Product Info

Platform

Switch 2, Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Publisher

Square Enix

Developer

Square Enix

Series

Dragon Quest

Genre

RPG

Players

1

File Size (Minimum)

23.4 GB

Release Date (NA)

Sep 27, 2019

Purchase From

eShop

PSN Store

Microsoft Store

Steam

Epic Games

Home » Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 (Review)

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2, the latest version of the Dragon Quest XI game, has arrived. It’s well worth the time to play for the visual upgrades and better performance over the original Switch game, but those who already own a previous version may have difficulty buying another one.

Switch 2 Improvements

Dragon Quest XI was originally released in Japan in 2017 and worldwide in 2018. A year later, a Definitive Edition was released for the Nintendo Switch and other platforms the following year. On September 24, 2026, the Nintendo Switch 2 received its own Definitive Edition. How does the Switch 2 version fare? Remarkably well, especially for players looking to replay or play for the first time on the Switch 2’s handheld mode.

With the Switch 2, players now have the option to choose between Graphics or Performance Mode, whether you are docked or in handheld mode. In Graphics Mode, the 1440p resolution and 30 frames per second (fps) enhance the refinement of shadows, textures, and polygon counts. With Performance Mode, you’ll sacrifice not just the resolution down to 1080p but also the shadows, textures, and polygon count, which are adjusted down but with an increase to 60 fps. Landscapes appear more blurred, and the details on characters lose quality, but if these aren’t an issue, then dive in and enjoy the smoother animations in the Performance Mode.

Whichever you decide, playing on handheld mode is gorgeous and fun. It gives some new life to the almost ten-year-old game. It’s a sharper-looking game if you compare it to the Switch version. Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 does offer the Handheld Mode Boost to improve the Switch version in dock specs, but the improvements on the Switch 2 version still outperform with its visuals and loading time.

What’s the biggest drawback? There are no upgrades for Switch players to jump to the Switch 2 version. Fans will have to repurchase the full game, which retails for $39.99 USD. The inability to transfer save data is also a significant letdown. It’s the same issue we’ve seen in other Square Enix titles like the Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster. It targets those who have not yet experienced the memorable journey or wish to revisit it in a new way.

Players who own both the Switch and Switch 2 version of Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition will find that the icons on the home screen do not differ enough. A visual update is in need of an update by Square Enix to give it a fresh look and be more distinctive between the Switch version.

A Journey Still Worth Exploring

The Switch 2 version doesn’t offer any new story content and is treated as a port with just improved visuals and performance. Players can still switch between the 3D and 2D sprite versions, even if switching between the two modes can be cumbersome due to reloading the game based on milestone chapters. Players should expect to lose some progress. Still, comparing the two versions has some unique charm. 2D feels less overwhelming and easier to navigate, while 3D feels more dynamic with its visually entertaining battles, and the world feels more open and brings curiosity to explore.

The adventure itself is still fun with its engaging story and world-building. You are the legendary hero known as the Luminary that’s destined to save the world. After discovering who he is, he is branded as a threat and forced to leave his homeland. You’ll team up with unique characteristic companions as you travel across Erdrea to uncover the truth and defeat the darkness that’s seeping across the world. It’s a traditional story that Dragon Quest games follow and it never seems to get old, carrying that traditional style of storytelling for decades.

The adventures are long, with many side quests that can feel repetitive and at times overwhelming, but that’s the charm of role-playing games (RPGs), as they offer loads of content to soak in and lose yourself in. The music, like many Dragon Quest titles, is fantastic with its orchestrated scores thanks to Koichi Sugiyama.

If you’re looking for a long RPG journey with some twists and turns in character development, then you should play Dragon Quest XI. With the Switch 2 version now available, there aren’t any more excuses to not play this wonderful gem.

The Final Quest

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 runs and looks better than ever on Nintendo’s latest console, with an excellent handheld experience that breathes new life into this already fantastic RPG. The lack of a Switch upgrade and save data transfer hurts, but newcomers will have a purrtastic adventure waiting for them.

A Nintendo Switch 2 code was provided by the publisher for this review. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition launches on September 24, 2026 for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game is also available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Fans can visit the game’s official website for more information.