Dragon Quest XI S Switch 2 disappoints with no upgrade path or save transfers

Dragon Quest XI is seeing yet another iteration, with Square Enix announcing a Switch 2 version. Players can expect optimized graphics, but with no save transfers, some Switch owners will have to restart their adventures. Further frustrating fans is the lack of a discounted upgrade path for the new Game-Key Card release.

Square Enix revealed Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition during the RPG franchise’s 40th anniversary stream. With a September 24th release date and $39.99 price, pre-orders are now available.

Dragon Quest XI S Switch 2 upgrades

The Switch 2 game is essentially the same title that debuted on the Switch in 2019. Featuring a 3D graphics toggle and additional content, the S version was already an improvement over the 2017-2018 PS4, 3DS, and PC ports. The Definitive Edition does allow players to choose between a higher frame rate performance mode and a graphics mode.

Despite the new options, followers have reason to feel disappointed. On social media, Wario64 shared that the game’s Japanese site ruled out save transfers between console generations. English speakers then discovered the disclaimer on the Switch page, “There are no plans to sell an upgrade pack to upgrade the Nintendo Switch version to the Nintendo Switch 2 version.”

For full playthroughs of Dragon Quest XI S, gamers would often devote 100 hours or more. Veteran players have to decide if the marginal enhancements are worth the added cost and time investment.

Square Enix inconsistency

So far, the publisher has taken a mixed approach to Nintendo’s latest handheld. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles both offered free upgrades for Switch owners. On the other hand, Octopath Traveler 0 shipped without the same perk.

Game-Key Cards remain another contentious issue for physical media supporters. It’s likely that the title is more than compact enough to fit on a cartridge. Yet it will depend on downloads for the bulk of its files.

Critics are labeling the Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition Switch 2 version as greedy. Nevertheless, Square Enix is confident that the turn-based RPG can find a larger audience on its September 24th release date.