Dragon Quest XI S Switch 2 Disappoints with No Upgrade Path or Save Transfers

What’s new

Square Enix revealed that the 40th‑anniversary edition of Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition will launch on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24 for US$39.99. The build includes a toggle between a higher‑frame‑rate mode (60 fps) and a graphics‑focused mode (up to 4K rendering on the docked console). A 3‑D graphics option, first introduced on the original Switch in 2019, returns, and a handful of quality‑of‑life tweaks—such as faster loading screens and updated UI fonts—have been added.

How it compares to previous releases

Feature	Switch (2019)	Switch 2 (2024)	PS4/PC/3DS (2017‑2018)
Base resolution	720p (handheld) / 1080p (dock)	1080p (handheld) / 4K (dock)	720p‑1080p depending on platform
Frame rate options	30 fps locked	30 fps or 60 fps toggle	30 fps locked
3‑D toggle	Yes	Yes	No
Additional content	All DLC, extra costumes, side quests	Same DLC + minor UI polish	Same DLC
Save migration	Not possible between generations	Not possible (no upgrade path)	N/A
Upgrade cost	Full price $39.99	Full price $39.99	N/A

The Switch 2 version is essentially a graphical re‑wrap of the 2019 port. The only functional differences are the optional 60 fps mode and the ability to push the docked output to 4K. Content‑wise, the game matches the Definitive Edition that already bundled all expansions and extra costumes.

Why the lack of an upgrade path matters

Fans who invested 100 + hours in the original Switch version discovered that the Japanese product page explicitly states no save transfers between console generations. The English page repeats the line, “There are no plans to sell an upgrade pack to upgrade the Nintendo Switch version to the Nintendo Switch 2 version.” In practice, this means a player who finishes the story on a Switch will have to start from scratch on the new hardware, effectively paying twice for the same experience.

Square Enix’s approach contrasts with its handling of other recent titles. Dragon Quest III HD‑2D Remake and Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles offered free upgrades for existing Switch owners, while Octopath Traveler 0 launched without any upgrade perk. The inconsistency fuels the perception that the company is treating the Switch 2 as a separate product line rather than a natural continuation.

Who it’s for

• New Switch 2 buyers – If you are buying the console for the first time, the Definitive Edition provides the most polished version of the game available, and the 60 fps mode can make the turn‑based combat feel snappier.
• Veteran Switch owners – Players who already own the 2019 port face a tough decision. The visual boost is modest; the core gameplay, story, and content are unchanged. Unless you value the higher frame rate or plan to keep the Switch 2 as your primary handheld, the cost of a second purchase is hard to justify.
• Physical‑media enthusiasts – The title will likely ship on a Game‑Key Card, but the bulk of the data will still be streamed from Nintendo’s eShop. Those hoping for a cartridge‑only experience should be prepared for a sizable download.

Bottom line

Square Enix’s Switch 2 version of Dragon Quest XI S delivers a modest visual upgrade but fails to reward existing Switch players. The absence of save migration and any discounted upgrade path forces long‑time fans to decide whether a fresh start at full price is worth the incremental improvements. New adopters of the Switch 2 will get the most complete version of the game, but the release underscores a broader trend of publishers treating each console generation as a separate market rather than offering true continuity.

Sources: Square Enix press release, official Japanese product page, community reports from @Wario64 on X.