Which is the best version of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake? PS5, Switch 2, Xbox, Switch, and PC tested

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In the upcoming month, Square Enix plans to release the “Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake” globally on PS5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch (and possibly its successor), as well as PC platforms. This is a follow-up to last year’s launch of the “Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake,” which was released on the same platforms except for the yet-to-be-released Nintendo Switch 2. Interestingly, the Nintendo Switch version has been updated with enhancements due to backward compatibility more recently. I had a chance to play both the Switch and Steam versions at launch, and I’ve recently been comparing my experiences with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series versions of “Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake,” while simultaneously revisiting the Switch and Steam versions to observe how the game performs across various hardware.

In a similar fashion to my latest review on Triangle Strategy, as well as those for Final Fantasy IX during its 25th anniversary, the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series, and Chrono Trigger in celebration of its 30th anniversary, I am here to delve into each version of the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. This exploration will encompass various aspects such as features, visuals, performance, and load times.

The versions I’ll be examining include the Nintendo Switch edition, the enhanced Switch 2 variant, the PlayStation 5 version, the Xbox Series X version, the Xbox version on PC, the ROG Ally version on both PC and Xbox, the Steam Deck version on Steam, and another iteration on ROG Ally. Additionally, I will discuss the distinct graphics modes available on compatible consoles.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake feature differences across platforms

The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is now available on all platforms, ensuring consistent content across versions. However, subsequent updates post-launch have significantly enhanced the gameplay experience. If you haven’t played since its launch, Square Enix has rolled out a significant update that boosted Ramia and ship movement speed, added a convenient shortcut menu, among other improvements. Notably, the Nintendo Switch version was updated with a free compatibility patch for the rumored Nintendo Switch 2, offering graphic enhancements.

The variations between the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake lie in the distinct platform features and technological aspects. Each current iteration of the game provides a unique experience due to these platform differences. Here’s a rundown of the notable distinctions:

1. Graphics quality and resolution
2. Control schemes (e.g., touch controls, gamepad support)
3. Performance optimizations for specific platforms
4. Additional content or features exclusive to certain editions
5. Cross-platform functionality (online play, save data transfer)

  • Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on Switch and Switch 2: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on Switch features the ability to play docked or handheld seamlessly on Switch and it also includes enhanced backward compatibility improvements when played on Switch 2. 
  • Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on Steam: The Steam release of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake plays perfectly on PC and Steam Deck out of the box. It also supports Steam Achievements and mods. 
  • Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on PS5: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on PS5 features Trophy support, activity card tracking, and also Remote Play working great for this style of gameplay. The PS5 version also features two display modes, but there’s more to the story.
  • Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on Xbox: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on Xbox is a Play Anywhere title letting you access it on your Xbox Series console and Windows 11 device (Xbox on PC) with saves syncing across. It also supports Quick Resume. Just like PS5, the Xbox Series X has two display modes, but which I cover below. 

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake visuals and performance differences across PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, PC, and Switch

The image quality and performance of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake can differ significantly among different platforms, offering an intriguing perspective as I’ve played all HD-2D games across major platforms. It’s fascinating to observe how each developer adapts older and newer consoles for ports and new releases. In the case of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, Artdink was responsible for its development. Interestingly, both Triangle Strategy and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake are limited to 60fps on all platforms, including PC. Compared to other HD-2D games that can reach 120fps, you might need to use a mod to unlock basic PC features such as ultrawide and removing the 60fps cap.

If you’re playing Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on the latest Switch model, an upgrade for free offers two distinct gameplay modes. These new modes provide enhanced visuals and smoother performance when played on the Switch 2, increasing the overall file size significantly, similar to the treatment given to remakes like The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.

On the Switch 2, you can select a graphics mode that targets 30fps with improved visual quality or a performance mode that drops the resolution to target a steady 60fps. This update allows for a 60fps target performance mode, which was unattainable on the original Switch. However, it’s important to note that while you can experience better graphics overall on the Switch 2, you won’t be able to play with crisp native resolution visuals and 60fps simultaneously. The original Switch version still experiences occasional drops below 30fps in busy areas, but these have been significantly improved on the Switch 2. Overall, the new graphics modes deliver a more enjoyable gaming experience.

As a gaming enthusiast, let me clarify that the comparison you see here includes PS5, Xbox, and two versions of Nintendo Switch. Now, when it comes to the docked footage from these consoles, I used an Elgato 4K capture card for that. However, for the handheld images, I relied on the built-in capture functionality of the Nintendo Switch and hypothetical Switch 2 systems.

