Dragon Quest XI Switch vs PS4 Graphics Comparison Shows the Price to Pay for Portability

Today Square Enix finally revealed the first look at Dragon Quest XI S for Nintendo Switch, so you can finally get a preliminary idea of how it stacks up against the PS4 version.

[Neonridr]

I feel like this article / video was trying to make it seem like it was worse than it actually is. Sure the PS4 version looks crisper, but it's not like the Swtich version looks ugly by any stretch.

[Theknightofnights]

I don't think that they are intending to make it look worse than it actually is, but I do agree that the differences are way more noticeable in a side by side comparison like this. When watching the trailer by itself I don't notice the differences nearly as much. In fact, at first I thought that they just used PS4 footage.

[Neonridr]

way more again leads you to believe there is a significant difference. In this case I would argue the changes are minimal. Not to mention you get full voice acting as a bonus for the Switch version.

To each their own of course.

[bouzebbal]

Both look great.. Switch will look good on the little screen.

[mikeslemonade]

It would look worst when you play it on the Switch and not a streamed youtube video comparison. And thanks for reminding to play for free on PC.

[Loktai]

@Neonridr It was only the Japanese version of Dragon Quest on PS4 that didnt have voice acting. The western release HAS voice acting.

[StormSnooper]

Definitely a noticeable difference. That’s not to say it looks bad on Switch. It depends on your definition I guess. Personally games like these, I like to play with better graphics, but there are other games where graphics aren’t as important.

[Babadook7]

If you don’t need to have portablity this decision seems very obvious to me. Ps4 version looks great.

[Abriael]

"That being said, the fact that there is a price to pay for portability should be expected. Overall, it seems to be relatively small, and the Switch version holds up pretty well. Of course, your mileage may vary, and we’ll be able to get a clearer idea when we’ll see more gameplay and the final frame rate."

No. It doesn't try to make it seem worse than it actually is. At all.

"it's not like the Swtich version looks ugly by any stretch."

Strawman argument warning. Nowhere the article says or even remotely implies that the Switch version looks ugly or even bad.

It says that there is a price to pay for portability in terms of visuals. Which there factually is.

[Neonridr]

sorry, the title seems misleading. The "price to pay" seems very little in this case. I wasn't arguing that there wasn't a change.

[Abriael]

@Neondir: The title doesn't say it's big or small. It's a price, and an absolutely factual one. Whether it's small or big depends on how much someone values graphics.

It being "very little" is just your personal opinion, and there obviously are others who believe it's quite sizable. Flatter lighting, almost completely flat costumes, simplified foliage, missing shadows and more isn't insignificant by any stretch of the imagination. You can't expect others to shape their articles and titles on your personal perception.

Nothing here is misleading. It almost seems like it annoys you that people are being informed that a tradeoff exists. It does, and people should know.

[Neonridr]

@Abriael - Agree to disagree then. I'll judge the finished product I guess. Cheers.

[Abriael]

There is nothing to disagree with. The fact that there is a price to pay is a fact. Whether that price is worth it for you, that's for you to decide, but the article doesn't answer that question.

[GottaBjimmyb]

Honestly, the criticism of the article is almost exclusively due to the fact that too many people read a title assume the content. To be fair, I don't think that is your fault, but I do think you are well aware the title and knowledge of that do kinda contradict your "I have done nothing that could remotely give that impression" stance. Unless you are implying you are unaware that readers (especially on this site) tend to do as described.

[CyrusLemont]

@Abriael the phrase “price to pay” is a very common idiom implying that there is a high cost for something. Yes, you are right that word for word your article headline is “factually” correct. However it does carry a second meaning that is commonly spoken which implies a negative outcome based on the context.

That’s the reason I even clicked on the link at all.

[Abriael]

@CyrusLemont: "A price to pay" indicates a cost. Which there is. It does not necessarily indicate a high cost.

Incidentally, the cost is certainly not insignificant, whether you believe it's worth it or not, that's up to you, but disregarding it or minimizing it would be disingenuous and misleading.

The headline is 100% appropriate in this context. Apparently, some simply aren't ready to accept that.

[NapalmSanctuary]

"It says that there is a price to pay for portability in terms of visuals. Which there factually is."

There is no other aspect of gaming that gets so much attention yet adds so little to the value of gaming, as graphics.

[porkChop]

Abriael, just stop. You know what you're doing. In the print journalism world we call this type of headline sensationalism or yellow journalism. It's purposely misleading, and it's frowned upon. You can pretend it was just an innocent choice of words all you want, but it clearly wasn't.

"Price to pay" is a well-known phrase, and is almost always used to indicate a large difference or penalty. When the difference is small, the phrase "small price to pay" is used in its place.

[GottaBjimmyb]

@pork Yea, that is my issue too. Obviously the article is great and even the title is fine, though clearly intended to stir emotion. My only issue with the author, is that he is giving a response that implies that he had no clue the title would be emotional to people, especially those who didn't read it. Very disingenuous.

He could just say yes, I made a headline that inspires more people to become emotionally involved and more likely to visit (aka click-bait) There is some weird reaction by the author that admitting that is some sin. Click-bait titles are fine IMO as long as the content for those who do partake fully is competent, which this article clearly is.

