Dragon Quest X Online Support Ends on Wii U and 3DS in Japan: Square Enix Announces Service Shutdown

Square Enix has officially confirmed that support for Dragon Quest X Online on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS platforms will conclude on March 20, 2024, marking a significant moment in the title’s long history as a Japan-exclusive MMORPG.

The announcement, shared by Square Enix and reported by outlets such as Gematsu, signals the end of a chapter for two of Nintendo's beloved platforms after years of dedicated service and aligns closely with recent high-profile closures of both the Wii U and 3DS Nintendo eShop services earlier in 2023. First launched in 2012 for the Nintendo Wii, Dragon Quest X Online was notable for bringing the storied Dragon Quest franchise into the massively multiplayer online role-playing game space.

Over the years, Square Enix expanded its availability far beyond its Wii origins, releasing the game on Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and mobile devices, though it has remained a Japan-only title.

Support for the original Wii version ended in 2017, and now the Wii U and 3DS editions are set to follow suit. In an official statement, Square Enix expressed appreciation for the continued support from players on these systems, emphasizing the importance of providing the best service possible as technology and user needs evolve.

The company highlighted that players can continue their adventure in Dragon Quest X Online on supported platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, and mobile, ensuring that the game’s community remains active despite platform transitions. Dragon Quest X Online's impact on Japanese gaming is notable, having retained a loyal player base throughout multiple hardware generations.

While its accessibility has expanded to various platforms, the MMORPG was never localized for international release, keeping its influence primarily within Japan. Adding to the franchise’s legacy, Square Enix launched Dragon Quest X: Rise of the Five Tribes Offline for the Japanese market in September 2022, offering fans a single-player take on the original online adventure.

Although there is no current news of a Western release for this offline version, the ongoing popularity of Dragon Quest ensures sustained interest both domestically and (potentially) abroad. As Nintendo continues its transition to the Nintendo Switch era and beyond, the closure of online services for Dragon Quest X marks another milestone in the shifting landscape of legacy hardware support.

Fans of the franchise looking to continue their journey are encouraged to migrate to currently supported platforms to experience the latest updates, events, and content. For more official information, visit Square Enix’s website or consult updates from trusted industry sources such as Gematsu.

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