Dragon Quest XI for Nintendo 3DS and PS4 Goes Gold in Japan Ahead of Square Enix and Nintendo Direct Showcase

Dragon Quest XI Sets Release Date for Nintendo 3DS and PS4 in Japan, Preceded by Special Nintendo Direct The highly anticipated Dragon Quest XI, the newest entry in Square Enix’s beloved JRPG franchise, has officially entered "gold" status in Japan, signaling the end of its development phase.

Square Enix confirmed that Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age will launch simultaneously for Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation 4 on July 29th in Japan, marking another significant milestone for the celebrated series as it prepares to captivate both new and longtime fans. Ahead of its release, Square Enix and Nintendo of Japan have announced a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation set for June 21st.

According to the official announcement shared via Twitter, this livestream will run for 14 minutes and concentrate exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS version of Dragon Quest XI.

While excitement remains high for a Nintendo Switch port, the upcoming presentation will not feature details about that version at this time.

Instead, the broadcast aims to spotlight exclusive gameplay features and content tailored specifically for the handheld platform. Dragon Quest XI continues the series’ tradition of rich storytelling and turn-based combat, and will be the first mainline installment available simultaneously on both Nintendo 3DS and PS4.

The decision to bring the game to multiple platforms reflects Square Enix’s efforts to broaden the franchise’s appeal and accessibility.

Historical data underscores the enduring popularity of the Dragon Quest franchise in Japan, with previous installments achieving multi-million unit sales and cementing the series as a cornerstone of the Japanese role-playing genre. The collaboration between Square Enix and Nintendo for this Nintendo Direct represents a strategic push to engage the dedicated 3DS audience ahead of launch.

Notably, while the PlayStation 4 version promises enhanced visuals and audio, the Nintendo 3DS version offers unique dual-screen gameplay and classic sprite-based graphics that pay homage to the franchise’s roots.

This special Direct aims to further build anticipation by sharing never-before-seen features designed with portable players in mind. As the July 29th release date approaches, fans of the Dragon Quest series and JRPG enthusiasts are encouraged to tune in on June 21st for the Nintendo Direct.

Further updates and news on Dragon Quest XI, including any future announcements regarding the Nintendo Switch port or Western localization plans, will be covered as information becomes available. For now, Dragon Quest XI stands as another testament to the enduring legacy of developer Square Enix, and the ongoing partnership with Nintendo demonstrates the commitment to delivering engaging experiences across both handheld and console hardware.

Stay tuned to official channels and the Nintendo Direct for all the latest on Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age.

Dragon Quest XI Square Enix Nintendo Nintendo 3DS PS4 Switch Nintendo Direct