The Complete Guide to Dragon Quest Retro Games: NES, GB, GBA, SNES & Super Famicom

Dragon Quest (known as Dragon Warrior in North America until 2005) is one of the most influential and beloved RPG franchises in gaming history. Created by Yuji Horii, with character designs by Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball) and music by Koichi Sugiyama, Dragon Quest pioneered the console RPG genre and became a cultural phenomenon in Japan.

For retro game collectors, Dragon Quest titles represent essential pieces of RPG history and are among the most valuable and sought-after games on classic Nintendo platforms. This comprehensive guide covers every Dragon Quest game released on NES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, SNES, and Super Famicom.

Why Collect Dragon Quest Retro Games?

Genre-Defining Legacy: Dragon Quest created the template for console JRPGs that Final Fantasy and countless others would follow.

Cultural Phenomenon: In Japan, new Dragon Quest releases are national events, with people taking off work to buy the games.

Rising Collectibility: Early North American releases (Dragon Warrior series) have become increasingly rare and valuable.

Artistic Excellence: Akira Toriyama's distinctive art style and Koichi Sugiyama's orchestral music make each game a work of art.

Timeless Gameplay: The classic turn-based combat and exploration mechanics remain engaging decades later.

Complete Saga: The first six games form a connected trilogy of trilogies, making them ideal for collectors who love continuity.

The Dragon Quest Retro Collection by Platform

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES / Famicom)

Dragon Quest (1986) / Dragon Warrior (1989)

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエスト (Dragon Quest)
Release Date: May 27, 1986 (Japan)
North American Release: August 1989 (as Dragon Warrior)

About the Game:
The original Dragon Quest launched the franchise that would define JRPGs. It introduced core mechanics like turn-based combat, level grinding, and town-dungeon exploration that became genre staples. In North America, it was renamed Dragon Warrior due to a trademark conflict.

Collecting Information:

• NES Dragon Warrior (North America): $40-$80 loose, $150-$300 CIB
• Famicom Dragon Quest (Japan): $20-$50 loose, $80-$180 CIB
• Rarity: Moderately uncommon (NES), Common (Famicom)
• Notes: NES version included a free Nintendo Power subscription offer and was initially bundled with Nintendo Power subscriptions. Box variants exist.

Why It's Special:

• The game that started it all—defined console RPG mechanics
• First JRPG to achieve massive commercial success in Japan
• Influenced every RPG that followed
• Historical significance as genre originator
• Memorable Toriyama character designs

Tips for Collectors:

• NES Dragon Warrior boxes often include Nintendo Power subscription offers
• Japanese Famicom versions are significantly cheaper
• Look for the distinctive dragon logo on labels
• Battery save functionality important to test

Dragon Quest II (1987) / Dragon Warrior II (1990)

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエストII 悪霊の神々 (Dragon Quest II: Akuryō no Kamigami / "Dragon Quest II: Gods of Evil Spirits")
Release Date: January 26, 1987 (Japan)
North American Release: September 1990 (as Dragon Warrior II)

About the Game:
Dragon Quest II introduced multiple party members (three heroes instead of one), expanding the scope and complexity of the original. It built upon the foundation of the first game with a larger world and more complex story.

Collecting Information:

• NES Dragon Warrior II (North America): $50-$100 loose, $180-$350 CIB
• Famicom Dragon Quest II (Japan): $25-$60 loose, $100-$220 CIB
• Rarity: Uncommon (NES), Common (Famicom)
• Notes: More rare than Dragon Warrior I in North America

Why It's Special:

• Introduced party-based gameplay (3 characters)
• Expanded world and story from the first game
• Improved graphics and gameplay mechanics
• Connected story to original Dragon Quest

Dragon Quest III (1988) / Dragon Warrior III (1992)

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエストIII そして伝説へ... (Dragon Quest III: Soshite Densetsu e... / "Dragon Quest III: And Into the Legend...")
Release Date: February 10, 1988 (Japan)
North American Release: December 1992 (as Dragon Warrior III)

About the Game:
Considered one of the greatest NES RPGs, Dragon Quest III introduced the class/job system and a massive world map. Chronologically, it's actually the first game in the Erdrick/Loto trilogy (DQ III → DQ I → DQ II), creating an epic prequel narrative.

