Square Enix has announced that Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition will be temporarily unavailable on the Switch eShop starting 1st February 2025.
Worry not, though, because it doesn't sound like it'll be gone for very long. In a social media post from the official Dragon Quest account, its reasoning behind the temporary removal is quite simply so it can "make some minor updates to the store listing".
It's also been clarified that if you already own the game digitally, then your access will not be revoked while the store listing is unavailable. Pretty obvious, but it doesn't hurt to make it absolutely clear!
Originally released for the Switch in 2019, Dragon Quest XI S is effectively a slightly revamped version of the original 3DS and PS4 version, launched just two years earlier in 2017. We reckon it's worth checking out, mind, as we said that it "is the epitome of a gift that keeps on giving" in our 9/10 review.
Following its release of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake in 2024, Square Enix will follow up with another revamped release of the original two entries with Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake later this year.
Chances are this temporary removal won't affect you, but were you pondering a purchase of Dragon Quest XI S? Let us know with a comment.
[source x.com]
Comments 26
Ah. So the publisher is changing from Nintendo to Square Enix on this one too.
A bit odd. Others like Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy (and probably Live A Live at some point) were due to Square Enix taking over publishing duty from Nintendo. But Dragon Quest XI S was published by Square Enix at launch on Switch.
EDIT: Nope, OdnetninAges is correct. Nintendo did publish it internationally. So business as usual. Have Builders 1 & 2 been switched over to Square Enix yet?
Yeah, it's most certainly just due to the publisher changing like the previous times as already mentioned by others here - regardless, fingers crossed it will be back sooner rather than later for those interested (not me since I'll get it physically as soon as I can find it at the very least at its starting price instead of higher if not even lower)!
Understandable. I already bought it long ago (one of the best games on Switch), but for those who don't have it yet, I hope they'll be able to get sooner than later.
By the way, I own the game digitally, but I don't have it downloaded. If I will want to download it when it's not available, will I be able to do that?
Outrageous! I demand an immediate boycott etc etc…
@the_beaver it’s an absolute gem of a game. Thoroughly enjoyed it and need to replay it at some point.
I just got a physical copy on eBay during the holidays and now I’m obsessed with everything Dragon Quest. Not super relavent just wanted to share my love for this series. 🥰
One of the best games I've ever played!
@topher6490 nope, as of now those are still published by Nintendo but I wouldn't be surprised if that changes in a few months
Darn, I bought it during the holiday sale as I didn't think they'd do it with this one, and I'm not entirely sure how keen Nintendo will be to put their Switch 1 titles on sale after Switch 2 is out. Oh well lol
The publisher changing to Square Enix means it can go on deeper discounts
@Burning_Spear you know that!
Oh! I have had my eye on this game recently but to be honest, I've got way too many RPGs on the go at the moment so this is probably a blessing in disguise.
@WiltonRoots Jah bless.
I was hoping this was confirming a second screen functionality in Switch 2 whereby we can play this game the 3DS way via backwards compatibility, but a publisher change makes more sense. And I suppose that would just involve a patch and not doing maintenance on the eshop listing.
@Burning_Spear
It's fantastic. I will never sell my switch copy if I can handle it. I'm tempted to double-dip and play on PS5, but there are just so many new games coming out. It is tied with Metaphor ReFantazio as my favorite "modern" RPG.
Who did you marry at the end?
@WiltonRoots
Where's the physical is superior to digital crowd?
@antlion
Right here.
But yea, whatever, people can do whatever they want. It's just dumb to bring up the obvious every single time.
I hope it means a price drop.
@the_beaver Yes - you should be able to download it during this period if you've already purchased it.
@brakeman90 Ah great, thanks!
Just in case, you know haha.
3DS version?! WUT!? I think the OP is confusing Dragon Quest IX with Dragon Quest XI lol. 🤣
@WiiWareWave Nope. There's a 3DS version, but it didn't come to the West.
Same as the Nino Kuni version for the DS.
A "slightly revamped" version? That's doing it a disservice. They added so much stuff and redid the whole game from the ground up. The additions and fixings were so extensive, it was impossible to just add a "Definitive Edition" DLC to the original SKU.
It's the publishing thing again. It'll be back in a few weeks.
I tried really hard to get into this game and I kind of just couldn't. I generally would enjoy it when I played it but never really wanted to play it, largely due to just how long the game feels like it's spinning its wheels with nothing happening, and after years of on-again-off-again playing it I stopped with it again when Xenoblade 3 came out and haven't touched it since. I tried but it's just not for me.
Remember when Metal Gear 3 was removed from the 3DS eShop saying it would come back and it literally never did?
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