In a surprising turn, both the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake offer similar graphics modes, yet their execution differs significantly on Sony’s and Microsoft’s consoles. On both platforms, they aim for a steady 60 frames per second (fps), with no options for 30fps or 120fps. The variation lies in the performance mode, which reduces resolution to guarantee a consistent 60fps. This approach seems excessive, as the graphics mode manages 60fps effectively most of the time. Only in two instances during my tests did the frame rate drop significantly below 60fps, and even then, it was brief. I suggest a dynamic resolution implementation on PS5 and Xbox Series X would be more appropriate to lower resolution when needed to preserve 60fps where it matters, rather than offering two modes that aim for the same frame rate but with a significant resolution discrepancy, potentially confusing players.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve found myself in a bit of a pickle with Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on the Switch 2. Don’t get me wrong, the smooth 60fps gameplay is a dream come true. However, the lack of proper sprite scaling in high definition has got me feeling like I’m back to those days of playing pixel art games that were upscaled or filtered poorly.

It’s a conundrum, really. You see, you can either play with crisp visuals for the sprites at 30fps or drop the resolution a notch to make the game look softer on Switch 2, while still hitting that 60fps target. This option is available whether I’m docked or playing handheld, and both modes offer an upgrade over the original Switch version.

On PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, I find that when switching to the performance mode, images appear softer on my 1440p screen. However, the graphics mode looks amazing and the drops in quality are rare and hardly noticeable. Thus, I chose to stick with the graphics mode. For Switch 2, whether docked or handheld, the performance mode has a softer appearance and I’m not fond of the lower resolution for sprites. In contrast, the graphics mode offers high-quality images, even if capped at 30fps. It looks terrific when played handheld. While you may not notice any drop in quality if playing docked on a 1080p display, it is highly noticeable on a 1440p screen.

Since I don’t possess the necessary equipment to record handheld gameplay on Switch 2 or Switch at this time, I was forced to utilize the built-in screenshot feature instead. Consequently, there may be a reduction in image quality in the results displayed below.

As a devoted enthusiast, I find myself appreciating the visually appealing landscapes of Dragon Quest XI S immensely, even when played on a device below its optimal resolution. The challenge lies with the HD-2D art style, where improper sprite scaling can lead to visuals that fall short of my expectations. Over time, I’ve grown accustomed to this quirk in the Switch 1 versions of HD-2D games, but given the choice, I’d opt for accurate sprite scaling every time, sacrificing slightly on the quality of 3D assets or effects within the game environment if necessary. Here’s hoping that future HD-2D releases on Switch 2 will provide an option for players to experience crisp visuals without having to compromise between smooth gameplay and high-definition graphics, as seen in the patch update for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on Switch 2.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake load times across Switch 2, PS5, Steam, Xbox, Xbox on PC, and Switch

Let me begin by noting that it’s important to emphasize that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game loads significantly faster due to its improved internal storage. For this comparison, I focused on several key aspects:

1. The time from the dashboard to reaching the title screen.
2. Loading a save file from the early game across all systems.
3. The duration taken to leave town, load the world map, and return to town.
4. Battle transition load times.

In order to ensure fairness, I utilized identical versions of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake:

1. Installed on the internal storage of the Nintendo Switch 2.
2. Installed on an SD card in the Nintendo Switch OLED.
3. Installed on the internal storage of the Xbox Series X.
4. Installed on the console’s internal storage of the PS5.
5. The Steam version installed on the internal SSD of the Steam Deck OLED.
6. The Steam version installed on the internal SSD of the ROG Ally.
7. The Xbox version (Play Anywhere) installed on the internal SSD of the ROG Ally for the PC comparison.

I hope this paraphrasing helps clarify the process and methodology used in the comparison!

Platform / Test Dashboard to title Load save In and out of town Battle
Switch 46 10 7 and 3-4 2
Switch on Switch 2 18 4-5 3 and 1.5 1
PS5 7 3.5 1.5 and 1 0.5
Xbox Series X 22-24 7-8 3-4.5 and 2 1-1.5
Steam Deck 20 3 2.5 and 1 0.5-1
Steam on ROG Ally 15 2.5-3 2.5 and 1 1
ROG Ally with Xbox on PC 28-35 4 3 and 1.5 1.5

Please be aware that all loading times mentioned below are in seconds. It’s important to note that for the Xbox versions on PC and Xbox Series X, save syncing isn’t always as smooth or swift as it is with Steam. The time I recorded for this can vary significantly, so the figures provided are rough estimates based on multiple tests.

