Dragon Quest XI originally released on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo 3DS before Square Enix released Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch, with the same version later making its way to PS4, PC and Xbox. The Definitive Edition added a considerable amount of content and quality-of-life improvements, including a 2D mode, additional story content and faster battle speeds, but it was also based on the technically compromised Switch version. Those visual compromises remained when the game was subsequently brought to other platforms.
The Switch 2 version does not restore the visuals of the original PS4 release, but it does provide a much better way to run the Definitive Edition on Nintendo’s hardware. There are two graphics options: Graphics Mode runs at 1440p but targets a lower frame rate, while Performance Mode drops the resolution to 1080p and targets 60 FPS. The important thing is that the difference between the two modes is largely limited to resolution and frame rate. Texture quality, shadows, level detail and other visual elements remain consistent, making Performance Mode the obvious choice for me. The 60 FPS presentation makes the game’s traditional turn-based battles feel noticeably smoother, particularly when combined with its faster battle-speed options.
The Switch 2 version also compares favourably with the PS4 release in terms of its technical presentation. Dragon Quest XI S never received a native PS5 version, so it remains essentially the PS4 version when played through backward compatibility, with the resolution upscaled to around 1440p while targeting 60 FPS. Switch 2 therefore provides a similar balance of resolution and performance while also offering the benefit of portable play.
I have also played Dragon Quest XI S on Steam Deck, and the Switch 2 version is particularly impressive as a handheld experience. Being able to use the higher-resolution option when docked and still have a 60 FPS target in handheld mode gives it considerable flexibility. The game looks very good on the Switch 2’s screen, and the combination of performance and portability makes it an excellent fit for the platform.
Dragon Quest XI S remains one of my favourite entries in the series and one of my top three Dragon Quest games. Its story is excellent, with memorable characters and events, while its time-travel elements and substantial endgame content give the adventure plenty of staying power. The underlying turn-based combat can feel somewhat dated and slow by modern standards, but the Definitive Edition’s quality-of-life additions go a long way towards addressing that. Being able to switch between Normal, Fast and Ultra Fast battle speeds makes encounters considerably less cumbersome, especially when attack animations and other combat sequences start to become familiar.
The biggest problem with the Switch 2 release is not the game itself but Square Enix’s approach to existing owners. There is no upgrade path for those who already purchased Dragon Quest XI S on the original Switch, meaning they have to buy the game again rather than receiving a discounted upgrade. That makes the release harder to justify for returning players, particularly given how long the Definitive Edition has already been available.
For newcomers, however, Dragon Quest XI S remains an excellent RPG and one that I would readily recommend. With its substantial amount of content, excellent story and wealth of additional features, there is still a great deal to enjoy here. At around $40, the asking price is considerably easier to justify if you are experiencing the game for the first time. The lack of an upgrade option is disappointing, but it does not change the fact that Dragon Quest XI S is an outstanding RPG and a particularly strong handheld experience on Switch 2.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition Game Information
- Price: $39.99
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was provided by the publisher
