Summary
Nintendo will temporarily delistDragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Agefrom Switch’s digital store. The reason is a minor update to the store listing, likely a change in the game’s publisher. However, those who already own a copy ofDragon Quest 11 Scan keep playing without any issues, while anyone looking to purchase it digitally on the Switch storefront will have to wait a while.
Dragon Quest 11was initially released for Nintendo 3DS and PS4 in 2017, followed by PC in 2018. In 2019, an enhanced version titledDragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Editionwas released for Switch and later ported to PS4, Windows, and Xbox One. With the launch of the definitive edition, theoriginalDragon Quest 11was delistedfrom PS4 and Steam, leaving only the enhanced version available for purchase. On Steam and PS4,Dragon Quest 11 Swas published by Square Enix, while on the Nintendo Store, the publisher was Nintendo itself.
The publishing rights are expected to change soon, now thatDragon Quest 11 Swill be temporarily delisted on Switch. As announced on Twitter, the JRPG will be unavailable for purchase on the Nintendo Store starting February 1, but it should return soon. In the past,Nintendo has delisted other Square Enix games, such asOctopath TravelerandTriangle Strategy. However, those games were Nintendo exclusives before the delisting, so it made sense for the Japanese gaming giant to be their publisher. OnceOctopath Travelerreturned to digital storefronts, its publisher changed to Square Enix, and the game was announced for PS4.Triangle Strategyalso saw a publisher change but has yet to be announced for new platforms.
Dragon Quest 11 S Is Being Temporarily Delisted From Nintendo Store
The main difference withDragon Quest 11 S’sdelisting is that the JRPG was already available on multiple platforms, with Square Enix as its publisher. Some fans speculate that this change could affect sales and even lead to a price drop since Square Enix will now be in full control of pricing. AlthoughNintendo holds multiple salesthroughout the year, the company is notoriously known for having higher prices than the competition and rarely lowering prices, even for games released years ago.
The frequent publisher changes involving Square Enix games could be tied to the company’s new business strategy, which was announced last year. Dubbed “Square Enix Reboots and Awakens,” it’s a mid-term strategy aimed at achieving long-term growth. This business plan will impact the publisher’s entire development lineup, with a stronger focus on AAA games from its renowned IP catalog. One of the key pillars of this strategy ismulti-platform releases for future Square Enix games, which may suggest that the company will handle publishing for all its titles moving forward.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of An Elusive Age - Definitive Edition
WHERE TO PLAY
Awaken your power and protect the land!You are the Luminary, the hunted hero who will protect the land from destruction in the latest RPG from the iconic DRAGON QUEST® series. With a ragtag band of adventurers, you’ll engage in well-balanced, turn-based battles and embark on quests across the kingdom of Erdrea. Forge gear, develop party members’ skills, and alter their outfits without changing gear in this edition of the game! This version also lets you ride and attack with monsters on the field to earn experience points, as well as change between HD or 16-bit visuals, symphonic or synth music, and English or Japanese audio. Complete the tale with new character-focused stories, and travel to past DRAGON QUEST worlds!Across the land, you’ll meet the mysterious Tockles—creatures that allow you to visit 2D, 16-bit versions of areas from popular entries in the series like DRAGON QUEST IV and DRAGON QUEST VIII! It’s fun to see these classic worlds reimagined in retro style, meshing perfectly with the main game’s 2D mode. Like all past DRAGON QUEST games, this one’s character designs are based on the signature style of famed artist Akira Toriyama. Paired with the voiced dialogue, the rich personalities of your most loyal companions and fiercest enemies are brought to life, so you may fully immerse yourself in this quest to discover the Luminary’s true heritage and awaken your power. For a greater challenge, start the game with the Draconian Quest setting, and capture your favorite moments with Photo Mode!