The PS5 edition loads games the quickest both during gameplay and when launching from the dashboard. In contrast, the Switch version takes significantly longer than the others, but a backwards compatibility update greatly reduced load times to the extent that Switch 2 now outperforms Xbox Series X in this regard. However, it’s uncertain how Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake will fare since it’s receiving a native Switch 2 version instead of an upgrade from the original Switch. I’ll certainly be testing it out to find out more.

Which version of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is the best?

The optimal choice for an RPG like this depends on what you prioritize when making a purchase. Each platform has its advantages and disadvantages, but instead of declaring one as superior, I’ll outline which version offers the best gaming experience in various scenarios. For playing on a TV or monitor, the PS5 or Steam PC versions provide the most immersive experiences if your system can handle 4K resolution. They both offer superior image quality compared to the Switch (docked) and have quicker load times than the Xbox version.

In simpler terms, when it comes to portable gaming, my preference can change depending on whether you’re looking for a 60fps or 30fps experience. For a smoother 30fps gameplay, I prefer the Switch 2 version due to its vibrant display and quick loading times. On the other hand, if you want a 60fps experience, the Steam Deck OLED comes close to the top, offering native resolution and sharp visuals on a superior screen. However, the Switch 2 sacrifices some visual quality when played on its 1080p screen in performance mode, appearing somewhat soft. With the ROG Ally, I managed to achieve a 1080p 60fps experience using the 25W mode, although there were occasional drops that were minimized by the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) screen during testing, particularly while flying and in combat.

In terms of versatility, the Switch 2 provides an integrated gaming experience that outperforms the Steam Deck when connected to your TV/monitor and used portably. Alternatively, you could opt for playing on your gaming PC or Xbox on your monitor, then transitioning to the Steam Deck or a portable PC. If you have both options available, the overall experience is superior; however, I find the gaming experience offered by the Switch 2 impressive. Moreover, when docked, the Switch 2 at 30fps offers a smoother and more enjoyable gameplay compared to the Steam Deck while operating at 1440p docked.

Which version of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake should you buy today?

Before delving into the pros and cons of different versions of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, let me first bring up a reminder about the save data bonus from Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake that applies to Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. After playing all versions extensively, and considering what I discussed earlier, I’m pleased to say that all current platform versions are excellent. Below you’ll find my individual opinions on each platform:

Before exploring the pros and cons of various Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake versions, I’d like to share a reminder about the save data bonus available from Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. After testing every version thoroughly, and taking into account what was previously mentioned, it’s worth noting that all current platform releases are high-quality. Below you’ll find my personal thoughts on each platform:

Both versions maintain a clear and engaging writing style while providing useful information in an easy-to-understand manner.

  • Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on Switch and Switch 2: The Switch version of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake with all its updates is good on Switch 2 with the ability to play at a 60fps target with softer visuals or crisper visuals with a 30fps target. While this is not the best portable version of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for 60fps play, it is my second choice overall with it coming very close to Steam Deck OLED. For a hybrid experience, free backward compatibility enhancement update makes the Switch version great to play on Switch 2 though. It already benefited from the faster storage with improved load times before the patch, but everything else added makes it a lot easier to recommend. The Switch version on the original Switch is still the same as it was with sub native visuals and performance issues. I don’t recommend playing it there if you have another option.
  • Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on Steam: If you play on Steam Deck or PC in general, this is the only version you should consider. It plays fantastic on Steam Deck out of the box, looks amazing on the OLED screen, and lets you scale up if you also play on your main PC or docked on Steam Deck. I just wish it wasn’t capped to 60fps.
  • Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on PS5: If you want to play on your TV, care about trophy support, and don’t care about portable play (unless you stream to a PlayStation Portal or phone which is not a native experience), this is the version to get. It has the fastest load times in-game across all platforms as another point of comparison.
  • Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on Xbox: If you have access to a PC handheld or play on Xbox Series consoles and Windows 11, the Play Anywhere feature is a big selling point in addition to the Quick Resume feature on Xbox for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. Other than that, the visuals and performance are the same as PS5, but the load times are not as good as PS5 or Switch 2 now.

I trust this information assists you in choosing when to dive into the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, whether on Switch or if you’ve previously purchased it, inspiring a fresh play or revisit with the upcoming Switch 2 update. If you’re eagerly anticipating playing it before the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake launches, bear in mind the potential save data benefits. Fingers crossed that the native Nintendo Switch 2 version of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake offers improved technical aspects.

The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake has just been released for Nintendo Switch, Steam (PC), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series. For a review and guides on the game, check them out here.

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2025-09-07 19:30