data will carry over to Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake on Switch. This is because Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake isn’t available as a separate game on the new Switch console.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on Switch and Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch version of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake received a free update to work even better on the new Nintendo Switch 2. This update lets players choose whether to focus on smoother performance or higher-quality graphics. While it’s still technically a Switch game, the update makes it play like a native Switch 2 title.

This update is similar to the one released for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Because it’s still fundamentally the original Switch game with a large update – and a significant improvement over the first version – your saved progress will transfer seamlessly between different Switch consoles and even future generations of the system. Plus, just like the Pokemon update, this one is free.

Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven on Switch and Switch 2

So, Romancing Saga 2 just got a pretty big upgrade for the new Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s a paid one. Basically, it’s like what they did with Tears of the Kingdom – they’re calling it a ‘Nintendo Switch 2 Edition,’ which means it’s officially built to run great on both my Switch and the new console, with a bunch of improvements. The cool thing is, my save data will work on either version! Honestly, I’m a little confused why I have to *pay* for this upgrade for Romancing Saga 2 when Dragon Quest III got a free update, but that’s just how it is, I guess.

Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a great game and well worth the upgrade if you already have the original. While it’s a shame there isn’t a physical copy for the Switch 2, creating one would be costly due to manufacturing expenses.

Octopath Traveler 0 on Switch and Switch 2 

Square Enix has confirmed on the eShop pre-order page for Octopath Traveler II that you won’t be able to upgrade from the original Switch version to the new Switch version, and saves can’t be moved from the new version to the old. However, you *can* transfer your progress from the original Switch game to the new one. It’s a bit strange that this game allows save transfers when the upcoming Dragon Quest games don’t, but that’s how it is.

Octopath Traveler 0 probably won’t receive a Switch 2 upgrade. Making a physical copy for the new console would be too expensive, especially considering the game’s low price and the high cost of Switch 2 cartridges, as Marvelous USA CEO Ken Berry explained.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined on Switch and Switch 2

The official FAQ for Dragon Quest VII Reimagined confirms that players won’t be able to upgrade to the new version or transfer save data from previous Switch versions. This is similar to how Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake handles upgrades, likely due to how Nintendo Switch 2 editions and physical copies work. It seems Square Enix wanted to release a physical version of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined for the Switch 2, but wanted to avoid the cost of a full-sized game cartridge. It’s disappointing, however, that existing save files won’t be compatible.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined will be a physical game cartridge for the Switch, but a digital download code (Game Key Card) for the next-generation Switch. Although the Switch version of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake can connect to the Switch 2 version of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake to unlock a bonus, save data from Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake on the original Switch won’t transfer to Dragon Quest VII Reimagined on the Switch 2 for any bonuses.

Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles on Switch and Switch 2 

Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is now available on Switch both as a physical cartridge and digitally. Owners of the original Switch version can upgrade to the updated Switch 2 version for free through the eShop by purchasing the Upgrade Pack. This allows you to carry your saved progress over, but the updated version will only be available as a digital download.

This suggests Square Enix didn’t believe a full retail version of the game for the Switch 2 was worthwhile (it’s only available as a download code in Japan), or that the Switch 2 version was added to the project late in development, leaving insufficient time for a traditional retail release anywhere except Japan’s code-in-box option.

Here’s a table summarizing Square Enix’s cross-generation game upgrades, how they work, whether you can transfer saves, and the current status of physical copies. It also includes my thoughts on why Square Enix handles physical releases the way they do.

Game / Feature Upgrade Save transfer NS2 Physical
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles Yes, Free Yes No, Code in JP
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake No No Key Card
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake* Patch Yes No
Octopath Traveler 0 No Yes (1->2) Key Card
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined No No Key Card
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven Yes, Paid Yes No

Even after a major update that improved its graphics and performance, *Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake* is still considered a Switch 1 game. I’m mentioning it to highlight how inconsistently Square Enix classifies its titles.

I hope this clarifies how Square Enix games on Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 handle upgrades and save transfers, and why things are currently set up this way. It would be fantastic to see future games either released physically or with better upgrade and save transfer options. I’ll keep this information updated as Square Enix announces new games for both consoles.

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2025-10-10 17:59