DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Withered World launches on five platforms at once, with two separate PC storefronts. Square Enix states there is no difference in game content between versions; what differs is graphical performance, which follows each platform's hardware.
Platforms and formats
Platform | Physical | Digital |
|---|---|---|
Nintendo Switch 2 | Yes, as a game-key card | Yes |
Nintendo Switch | Yes | Yes |
PlayStation 5 | Yes | Yes |
Xbox Series X|S | No | Yes |
PC (Steam) | No | Yes |
PC (Microsoft Store on Windows) | No | Yes |
Square Enix's own Japanese platform banner lists the Microsoft Store release as Xbox on PC. Pricing and edition structure by platform is on Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses.
The Nintendo Switch 2 game-key card
The physical Nintendo Switch 2 release is a game-key card rather than a cartridge holding the game. The full game downloads the first time you play, which requires an internet connection and at least 12 GB of free storage space. That is a one-time requirement rather than an ongoing one.
Switch and Switch 2 versions
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
Does the Nintendo Switch 2 version run on Nintendo Switch? | No. Both the physical and digital Switch 2 versions run only on Switch 2 |
Does the Nintendo Switch version run on Nintendo Switch 2? | Yes |
Can the Switch version be upgraded to the Switch 2 version later? | No, and Square Enix says there are currently no plans to support an upgrade |
Because there is no upgrade path, the choice between the two Nintendo versions is effectively permanent, and Square Enix explicitly asks buyers to check which one they are buying.
Controls
Touchscreen controls are not supported on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch. On PC, the Steam listing records partial controller support with DualShock and DualSense controllers supported, a keyboard-only option, and a note that a gamepad is recommended.
Save data
One save file per user profile on the console. Additional save files require a different user profile
Save data cannot be shared across different platforms
The Steam version supports Steam Cloud and saving at any time
Playing with more than one person requires one copy of the game per player
Per-platform notes
Platform | Notes |
|---|---|
Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch Online is required for Online Battles but not for the Online Shop |
PlayStation 5 | Listed with low-power play support and online play support. PlayStation Plus is required for Online Battles |
Xbox Series X|S | Optimized for Xbox Series X|S and listed with Xbox Play Anywhere cross-buy. Console online play requires Game Pass Core or Ultimate |
PC (Steam) | Steam Achievements, Steam Trading Cards, Steam Cloud and Family Sharing. Incorporates Denuvo Anti-tamper and requires agreement to a game-specific end user license agreement |
Subscription requirements and what online play actually covers are set out on Online Features. PC hardware requirements are on System Requirements.
Playing offline
For the physical Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 versions, the main story can be played through to completion without an internet connection. A connection is needed to download updates, bonuses and downloadable content, and the Switch 2 game-key card needs one for its first-play download.
Language support
Nine languages are supported on Steam and six on the North American physical release, with English and Japanese audio in both cases. The full breakdown is on Languages and Localization.