Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster for Switch 2 is a fine upgrade that should be an update

Suikoden is one of those timeless RPG series that, despite being less prevalent in the current era due to several factors, remains an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts today. For a long time, it was challenging to get hold of the original games, with options limited to emulation or spending excessively on used versions. Eventually, the first two games found their way onto the PlayStation Network, but just before the PSOne Classics initiative took center stage, rendering it somewhat insignificant. Although not flawless, the recently released Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster compilation has made it easier for players to savor a duo of titles that lack straightforward alternatives (barring, naturally, the spiritual successor Eiyuden Chronicle).

Suikoden’s overall design is quite grandiose and distinctive among RPGs from its time period. As the narrative unfolds, you’ll find yourself overseeing something akin to a military outpost, where characters you meet during your journey aren’t just for base management and assigned roles, but they also fight alongside you. The goal is to collect all 108 “Stars of Destiny,” which not only enhances your combat abilities, but also unlocks a special ending. Furthermore, Suikoden 2 is widely recognized for its exceptional storytelling, with a villain who is particularly vile and memorable. It’s safe to say that its narrative ranks among the best from its era, if not at the very top.

This collection experienced a significant delay in shipping compared to its initial announcement, positioning it near the release of Switch 2. Given this timing, it’s not surprising to see it marketed as a launch title for Switch 2, alongside a fresh Konami game that reintroduces an established older IP. While Survival Kids was less impressive, this upcoming release seems promising due to its performance issues on the original Switch being largely resolved in the new version. Essentially, the Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster offers improved resolution and frame rate, placing it alongside Xbox and PlayStation versions in terms of visual quality.

It’s odd that Konami treats Suikoden poorly on Switch 2. In North America, there is no physical release, while in Japan it’s just a Game Key Card for downloading the game. Interestingly, you can obtain the full game on a disc or cartridge for other consoles, including Switch. Furthermore, if you already own the Switch version, there’s no option to upgrade it. If you want the Suikoden remasters to run at 1080p/60fps on your new Switch hardware, you must pay another $50. Games like Deltarune offer free swapping or upgrade fees, making releases like Suikoden and Sonic X Shadow Generations feel disappointing, despite offering some appealing features. Even though Sega’s upgrades are more substantial, I expected we would have resolved the issue of new generation port/upgrade by now.


The high-definition remasters of Suikoden 1 & 2 are currently accessible on the Nintendo Switch 2. For this article, Shacknews obtained a copy of the game, which is known as the Two Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars.

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2025-07-14 15:57