Dragon Quest XI S and Octopath Traveler II are now available on Nintendo Switch 2, following releases during the two weeks before October 2, 2026. If you have never played them, either is an attractive entry point. For owners of the original Switch versions, the decision is less straightforward: neither port offers an upgrade path or save-file carryover, and the reported improvements differ substantially.
Which RPGs arrived on Switch 2?
The headline pair is Square Enix’s Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age and Octopath Traveler II. A Switch 2 port of the first Octopath Traveler is also mentioned in the same coverage, but the two games discussed here are the sequel and Dragon Quest XI S.
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The “best of the last decade” description is the headline’s editorial judgment, not a verified industry ranking. Both games are already complete role-playing games rather than new Switch 2 exclusives.
What changes in the Switch 2 versions?
The available comparison comes from an October 2, 2026 article reporting on the ports. Its visual and performance descriptions are observations, not results from a disclosed laboratory test or reproducible benchmark.
#1 Best Overall
- ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition contains the Elden Ring Base Game + Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion + Additional Content (including Torrent Skins, New Armors, and More...)
- MASSIVE OPEN WORLD
- DEEP, CUSTOMIZABLE COMBAT
- NEW STARTING CLASSES
- NEW PLAYER-FRIENDLY ENHANCEMENTS
| Game | Reported Switch 2 changes | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Dragon Quest XI S | Clearer image quality, selectable quality and performance modes, a 60fps option, and shorter loading times. | New players and returning players who want a more visible technical upgrade. |
| Octopath Traveler II | Slightly clearer visuals and loading reportedly reduced to about half. The port is described as looking little different from the Switch version in handheld boost mode. | People who have not played it; existing owners should expect a relatively subtle upgrade. |
Dragon Quest XI S: the more substantial upgrade
Among the two ports, Dragon Quest XI S is described as the clearer reason to choose the Switch 2 edition. The report points to a cleaner-looking image, separate quality and performance modes, an available 60-frames-per-second option, and reduced loading.
Those choices matter if you are starting the game now and want to decide between visual presentation and smoother motion. They may also make a second playthrough more appealing for someone who already enjoyed the original. However, the observations are article-reported comparisons; no controlled test method is supplied.
Rank #2
- The eleventh installment in the fabled DRAGON QUEST series, taking the tale of the legendary heroes right back to its origins, comes to Nintendo Switch 2!
- What does it mean to be a hero? A young lad from a country village sets out to find the answer to this question, embarking on an epic adventure that will lead him to uncover the secrets that lie at the heart of his world.
- DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 contains all of the content added in the original Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch, including: new story chapters where the party members take center stage, Japanese voices and additional English voices, the ability to switch between 3D and 2D mode, and an orchestral score.
- This new edition for Nintendo Switch 2 also introduces new optimization modes, allowing you to prioritize graphics or performance.
- GAME-KEY CARD. 30 GB - Full game download via internet required.
Who should buy it?
- Best case: you have never played Dragon Quest XI S and want the most technically capable console version discussed here.
- Possible case: you own the Switch release and value the reported 60fps option, clearer image, and shorter waits enough to purchase the game again.
- Weak case: you already finished it and are satisfied with the original Switch presentation.
Octopath Traveler II: faster waits, smaller visual change
The Switch 2 version of Octopath Traveler II is characterized as a modest refinement rather than a dramatic makeover. The article says the visuals are somewhat clearer and that loading times are roughly halved. It cites loads of under 20 seconds on Switch 2 versus just under 40 seconds on Switch 1, a comparison that should be treated as the article’s observation rather than an independently verified performance statistic.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The same coverage says the port looks little different from running the Switch 1 version in handheld boost mode. That makes the faster loading the most concrete reason for an existing owner to consider buying again, while the visual change alone is unlikely to transform the experience.
Rank #3
- Experience the expansive combat system, richly-realized world, and stirring story of the 2nd chapter of the Trails series! By carrying over your clear data from 1st Chapter, you can obtain exciting bonus items that will help you on your journey.
- Overpower your enemies with new Crafts and S-Crafts! Link your characters' attacks during Quick Battles with the new Brave Rush, and make full use of the orbment system for access to Arts.
- Dive into an intricately woven narrative to uncover the conspiracies threatening the Kingdom of Liberl.
- Enjoy a variety of new content in the sequel, including minigames like fishing and poker, cooking with your companions, and fan-favorite characters joining as playable party members.
- Like Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, this remake will have updated English and Japanese voice, and English, German, French, and Spanish text language support.
Who should buy it?
- Best case: you have not played Octopath Traveler II and want to begin on Switch 2.
- Possible case: you replay it frequently and place a high value on shorter loading screens.
- Weak case: you own the Switch version, mostly play in handheld mode, and are happy with its current appearance.
Should existing Switch owners repurchase?
Neither new port provides an upgrade path, and save files do not carry over from the original Switch versions. That means an owner must budget for a separate purchase and, where relevant, restart rather than continue an existing save.
Use this decision order:
- Check your ownership. If you have not played the game, the Switch 2 edition is the straightforward version to consider.
- Identify your priority. Choose Dragon Quest XI S if a clearer image, selectable modes, and 60fps matter most; choose Octopath Traveler II mainly for its reported loading reduction.
- Decide whether a restart is acceptable. Save-file carryover is not available.
- Verify the exact product listing. Retailer pages can distinguish platform editions and formats; confirm that a listing is specifically the Switch 2 version before buying.
What Square Enix’s official information confirms
Square Enix’s official site covers its Nintendo Switch 2 RPG releases and identifies Switch 2 availability in its RPG coverage. The reviewed official page does not independently establish the specific two-week release timing or the detailed visual and loading comparisons reported for these two games, so those comparisons remain attributed to the October 2 article.
Rank #4
- The Masocore Dream Team - A joint creation by Team NINJA producers Fumihiko Yasuda (Nioh) and Masaaki Yamagiwa (Bloodborne)
- Live by the Sword - Renowned for ruthless strikes that change the tide of battle in a flash, sword practitioners of the Chinese martial arts gracefully change pace as they shift between offensive and defensive maneuvers
- Fight in a chaotic Three Kingdoms setting against an onslaught of the supernatural
- Complete Edition includes all three major DLC - Battle of Zhongyuan, Conqueror of Jiangdong, and Upheaval in Jingxiang.
- Game-key card: Full game download via internet required.
Bottom line for new players and owners
For someone who has played neither game, both Switch 2 versions are sensible starting points. Dragon Quest XI S has the stronger technical case because its reported upgrade includes image quality, display modes, 60fps, and loading improvements. Octopath Traveler II is still a good new-player purchase, but its reported changes are narrower: somewhat clearer visuals and substantially shorter loading, with little visual difference from handheld boost mode on the original Switch.
For existing owners, repurchasing is a personal value calculation rather than an automatic recommendation. There is no upgrade pricing and no save transfer, so only buy again if the relevant improvement—especially Dragon Quest XI S’s performance options or Octopath Traveler II’s shorter waits—justifies starting over and paying for another copy.
Quick Recap
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