No Free Upgrade for Dragon Quest XI S on Switch 2

by : Sid Meier
Square Enix confirms that players will need to purchase a new copy of "Dragon Quest XI S" for the Switch 2, as no free upgrade path or save data transfer will be provided from the original Switch version.

Elevate Your Adventure: Choose Your Console, Forge Your Destiny.

Switch 2 Release Confirmed for "Dragon Quest XI S"

Following a recent rating discovery, Square Enix officially announced the September release of "DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition" for the new Switch 2 console. This confirms earlier speculation regarding the game's availability on the updated hardware.

No Upgrade Path for Current Switch Owners

Nintendo's official store description explicitly states that there are "no plans to sell an upgrade pack to upgrade the Nintendo Switch version to the Nintendo Switch 2 version." This means players who own the game on the original Switch will need to purchase a new copy to play on the Switch 2. The same policy is reaffirmed in the fine print on the game's product page.

Save Data Incompatibility Between Generations

A critical point highlighted in the announcement is the incompatibility of save data between the original Switch and the new Switch 2 versions. Both the Nintendo store page and Square Enix's Japanese Dragon Quest website confirm that existing save files from the Switch will not transfer to the Switch 2. This mandates a fresh start for players moving to the newer console.

Implications for Existing Players and New Purchasers

This decision by Square Enix means that current owners of "Dragon Quest XI S" on the Nintendo Switch will not have a discounted or free upgrade option for the Switch 2 version. Players considering purchasing the game soon are advised to carefully select the appropriate version based on their console of choice, keeping in mind the save data limitations.

Enhanced Experience for Switch 2 Edition

The Switch 2 iteration of "Dragon Quest XI S" will introduce new optimization modes, allowing players to prioritize either graphical fidelity or performance. Additionally, the physical release of the Switch 2 version will be distributed as a Game-Key Card, a detail that further distinguishes it from its predecessor.