About this game
Dragon Quest Monsters 2 is the 2001 GBC sequel to the monster-raising RPG that introduced the series to Game Boy players. Two simultaneous versions — Luca's Departure and Iru's Adventure — feature distinct protagonists, monster rosters, and magic keys. Players recruit and breed over 300 monsters across eleven families, forming teams of three for battle. The game used the largest cartridge available for GBC at the time (4 megabytes) and sold over 1.59 million copies in Japan, becoming the third best-selling game in Japan for 2001.
Key Features
Two simultaneous versions with different protagonists, monsters, and magic keys — encouraging player interaction and trading. Over 300 monsters from 11 families, with monster breeding to create new varieties. Teams of three monsters for strategic battle. Uses the largest 4-megabyte GBC cartridge. Game Boy Link Cable trading and battling.
The Story Behind
Released in March 2001, DQM2 arrived in the final months of the Game Boy Color era — the Game Boy Advance launched in Japan on March 21, 2001, just two weeks after this game. Despite launching alongside its successor platform, DQM2 sold 501,081 copies in its first week alone, demonstrating the deep loyalty of the Dragon Quest fan base and the staying power of monster-collecting mechanics that Pokémon had made culturally dominant. The Iru's Adventure version had to be delayed by one month due to a bug discovered just before release.
Tricks & Tales
The Iru's Adventure version was delayed by a full month — from March 9 to April 12, 2001 — due to a bug discovered just before simultaneous launch. Despite launching two weeks before the Game Boy Advance's Japanese release, the game sold 501,081 copies in its first week, ranking first in Japan's weekly sales charts. The two versions are designed so that players holding different versions can trade unique monsters only available in their respective cartridge.
Collector's Guide
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
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