If you had told me five years ago that we would be playing a “Reimagined” version of Dragon Quest VII on a brand new Nintendo console in 2026, I would have told you to lay off the Yggdrasil leaves. Yet, here we are.
The waiting game is finally over. On Thursday, February 5th, Square Enix officially unleashes Dragon Quest VII Reimagined onto the world.
For those who missed the original PS1 release (or the 3DS remake), you are about to embark on the longest, most rewarding “road trip” in JRPG history. But this isn’t just a texture upscale. Here is everything you need to know before you lose the next 100 hours of your life.
1. It’s Not Just a Remake, It’s “Reimagined”
Square Enix has been careful with their wording. While Dragon Quest III got the “HD-2D” treatment last year, Dragon Quest VII is sporting a “stunning new hand-crafted art style” entirely its own.
Early reviews and press releases describe a visual overhaul that bridges the gap between classic sprites and modern 3D, keeping the charm but ditching the jagged edges. They have also finally addressed the elephant in the room: the pacing. A new, redesigned UI and a host of “quality-of-life improvements” are confirmed to make that infamous 5-hour opening segment much smoother.
2. Confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2
Yes, it is official. When the game drops this Thursday, it will launch on Nintendo Switch 2, alongside the original Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
This makes Dragon Quest VII Reimagined one of the first major RPGs to grace Nintendo’s new hardware. If you managed to secure a pre-order for the new console, this is arguably the perfect showcase title to test that improved screen.
3. The “Ship in a Bottle” Collector’s Edition
Did you manage to snag the physical Collector’s Edition? If so, check your tracking numbers. The premium set is shipping this week and includes some serious loot:
- Ship in a Bottle Figure: A literal nod to the game’s nautical themes.
- Smile Slime Plush: Because you can never have enough blue blobs.
- SteelBook Case: For the shelf collectors.
- DLC Pack: Includes the “Road of Regal Wretches” and “Luminary’s Livery” content.
Digital buyers aren’t left out entirely – you’ll get a platform-exclusive “Slime Shield” just for downloading it.
4. What About Dragon Quest 12?
We can’t talk about Dragon Quest in 2026 without mentioning the big one. With the release of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake last October and now VII this week, the stage is perfectly set for the next mainline entry.
Rumors are swirling that the “Major Reveal” for Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate is scheduled for May 27, 2026 (Dragon Quest Day). So, consider VII Reimagined the appetizer – albeit a massive, 100-hour appetizer – before the main course later this year.
The Verdict
Dragon Quest VII has always been the “black sheep” of the family – beloved for its vignettes but feared for its length. This “Reimagined” release seems determined to fix the friction while keeping the soul intact.
Clear your schedule for the weekend. The fragments of the past aren’t going to find themselves.