Collecting Information:

• NES Dragon Warrior III (North America): $80-$150 loose, $300-$600 CIB
• Famicom Dragon Quest III (Japan): $30-$70 loose, $120-$280 CIB
• Rarity: Rare (NES), Moderately uncommon (Famicom)
• Notes: Most expensive and rarest of the NES Dragon Warrior trilogy. Final NES release.

Why It's Special:

• Often considered the best NES RPG
• Introduced class/job system
• Massive world with day/night cycle
• Prequel story that connects to DQ I & II
• Perfect ending to Erdrick trilogy
• Rarest and most valuable of NES trilogy

Tips for Collectors:

• Most expensive of the three NES Dragon Warrior games
• CIB copies can fetch $600+
• Final NES Dragon Quest/Warrior release
• Essential for NES RPG collections

Dragon Quest IV (1990) - Famicom Only

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエストIV 導かれし者たち (Dragon Quest IV: Michibikareshi Monotachi / "Dragon Quest IV: The Guided Ones")
Release Date: February 11, 1990 (Japan only)

About the Game:
Dragon Quest IV was never released on NES outside Japan. It features a unique chapter-based structure where you play as different characters before they unite. This began the Zenithia trilogy.

Collecting Information:

• Famicom Dragon Quest IV (Japan): $40-$90 loose, $150-$350 CIB
• Rarity: Moderately uncommon
• Notes: Not released on NES in North America. First game in Zenithia trilogy. Fan translations available.

Why It's Special:

• Innovative chapter-based storytelling
• Multiple protagonists with unique stories
• First game in the Zenithia trilogy
• Advanced storytelling for 8-bit era
• Would not see English release until PlayStation remake

Tips for Collectors:

• Japanese-only on Famicom
• Can be played with English fan translations
• Must-have for Dragon Quest completists

Game Boy / Game Boy Color

Dragon Warrior I & II (1999)

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエストI・II (Dragon Quest I・II)
Release Date: September 23, 1999 (Japan)
North American Release: September 27, 2000 (as Dragon Warrior I & II)

About the Game:
A remake compilation of the first two Dragon Quest games, enhanced with Game Boy Color graphics and improved gameplay. Features both games on one cartridge with save functionality for each.

Collecting Information:

• GBC Dragon Warrior I & II (North America): $40-$80 loose, $120-$250 CIB
• GBC Dragon Quest I・II (Japan): $25-$60 loose, $90-$200 CIB
• Rarity: Moderately uncommon
• Notes: Two games on one cartridge. Enhanced remakes with color graphics.

Why It's Special:

• Two complete games on one cartridge
• Enhanced graphics and gameplay
• Portable versions of classics
• Excellent entry point for new collectors
• First Dragon Quest games released after 1992 in North America

Dragon Warrior III (2001)

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエストIII そして伝説へ... (Dragon Quest III)
Release Date: December 8, 2000 (Japan)
North American Release: July 7, 2001 (as Dragon Warrior III)

About the Game:
A Game Boy Color remake of Dragon Quest III, featuring enhanced graphics, improved translation, and the ability to save anywhere. The best way to experience this NES classic on original hardware.

Collecting Information:

• GBC Dragon Warrior III (North America): $50-$100 loose, $150-$300 CIB
• GBC Dragon Quest III (Japan): $30-$70 loose, $110-$240 CIB
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Notes: Enhanced remake of the classic NES game. Save anywhere feature.

Why It's Special:

• Best portable version of Dragon Quest III
• Improved graphics over NES original
• Better translation
• Save anywhere (not just in towns)
• Final North American release as "Dragon Warrior" before rebrand to Dragon Quest

Dragon Quest Monsters (1998) / Dragon Warrior Monsters (2000)

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエストモンスターズ テリーのワンダーランド (Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry's Wonderland)
Release Date: September 25, 1998 (Japan)
North American Release: September 2000 (as Dragon Warrior Monsters)

About the Game:
A monster-collecting RPG spin-off featuring Terry from Dragon Quest VI. Similar to Pokémon but with Dragon Quest monsters. Includes breeding mechanics and extensive monster collection.

Collecting Information:

• GBC Dragon Warrior Monsters (North America): $30-$70 loose, $100-$220 CIB
• GBC Dragon Quest Monsters (Japan): $20-$50 loose, $80-$180 CIB
• Rarity: Moderately uncommon
• Notes: Monster-collecting spin-off. First in the Monsters sub-series.

