The September 2025 Nintendo Direct was filled with eye-catching announcements, but one of the most surprising reveals was the return of a JRPG classic: Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined. The beloved 25-year-old title is getting a fresh coat of paint for modern audiences, but excitement quickly turned to concern when Square Enix confirmed some disappointing details about its release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
While other titles like Stardew Valley and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are getting affordable upgrade paths for Nintendo’s new handheld, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined won’t be offering the same. That puts the game in stark contrast with some of its peers, leaving long-time fans wondering if it’s worth diving into this reimagined adventure without the perks many Switch 2 adopters expected.
No Switch 2 Upgrade Path Planned
One of the biggest blows to fans came when Square Enix updated its official FAQ page. The publisher clearly stated there is no upgrade path currently planned for Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined. That means if you purchase the game for the standard Switch, you’ll need to buy it all over again if you want to play it on the Switch 2.
This decision mirrors the situation we’ve seen with certain PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series titles in the past, but it’s particularly disheartening given that Nintendo has been experimenting with low-cost upgrade options for other popular games. For example, upgrading Stardew Valley to its Switch 2 edition will only cost $7.99 a small price for performance boosts and new features. Sadly, that convenience won’t extend to Dragon Quest fans.
In many ways, this situation feels similar to how Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster handled its multi-platform release, offering no cross-platform benefit. Square Enix seems determined to keep the Switch and Switch 2 editions of Dragon Quest VII completely separate.
No Save Data Transfer Between Systems
The disappointment doesn’t end there. Square Enix also confirmed that save files from the original Switch version of the game cannot be transferred to the Switch 2 edition. The two versions will function as standalone products, meaning players who invest dozens of hours into their quest on the first console will have to start from scratch if they later upgrade.
This stands in stark contrast to major releases like Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man’s Sky, both of which allow progress to move seamlessly between consoles. Even Star Wars Outlaws supports cross-progression. For an RPG as lengthy as Dragon Quest VII, which can easily run well over 100 hours, the lack of save data portability could be a dealbreaker for many.
No Performance Boost on Switch 2
Another point of contention is the lack of performance improvements for players who run the Switch version of Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined on a Switch 2 console. Square Enix clarified that it will perform exactly as it would on the original Switch, with no frame rate boosts or graphical enhancements.
That’s particularly frustrating when compared to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which sees noticeable improvements when played on the new system. Players had hoped the Switch 2’s hardware power would naturally give Dragon Quest VII some polish, but Square Enix has dashed those hopes.
Comparing Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined to Other Modern RPGs
From a technical standpoint, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined sits closer to titles like Octopath Traveler II and Bravely Default II. It’s built around a traditional turn-based RPG structure with modernized visuals. The absence of upgrade and save-transfer support makes it feel slightly dated compared to recent re-releases of RPG classics, such as Persona 3 Reload or even Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, both of which offered more flexibility across platforms.
That being said, the game’s artistic style and narrative depth remain its strongest assets. If you’re the type of player who values story and nostalgia over technical perks, this release may still be worth your time — provided you’re willing to commit to a single system.
Why Square Enix’s Decision Matters
The absence of upgrade options and save transfer support raises a bigger question: how will publishers approach multi-platform releases during the transition to the Switch 2? Nintendo has promised smoother cross-generational experiences, but if third-party developers choose to treat games as separate purchases, fans could be forced to double-dip more often than they’d like.
Read More: Dragon Quest VII Reimagined FAQ Confirms No Switch 2 Upgrade and Reveals Storage Needs
Square Enix has a history of making divisive decisions regarding re-releases, and this seems to continue that trend. While Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined is still shaping up to be a beautiful revival of a classic, the way it’s being handled might sour the experience for modern players expecting convenience and continuity.
Should You Still Be Excited?
Despite the setbacks, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined still has a lot to offer. The game’s sprawling storyline, memorable characters, and unique time-travel mechanics set it apart from most modern RPGs. For players who never experienced the original PlayStation or Nintendo 3DS versions, this is arguably the best opportunity to dive into one of Square Enix’s most ambitious titles.
If you’re not bothered by the lack of an upgrade path or save transfer, the game promises dozens of hours of classic RPG gameplay wrapped in updated visuals. But for those who are heavily invested in the Switch 2 ecosystem, it may feel like a missed opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Nintendo’s transition to the Switch 2 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting console shifts in recent years, but not every developer is embracing cross-generational convenience. Square Enix’s stance on Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined shows that some publishers still see value in treating console editions as separate products.
While this will undoubtedly frustrate loyal fans, the heart of the game remains intact: a sweeping RPG adventure that has stood the test of time. Whether that’s enough to overlook the lack of modern features will ultimately depend on what you value most as a player.
As the Switch 2 era begins, Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined will serve as a test case for how nostalgia-driven releases fit into a market increasingly defined by convenience and continuity.
