Overview
- Nintendo plans to temporarily remove Dragon Quest 11 S from the Switch eShop for minor updates.
- Current owners can still access the game, but new customers will face a buying pause.
- A shift in publishing rights could influence game sales and pricing as Square Enix assumes control.
Dragon Quest 11 S Temporarily Removed from Nintendo eShop
Nintendo has announced the temporary removal of Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age from its digital store. This action is prompted by a necessary update to the game’s listing, likely related to a shift in its publishing rights. Players already in possession of the game will continue enjoying it without interruptions, but prospective buyers will need to wait until the title is re-available.
A Brief History of Dragon Quest 11
Originally launched for Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation 4 in 2017, Dragon Quest 11 expanded its audience with a PC release in 2018. The following year saw the debut of an enhanced edition, Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition, for the Nintendo Switch, which was later ported to the PS4, Windows, and Xbox One. Notably, after the definitive edition’s release, the original Dragon Quest 11 was removed from the PS4 and Steam, leaving only the enhanced version available for sale. Initially published by Nintendo on the Switch, the game’s publishing rights have moved to Square Enix for other platforms.
Impact of the Upcoming Delisting
The planned delisting of Dragon Quest 11 S on February 1, 2025, as posted on the official Dragon Quest Twitter account, raises concerns about potential sales impacts. This change mirrors previous delistings of Square Enix titles from Nintendo, such as Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy, where publishers were also updated. While both of these games were Nintendo exclusives initially, their eventual listings under Square Enix have allowed them to expand to other platforms such as the PS4.
FYI: DQXI S will be temporarily unavailable on the Nintendo eShop starting on Feb 1, 2025 as we make some minor updates to the store listing. For those who have already purchased the game, fear not, the game will not be affected during this time and you can still venture forth— DRAGON QUEST (@DragonQuest) January 31, 2025
Possible Changes in Pricing Strategy
Unlike its prior releases, Dragon Quest 11 S’s delisting may influence its sales dynamics since it is already accessible on multiple platforms with Square Enix managing the publishing. Many fans speculate that this transition could lead to a price adjustment, particularly since Square Enix has a reputation for flexible sales strategies compared to Nintendo, known for maintaining premium pricing on its titles.
Square Enix’s Strategic Shift
This fluctuation in publishing authority reflects Square Enix’s recently unveiled business strategy titled “Square Enix Reboots and Awakens.”This initiative aims for sustained growth by prioritizing multi-platform exposure and emphasizing its AAA game developments. As part of this framework, by consolidating publishing power, Square Enix is likely positioning itself to manage all of its future title releases more effectively.
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