Dragon Quest XI S Switch 2 Launch: A Mixed Bag of Visuals and Performance

Key points

• Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition launched on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026.
• The Switch 2 version offers two modes: a 60fps performance mode and a 30fps quality mode.
• The quality mode on Switch 2 docked is visually superior to the PS4 version but inferior to the Xbox One X version in some aspects.
• The performance mode on Switch 2 docked is visually inferior to the PS4 Pro version.
• There is no save transfer or upgrade path from the original Switch 1 version to the Switch 2 version.
• The game is part of the Dragon Quest 40th anniversary celebrations, with the series having sold over 100 million units worldwide.

Background

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is the latest port of a game that has been available on multiple platforms since 2017. The game has a rich history, with the original release in Japan in 2017, followed by worldwide releases on PS4 and PC in 2018, and the Switch version in 2019. The Definitive Edition added numerous features and improvements, including new content, quality-of-life improvements, and a 2D mode. The game has been well-received, with RPG Site awarding it a 10 across multiple platforms. The Switch 2 launch is part of the Dragon Quest 40th anniversary celebrations, with the series having sold over 100 million units worldwide.

How outlets are covering it

RPG Site's Mikhail Madnani provides a detailed comparison of the Switch 2 version against other platforms, noting that the quality mode is visually superior to the PS4 version but inferior to the Xbox One X version in some aspects. He also notes that the performance mode is visually inferior to the PS4 Pro version. Lords of Gaming's Robert Kellett highlights the visual and performance upgrades of the Switch 2 version, noting that it matches the visuals seen on the PS5 and Series X/S versions. However, he also notes the lack of save transfer and upgrade path from the Switch 1 version. Games Press provides a press release highlighting the game's launch as part of the Dragon Quest 40th anniversary celebrations, noting the series' 100 million units sold worldwide. Netto's Game Room provides a brief announcement of the game's launch on Switch 2, without detailed analysis.

Why it matters

The launch of Dragon Quest XI S on Switch 2 is significant as it is the first current-generation port of the game, and it is part of the Dragon Quest 40th anniversary celebrations. The game's performance and visual fidelity on Switch 2 are important for players considering which version to purchase, as there is no save transfer or upgrade path from the Switch 1 version. The game's launch also highlights the ongoing trend of ports and remasters in the gaming industry, as well as the importance of platform-specific optimizations.

What to watch

The next steps for Dragon Quest XI S on Switch 2 will likely involve further optimization and potential patches to address any issues with the game's performance and visual fidelity. The game's launch is also part of the Dragon Quest 40th anniversary celebrations, with the series' next mainline entry, Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams, currently in development. Additionally, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is set to release on December 3, 2026, on multiple platforms, including Switch 2.