Square Enix’s Full Price Tag for a Polished Octopath Traveler is Hard to Justify
Today brought exciting news for fans of Octopath Traveler, as both the first and second installments are set to receive shiny new editions for the Nintendo Switch 2! These RPGs are already known for their stunning HD-2D visuals, and with the enhanced resolution and framerate of the upgraded version, they’re likely to look even more breathtaking. You might think that in 2026, if you already own one of these titles on the original Switch, you could snag the upgraded version for a reasonable price—maybe around $10—or even get it for free since it’s just a visual enhancement with no new content. But Square Enix has decided to take a different route, opting to charge full price for these upgrades, regardless of whether you already own them on the original Switch.
This information comes from a small note in the trailer’s final splash screen, stating, “There are no plans to sell an upgrade pack to upgrade the Nintendo Switch version to the Nintendo Switch 2 version.” It’s a baffling decision! Not only does it seem silly, but it also feels like a missed opportunity for revenue. Both Octopath Traveler games are priced at $60 on the original Switch (unless they’re on sale, which they currently are). The Switch 2 versions will likely be around the same price. If you don’t own them yet, that’s great—just wait for the October 1 release and grab the upgraded version. But for those of us who already have them, paying another $60 for a slightly better-looking version isn’t appealing. I’d much rather pay $10 for an upgrade to a game I already own, and I can’t be the only one thinking this way.
To add to the frustration, save data isn’t transferable between the two versions. So even if you do decide to fork over the cash for the upgrade, you’ll have to start from scratch. What’s the point? Why bother upgrading games that are eight and three years old just to continue selling them occasionally to a small audience?
Square Enix’s approach to upgrades is perplexing. It varies significantly across different titles, making it hard to keep track. For example, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is exclusive to the Switch 2, which makes some sense. However, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, with its Nintendo DS roots, didn’t need to be a Switch 2-exclusive remake. Then there are titles like the Dragon Quest remakes and Final Fantasy Tactics, which offer free upgrade paths from the original Switch to the Switch 2, indicating that Square Enix is willing to treat fans occasionally. Yet, Romancing Saga 2 has a $10 upgrade fee.
In any case, if you’re an RPG enthusiast who hasn’t yet picked up these titles, they’ll be available on Switch 2 starting October 1. You can choose to buy physical copies individually or opt for digital versions, either separately or bundled. Just be careful to select the correct version, as there’s no free upgrade option if you make a mistake. However, if you’re looking to save some cash and aren’t too concerned about the upgraded visuals, both games are currently available at a significant discount on the original Switch.