Why It's Special:

• Monster-collecting gameplay (Dragon Quest meets Pokémon)
• Breeding mechanics for creating powerful monsters
• Extensive monster roster
• Popular spin-off series
• Features Terry from Dragon Quest VI

Dragon Quest Monsters 2 (2001) - Japan Only

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエストモンスターズ2 (Dragon Quest Monsters 2)
Release Date: March 9, 2001 (Japan only)

About the Game:
The sequel to Dragon Quest Monsters, featuring two versions (Tara's Adventure and Cobi's Journey) similar to Pokémon's dual-version system. Not released outside Japan.

Collecting Information:

• GBC Dragon Quest Monsters 2 (Japan): $30-$70 loose, $100-$250 CIB
• Rarity: Moderately uncommon
• Notes: Japan-only release. Two versions exist (Tara/Cobi).

Why It's Special:

• Expanded monster roster and mechanics
• Two versions for trading (like Pokémon)
• More complex breeding system
• Popular among Japanese collectors

Super Nintendo / Super Famicom

The SNES/SFC era saw the release of Dragon Quest V and VI, two of the most beloved entries in the series.

Dragon Quest V (1992) - Super Famicom Only

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエストV 天空の花嫁 (Dragon Quest V: Tenkū no Hanayome / "Dragon Quest V: Bride of the Sky")
Release Date: September 27, 1992 (Japan only)

About the Game:
Dragon Quest V is often called the greatest Dragon Quest game. It features a generational story spanning three time periods (childhood, young adult, father) and includes monster recruitment mechanics. Would not see English release until DS remake.

Collecting Information:

• SFC Dragon Quest V (Japan): $60-$120 loose, $250-$500 CIB
• Rarity: Uncommon to rare
• Notes: Japan-only on SFC. Often considered the best Dragon Quest game. Fan translations available.

Why It's Special:

• Often considered the greatest Dragon Quest game
• Epic generational story (child → adult → father)
• Monster recruitment mechanics
• Emotional, mature storytelling
• Part of Zenithia trilogy
• Would not see English release until 2009 on DS

Tips for Collectors:

• Highly sought after by Dragon Quest fans
• Expensive but worth it for the experience
• Can be played with English fan translations
• Essential for any Dragon Quest collection

Dragon Quest VI (1995) - Super Famicom Only

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエストVI 幻の大地 (Dragon Quest VI: Maboroshi no Daichi / "Dragon Quest VI: Land of Illusion")
Release Date: December 9, 1995 (Japan only)

About the Game:
The final Super Famicom Dragon Quest game. Features dual-world mechanics (real world and dream world) and advanced job system. Concludes the Zenithia trilogy. Not released in English until DS remake.

Collecting Information:

• SFC Dragon Quest VI (Japan): $70-$140 loose, $300-$600 CIB
• Rarity: Rare
• Notes: Japan-only on SFC. Final Super Famicom Dragon Quest. Most expensive SFC Dragon Quest game.

Why It's Special:

• Unique dual-world mechanic (real/dream worlds)
• Advanced class system
• Concludes the Zenithia trilogy
• Final Super Famicom Dragon Quest
• Complex story and gameplay
• Would not see English release until 2011 on DS

Tips for Collectors:

• Most expensive Super Famicom Dragon Quest game
• Final SFC entry in the series
• Highly sought after by collectors
• Prices have increased significantly
• Can be played with English fan translations

Dragon Quest I & II (1993) - Super Famicom Only

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエストI・II (Dragon Quest I・II)
Release Date: December 18, 1993 (Japan only)

About the Game:
A compilation remake of Dragon Quest I and II with 16-bit graphics and enhanced gameplay. Features both games with improved visuals and mechanics over the 8-bit originals.

Collecting Information:

• SFC Dragon Quest I・II (Japan): $50-$100 loose, $200-$400 CIB
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Notes: Japan-only compilation. Enhanced 16-bit remakes.

Why It's Special:

• Two games on one cartridge
• Enhanced 16-bit graphics and sound
• Improved gameplay over 8-bit originals
• Best way to play I & II on Super Famicom
• Complete Erdrick trilogy available on SFC (I, II, III)

Dragon Quest III (1996) - Super Famicom Only

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエストIII そして伝説へ... (Dragon Quest III)
Release Date: December 6, 1996 (Japan only)

About the Game:
A 16-bit remake of Dragon Quest III with enhanced graphics, improved class system, and additional content. The definitive version of the classic NES game with 16-bit polish.

