Developed by Japanese studio ArtePiazza, the Dragon Quest IV remake features an overhauled 3D graphics engine, new quests and plot developments, and a revised battle system not seen in the original 1992 NES RPG.

Additionally, a new Dragon Quest hub site unveiled by the publisher lists the logos and translated subtitles for two more DS remakes, indicating planned North American localizations for the sequels.

Entitled Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Maiden and Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie, the DS remakes of the classic SNES RPGs mark the first overseas releases of DQ5 and DQ6, previously available only in Japan. No release dates or any further information was made available on the site.

Despite a wildly popular following in Japan, Dragon Quest performed underwhelmingly in North America until the release of Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (PS2) in 2005. Square Enix has since released several series offshoots outside of Japan, including Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker (NDS) and Dragon Quest Swords (Wii).