Players will once again set out from Estard to piece together shattered continents, this time in 3D.

After months of speculation, Square Enix finally confirmed during today’s Nintendo Direct that Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past is being rebuilt as a full 3D remake for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 as Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. The sprawling JRPG is set to launch on 5 February 2026, bringing one of the series’ most ambitious adventures to a new generation.

The full trailer was revealed during today's Nintendo Direct, and uploaded on Dragon Quest's official YouTube page:

A Fully 3D Remake, Not HD-2D 

Square Enix describe the remake as a bold new take on the 2000 PlayStation classic, rebuilt with a “hand-crafted” aesthetic designed to look like a living storybook. Characters originally designed by Akira Toriyama have been reimagined into a charming 3D style using real-world doll models, while towns, dungeons, and continents are presented as intricate diorama-like environments.

The story remains faithful to the original, sending players on an epic journey from the island of Estard to restore lost continents, although Square Enix note that pacing and gameplay have been refined. 

The turn-based combat system has also been overhauled with new mechanics, including the ability to dual-class through a “Moonlighting” system, unleash special “Let Loose” skills, and summon monsters through the revamped “Monster Master” vocation.

Collector’s and digital editions with exclusive bonuses

Alongside the standard release, Square Enix confirmed a Physical Collector’s Edition, available exclusively through the Square Enix Store. It includes a SteelBook case, a Smile Slime plush, a ship-in-a-bottle figure, several downloadable content packs, and a costume for Ruff. A Digital Deluxe Edition will also be offered, granting 48-hour early access, exclusive cosmetics, and three DLC packs.

Players who pre-order any edition will receive the “Early Bird Bonus,” which features a DRAGON QUEST VIII costume for the Hero and three Seeds of Proficiency to boost stats. Digital buyers will also unlock a platform-exclusive Slime Shield.

Dragon Quest VII has long been known as the most time-consuming mainline entry in the series, with playthroughs regularly exceeding 100 hours. Square Enix’s reimagined version aims to preserve that ambitious scope while modernising exploration, battles, and progression.

First released on the PlayStation in 2000, Dragon Quest VII remains one of the most ambitious RPGs of its era. Its lengthy, time-spanning adventure, colourful cast, and fragment-based world-building made it a standout even among other lengthy titles like Dragon Quest VIII and Dragon Quest XI.

With the remake now officially on the way, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is set to bring its legendary 100-hour journey to modern platforms in a striking new form.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined launches worldwide on 5 February, 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store on Windows. Pre-orders begin today.