The acclaimed JRPG, Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age, has returned to the Nintendo Switch eShop after a temporary absence.  The game was briefly delisted for minor updates, primarily a publisher switch from Nintendo to Square Enix, aligning with other platforms.

The return also brings excellent news for players: a permanent price reduction to $39.99. This makes the highly-regarded title more accessible than ever. Fans who held off purchasing can now experience what many consider a pinnacle entry in the Dragon Quest series at a significantly lower cost.

This price drop marks the second permanent reduction for the game.  In an unusual move, Nintendo had previously lowered the price to $49.99 in 2020, just a year after its initial release. While price adjustments are not unheard of, two permanent reductions for a first-party Nintendo title are quite rare, further emphasizing the value proposition for prospective buyers.

Square Enix announced the temporary delisting on January 31st, explaining the need for minor listing updates. This fueled speculation, largely confirmed by the republishing under Square Enix, who already handled publishing duties for the Xbox, PlayStation, and PC versions.  Previously, Nintendo held the publishing rights for the Switch version.

While the return and price drop are welcome news, the long-awaited next installment in the series, Dragon Quest 12, remains largely shrouded in mystery. Announced in 2021, the gap between Dragon Quest 11 and its successor is the longest in the franchise's history, leaving fans eager for more information.  Although some may hope this price reduction hints at future developments, it's best to avoid premature conclusions.

The updated eShop listing now clearly displays Square Enix as the publisher.  The official Dragon Quest Twitter account also confirmed the permanent price drop, solidifying the change. While some predicted a price adjustment following the delisting, given Nintendo's typical pricing strategies, the confirmation and speed of the discount are welcome surprises.