DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is already out. It launched on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC in November 2024. The Steam version arrived one day after the other listed launch platforms. Square Enix later listed Nintendo Switch 2 support in its platform materials, so check the current store listing for the exact edition before buying for that system.
When did Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake come out?
Square Enix’s Japanese launch announcement gives November 14, 2024, as the release date for Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and the Microsoft Store on Windows. The Steam version followed on November 15, 2024. Square Enix’s English launch announcement also lists Steam and the Microsoft Store on Windows among the available platforms.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake (NSW) | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake (NSW) | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xFaQ2AtsL._SL160_.jpg)
|
DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Dragon Quest III 3 HD-2D Remake | $44.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake (PS5) | $40.36 | Buy on Amazon |
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Sources: Square Enix’s Japanese launch announcement and Square Enix’s English launch announcement.
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Which platforms can you play it on?
| Platform | What Square Enix’s materials establish |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | Original launch platform; packaged edition is identified in Square Enix’s Japanese product announcement. |
| PlayStation 5 | Original launch platform; packaged edition is identified in Square Enix’s Japanese product announcement. |
| Xbox Series X|S | Original launch platform. The launch materials do not identify a packaged edition for Xbox. |
| Windows PC | Available through Steam and the Microsoft Store. Steam’s release date was November 15, 2024. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Listed in later Square Enix platform materials. Check the current store listing for edition and purchase details. |
The original launch-platform and format details come from Square Enix’s Japanese launch announcement and its Japanese product announcement. Switch 2 support appears in Square Enix Holdings’ November 6, 2025 progress report, which is later platform information rather than part of the 2024 launch lineup.
#1 Best Overall
- DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake is a stunning reimagining of the beloved masterpiece and narrative beginning to The Erdrick Trilogy – the first three games of the mainline DRAGON QUEST series. Featuring vibrant HD-2D graphics, new and modernized features, and a refined narrative, players are invited to set out on an epic fantasy adventure to save the world from a dark evil.
- A fully modernized remake of the original: Stunning HD-2D visuals fuse pixel art with 3D graphics, bringing players into the world of DRAGON QUEST III like never before, along with an improved and modernized UI, and other quality of life improvements.
- Traditional DRAGON QUEST style battles: A refined take on the classic turn-based battle system, featuring new animations, additional improvements such as an adjustable battle speed, an auto-battle setting, and more.
- Immersive world: Deep exploration of a vast world map with an abundance of rich and captivating locations to discover, challenging players to overcome many unexpected encounters during the journey.
- Experience a timeless musical score: An immersive, authentic, and diverse musical composition that captures the timeless essence and magic of the DRAGON QUEST universe.
Is there a physical edition?
Square Enix’s Japanese product announcement identifies packaged editions for Nintendo Switch and PS5. It does not identify packaged editions for Xbox or PC, so do not assume those platforms have a physical release. Regional listings and current stock can differ; confirm the edition offered by the retailer where you plan to buy.
Source: Square Enix’s Japanese product and bundle announcement.
Rank #2
- A fully modernized remake of the originals: Stunning HD-2D visuals fuse pixel art with 3D graphics, along with an improved and modernized UI, and other quality of life improvements make these the best versions of the games yet.
- Traditional DRAGON QUEST style battles: A refined take on the classic turn-based battle system, featuring new animations, additional improvements such as an adjustable battle speed, an auto-battle setting, and more.
- Two legendary adventures, in one package: Experience the epic origins of the DRAGON QUEST series with both DRAGON QUEST I and DRAGON QUEST II. Two games beautifully remade and bundled together in one definitive offering.
- Experience a timeless musical score: An immersive, authentic, and diverse musical composition that captures the timeless essence and magic of the DRAGON QUEST universe.
What is the HD-2D remake?
Square Enix describes the game as a reimagining of the 1988 RPG. The publisher defines HD-2D as a visual style that combines pixel-art characters with three-dimensional backgrounds, enhanced effects, lighting and shading. That is the publisher’s description of the presentation, not an independent technical assessment.
Sources: Square Enix’s Japanese launch announcement and its English launch announcement.
Rank #3
- A Nintendo Switch Online membership may be required for online play. Please check the game detail page on Nintendo.com for membership requirements.
- ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/SPIKE CHUNSOFT/SQUARE ENIX SUGIYAMA KOBO (P) SUGIYAMA KOBO
What is in the Japanese collector bundles?
Square Enix’s June 2024 Japanese product announcement describes collector bundles that include acrylic character and monster blocks and a book-style storage box. The announcement names Square Enix e-STORE and Lawson @Loppi/HMV as limited Japanese sales channels. Those details describe the announced Japanese offerings; they do not establish current stock or availability in other countries.
Source: Square Enix’s Japanese product and bundle announcement.
Rank #4
- Turn-based combat system and characters with multiple vocations
- Stunning HD 2D graphics that bring the world to life like never before
- Explore a big world full of exciting places and unexpected encounters
- Experience a timeless soundtrack and immerse yourself in the magic of the Dragon Quest universe
What changes in this version of Dragon Quest III?
Xbox Wire describes exploration through locations such as towns, castles, caves, towers and dungeons, alongside the series’ turn-based combat. It also identifies the monster wrangler as a new vocation exclusive to this remake. Xbox Wire’s historical preorder bonus consisted of in-game items, which the article said could also be earned by playing; that announcement is not evidence that a preorder offer remains available.
Source: Xbox Wire, September 26, 2024.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where does it fit in the Dragon Quest story?
Square Enix calls Dragon Quest I, II and III the Erdrick trilogy because their stories and settings are connected. The publisher describes III as the beginning of the story, so playing it before I and II lets players encounter that connection in story order.
Best Value
- A fully modernized remake of the originals: Stunning HD-2D visuals fuse pixel art with 3D graphics, along with an improved and modernized UI, and other quality of life improvements make these the best versions of the games yet.
- Traditional DRAGON QUEST style battles: A refined take on the classic turn-based battle system, featuring new animations, additional improvements such as an adjustable battle speed, an auto-battle setting, and more.
- Two legendary adventures, in one package: Experience the epic origins of the DRAGON QUEST series with both DRAGON QUEST I and DRAGON QUEST II. Two games beautifully remade and bundled together in one definitive offering.
- Experience a timeless musical score: An immersive, authentic, and diverse musical composition that captures the timeless essence and magic of the DRAGON QUEST universe.
Source: Square Enix’s Japanese launch announcement.
Quick Recap
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