Collecting Information:

• SFC Dragon Quest III (Japan): $60-$120 loose, $250-$500 CIB
• Rarity: Uncommon to rare
• Notes: Enhanced 16-bit remake of NES classic. Final Dragon Quest release on Super Famicom.

Why It's Special:

• Enhanced 16-bit version of the classic
• Improved graphics and sound
• Expanded class system
• Additional content and features
• Final Dragon Quest on Super Famicom
• Considered the best version of DQ III

Game Boy Advance

The Game Boy Advance received remakes and new entries in the Dragon Quest series.

Dragon Quest Monsters: Caravan Heart (2003) - Japan Only

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエストモンスターズ キャラバンハート (Dragon Quest Monsters: Caravan Heart)
Release Date: March 29, 2003 (Japan only)

About the Game:
A Game Boy Advance entry in the Monsters sub-series featuring Prince Kiefer from Dragon Quest VII. Includes caravan management mechanics where you travel with a mobile base.

Collecting Information:

• GBA Dragon Quest Monsters: Caravan Heart (Japan): $40-$90 loose, $150-$300 CIB
• Rarity: Moderately uncommon
• Notes: Japan-only release. Features Prince Kiefer from DQ VII.

Why It's Special:

• Unique caravan management gameplay
• Features characters from Dragon Quest VII
• Monster-collecting with new mechanics
• Part of popular Monsters sub-series

Dragon Quest Characters: Torneko no Daibōken 3 Advance (2004) - Japan Only

Original Japanese Title: ドラゴンクエストキャラクターズ トルネコの大冒険3アドバンス (Dragon Quest Characters: Torneko's Great Adventure 3 Advance)
Release Date: June 24, 2004 (Japan only)

About the Game:
A remake of the PlayStation game Torneko's Great Adventure 3, featuring the merchant Torneko from Dragon Quest IV. Roguelike dungeon-crawling gameplay.

Collecting Information:

• GBA Torneko 3 Advance (Japan): $30-$70 loose, $120-$250 CIB
• Rarity: Moderately uncommon
• Notes: Japan-only roguelike spin-off. Remake of PS1 game.

Why It's Special:

• Roguelike dungeon-crawling gameplay
• Features Torneko from Dragon Quest IV
• Portable remake of PlayStation game
• Unique spin-off series

Complete Retro Dragon Quest Checklist

NES / Famicom

• Dragon Quest / Dragon Warrior (NES/Famicom)
• Dragon Quest II / Dragon Warrior II (NES/Famicom)
• Dragon Quest III / Dragon Warrior III (NES/Famicom)
• Dragon Quest IV (Famicom - Japan only)

Game Boy / Game Boy Color

• Dragon Quest I & II / Dragon Warrior I & II (GBC)
• Dragon Quest III / Dragon Warrior III (GBC)
• Dragon Quest Monsters / Dragon Warrior Monsters (GBC)
• Dragon Quest Monsters 2 (GBC - Japan only)

Super Nintendo / Super Famicom

• Dragon Quest V (SFC - Japan only)
• Dragon Quest VI (SFC - Japan only)
• Dragon Quest I & II (SFC - Japan only)
• Dragon Quest III (SFC - Japan only)

Game Boy Advance

• Dragon Quest Monsters: Caravan Heart (GBA - Japan only)
• Dragon Quest Characters: Torneko no Daibōken 3 Advance (GBA - Japan only)

Total Retro Dragon Quest Games: 13 unique titles (plus compilations)

Collecting Tips & Strategy

Understanding the Naming

Dragon Quest vs. Dragon Warrior:

• All games were "Dragon Quest" in Japan
• North American NES/GB releases were "Dragon Warrior" (trademark issue)
• Starting in 2005, North America switched to "Dragon Quest" branding
• Dragon Warrior I & II (GBC) and Dragon Warrior III (GBC) were the last "Warrior" titles

Starting Your Collection

For Beginners:

1. Start with Game Boy Color remakes - affordable and excellent
2. Get Dragon Warrior I & II (GBC) - two games in one
3. Add Dragon Warrior III (GBC) for the complete Erdrick trilogy

For Completest Collectors:

