Square Enix has just announced that Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition is officially coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026. This will be a further upgraded version of Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition, a version that originally launched for Nintendo Switch in 2019.
The Dragon Quest franchise has just had its 40th birthday, and there’s a lot for new fans to wrap their heads around. On top of the mainline numbered RPG entries, the Dragon Quest franchise is home to an assortment of spinoffs, novels, manga, and anime. It also doesn’t help that the names of many of these projects are somewhat convoluted. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age might just be one of the series’ most confusing entries. Originally released in Japan in 2017 for Nintendo 3DS and PS4, Dragon Quest XI was given a definitive edition in 2019. This definitive edition, Dragon Quest XI S, originally released as a Nintendo Switch exclusive before coming to PC, PS4, and Xbox One a year later. This definitive edition featured English and Japanese voice acting, an overhauled 2D mode taken from the original 3DS version of Dragon Quest XI, orchestral music, and quality-of-life improvements like ultra-fast battle speed.
Every Mainline Dragon Quest Game, Ranked
There have been many mainline titles in the Dragon Quest series throughout the years though some stand out above the rest.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Is Coming to Switch 2 Without an Upgrade Path
Today, the storied and confusing history of Dragon Quest XI grows just a little more. Announced during the Dragon Quest 40th anniversary stream, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition is getting a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on September 24, 2026. This Switch 2 Edition will cost $39.99 and pre-orders are open now on both the Nintendo eShop and via Square Enix’s official store.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)
However, there’s a big catch for those who already own Dragon Quest XI S on the original Nintendo Switch. There’s currently no upgrade path for owners of the original Switch version, and what’s worse is that, according to the game’s official eShop page, “There are no plans to sell an upgrade pack” at this time. Dragon Quest XI S‘ eShop listing also states that save date will not be transferable between the Switch and Switch 2 editions of the game.
Everything Revealed During Dragon Quest’s 40th Anniversary Stream
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition‘s Nintendo Switch 2 port wasn’t the only announcement Square Enix made during the franchise’s 40th anniversary stream. Perhaps the biggest piece of news to come out of the event was that Dragon Quest 12 (now subtitled Beyond Dreams) has restarted development since its initial reveal back in 2021. Originally subtitled The Flames of Fate and aiming for a darker tone, Dragon Quest 12 is reverting to a more traditional, brighter aesthetic.
Click or tap on the games that match the category
A new entry in the Dragon Quest Monsters-series was also announced during the franchise’s 40th anniversary stream. Titled Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World, this 8th mainline entry will be heading to PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, and Xbox Series X/S.
- Released
-
September 27, 2019
- ESRB
-
T For Teen // Crude Humor, Simulated Gambling, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Mild Blood, Fantasy Violence
- Publisher(s)
-
Nintendo, Square Enix
