Nintendo Switch 2 Just Got 2 of the Last Decade’s Best RPGs
Two of Square Enix’s most acclaimed RPGs from the past decade have recently launched on Nintendo Switch 2: Dragon Quest 11S and Octopath Traveler 2, alongside a port of the original Octopath Traveler. These releases expand the Switch 2’s RPG library and demonstrate continued publisher support for Nintendo’s latest hardware.
However, Square Enix’s approach to the ports carries notable limitations. The company did not provide upgrade paths or save file transfer options for players moving from earlier versions, making it difficult to recommend these titles to those already satisfied with existing versions. The Octopath Traveler ports show minimal improvements over their original Nintendo Switch predecessors, with faster load times being the primary technical enhancement.
Dragon Quest 11S represents a more significant upgrade, offering substantial visual and performance improvements compared to the original Switch version. The enhanced port demonstrates the Switch 2’s improved hardware capabilities and suggests developers can meaningfully leverage new platforms when prioritizing optimization.
The releases highlight the ongoing tension between expanding established titles to new audiences and justifying repurchases for returning players. While the new hardware clearly enables better performance and presentation, the absence of upgrade pricing or data transfer options may frustrate fans who previously invested in these games.