1. NES Dragon Warrior III is the rarest and most expensive ($300-$600 CIB)
2. Super Famicom Dragon Quest V & VI are highly sought after
3. Japanese versions are often 50% cheaper than North American releases
4. Most games require Japanese knowledge or fan translations

Value Appreciation

Games Seeing Strong Growth:

• NES Dragon Warrior III - Prices climbing steadily
• SFC Dragon Quest VI - Most expensive SFC entry, rising
• NES Dragon Warrior I & II - Becoming increasingly collectible

Best Values:

• Japanese Famicom/SFC versions are significantly cheaper
• Game Boy Color remakes offer excellent value (multiple games)
• Loose carts are more affordable than CIB

Series Trilogies

Erdrick/Loto Trilogy (chronological order):

• Dragon Quest III (prequel)
• Dragon Quest I
• Dragon Quest II

Zenithia Trilogy:

• Dragon Quest IV
• Dragon Quest V
• Dragon Quest VI

Collecting Tip: Understanding the trilogy structure makes collecting more meaningful and helps prioritize which games to get.

Condition Considerations

For Collectors:

• NES Dragon Warrior boxes with Nintendo Power inserts are valuable
• Japanese Famicom/SFC boxes often in better condition
• Battery saves critical (can be replaced)
• Manuals and inserts add significant value

For Players:

• Loose carts are fine for playing
• Many games Japan-only; fan translations available
• GBC remakes are the most accessible for North American collectors
• Consider flash carts for fan translations

Why These Games Matter

The Dragon Quest franchise on retro Nintendo consoles represents:

Genre Creation: Dragon Quest invented the console JRPG template that defined the genre for decades.

Japanese Cultural Phenomenon: In Japan, Dragon Quest is as culturally significant as Pokémon, with new releases causing nationwide excitement.

Artistic Collaboration: The combination of Horii (game design), Toriyama (art), and Sugiyama (music) created a unique artistic identity.

Technical Innovation: Pushed hardware limits with ambitious storytelling, complex gameplay systems, and memorable music on 8-bit and 16-bit hardware.

Collecting Rarity: North American NES releases (Dragon Warrior) are increasingly rare and valuable, especially CIB copies.

Timeless Appeal: Classic gameplay mechanics remain engaging, and the series' charm translates across generations.

North American Release Gap

The Great Drought:

• Dragon Warrior III (NES) released December 1992
• Dragon Warrior I & II (GBC) released September 2000
• 7.75 years with no North American Dragon Quest releases

This gap explains why:

• NES Dragon Warrior games are so rare
• Many fans discovered the series through emulation
• Japanese Super Famicom games became highly sought after
• The series had to be "rediscovered" in North America

For Collectors: Understanding this gap explains the rarity and value of North American releases.

Resources for Collectors

Price Tracking:

• PriceCharting.com for current market values
• eBay completed listings for recent sales
• The 725 Club database for comprehensive game information

Community:

• Dragon Quest subreddit (r/dragonquest)
• Dragon Quest forums and communities
• Retro RPG collecting groups

Game Information:

• Dragon Quest Wiki for detailed information
• ROMhacking.net for fan translations
• The 725 Club for SNES/SFC collecting resources

Fan Translations:

• Dragon Quest IV (Famicom) - English patch available
• Dragon Quest V (SFC) - English patch available
• Dragon Quest VI (SFC) - English patch available
• Many other Japan-only titles have translations

Conclusion

Building a complete Dragon Quest retro collection is a journey through the history of console RPGs. From the genre-defining NES originals to the masterpiece storytelling of Dragon Quest V and VI on Super Famicom, these games represent the evolution of one of gaming's greatest franchises.

The challenge for North American collectors is the scarcity of releases—the 7.75-year gap between Dragon Warrior III and Dragon Warrior I & II means many games are Japan-only or extremely rare. However, Game Boy Color remakes offer an excellent entry point, and Japanese versions are often more affordable.

Whether you're collecting for historical significance, investment value, or pure love of classic RPGs, Dragon Quest retro titles offer incredible experiences and timeless charm. Start with the GBC remakes, then work backward to the rare NES originals and forward to the expensive but essential Super Famicom masterpieces.

Happy collecting, and may the Dragon Quest adventure begin!

This guide is part of The 725 Club's comprehensive retro game collecting resources. For more guides, price tracking, and collection management tools, visit The 725 Club.