The whole denial or act that abe somehow doesn't understand (and didn't when giving the title) how people would react is all a lie, and frankly the only part that bothers me. Click-bait titles really are not a big deal, especially when you provide content worth clicking on. It is when you say "you won't believe ______" and offer no information on ________ in the article or use very well known information and present it as jew that click-bait is frowned on.

[TiredandRetired]

I'd say that 80-90% of my gaming time with my Switch I got last month, the first week of November, has been in handheld mode. I'm a huge handheld gamer... I played my Vita more than my PS4 sometimes. I was saddened to see the Vita fading out this last year. I'm a big fan of JRPGs, so it was still a good system for me throughout it's lifetime.

No, Dragon Quest XI doesn't look as good as the PS4 version, but I'm still amazed that it looks this good for a handheld system. If I was going to spend more time playing on the TV, then I'd get it on my PS4, or heck my laptop. I just know I like to travel, also over at my inlaws and relatives' pretty often. It'll be great to take it on the go. I don't take my laptop everywhere I go, but I do take my Switch now. My Vita still stays in my backpack as well.

[Fist4achin]

I backpack my vita and a 3ds for down moments as im an rpg fan as well!

[Qrphe]

It is clickbait

[Theknightofnights]

I think they did great with the Switch version. Switch simply isn't as powerful as PS4, but it still looks good.

I wish they'd localize the 3DS version too, though. I want all the Dragon Quest XI versions.

[shuvam09]

Yeah man...
Hard to admit it, but the Switch version looks very.... decent...

[Sgt_Slaughter]

Wow, you sure tried really hard there.

[RedDevils]

Keep up the good work...

[kayoss]

You guys recommend this game. I want to start getting back into RPG but wasnt sure if this game was good. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[TheGamez100]

Yes the game is excellent if you like traditional turn based jrpgs. One of the best in that catagory in years. A little warning is that you do need time dedication for the game though if youre just getting back to rpgs. This one in particular is 60+ hrs long depending on youre play style, which is the norm play time for any rpg these days.

[Abriael]

It's one of the best RPGs this gen hands down.

[capjacksparrow]

I would get Persona 5 first, this is probably my second favorite JRPG of the gen though.

[Teflon02]

Why'd you get P5 first. It's 100 hours give or take. (Me 133 hours on first finish but I got the true ending luckily first go which probably extended it a bit as I don't know the other endings at all lol)
I'd say get the good games first then go to these higher praised games. Depending if he wants turn based. DQ11 would be a better start as it's shorter and more friendly on the mind as you don't need to manage as much things. Persona is alot more advanced of a game. It's better to start here or than Persona but I'd say find something good and not the greats to start at instead so they can appreciate the good ones and not feel left down after playing the best.

[Strafe]

Persona 5 was pretty boring half way through if I'm honest, it was a good game but it wasn't a great rpg.

[gangsta_red]

I would play Persona 5 or Tales of Berseria first. I'm just now playing DQ 11 and while it's good, I would still recommend the first two before this one.

[King_Noctis]

This game is a great way to start, but if you can wait, then wait for Tales of Vesperia which is coming very soon. Imo that game is the apex of modern jrpg.

[Nu]

If I had a Switch I'd get OCTOPATH TRAVELER AND Final Fantasy Crystal CHRONICLES. DARKEST DUNGEON XENOBLADE 2

[RedDevils]

Octopath travelers is another one you should out.

[TheGamez100]

Looks fine, not that bad of a downgrade and you get portability in return. As long as the game runs fine also. And you get jp voice acting which hopefully comes to ps4 and pc too. Just hope this ver doesnt take a millenia to localize...

[Imortus_san]

Switch look like crap like always when compared to other consoles or PC, naturally.

[Neonridr]

amazing, anything else captain obvious?

[EddieNX]

Consoles and PC aren't small portable devices you genius.

[Teflon02]

To be fair Nintendo doesn't consider Switch a Portable console and a home console so being compared to one is fair. Though I agree as I've stated since it was announced that it's a portable device no matter how people want to sway it. It's impossible to be called a hybrid. It's just portable with the video out realistically and when charged and video out is going it turns up the clock speed which makes sense because clock speed on portable devices are always turned down to save battery. Non the less as I've stated in my comment a while ago. No big deal, I've used my switch 99% in portable legit. So the downgraded textures aren't a big deal, the character lighting is only noticeable in a side by side or a play of the other versions, my only issue is how dull it looks, like FFX on Vita it really sucks the life out of the art style when that happens and I do hope they make it more vibrant by release

[TheUndertaker85]

PCs have “small portable devices” called laptops & tablets. Most have more resources at their disposal versus Switch.

[Neonridr]

@TheUndertaker85 - a laptop, while fitting the defintion of portable because you can take it with you, is hardly small or practical. Trying pulling that out on a bus or subway and actually do something with it.

[pcz]

But can you play the PS4 version on a train? On the loo? Walking down the street?

Consoles that require you to be anchored to a television set... How 80s

[TheUndertaker85]

Yes via laptops, tablets, or PS Vita. The same also applies to Microsoft minus PS Vita.

[Theknightofnights]

@TheUndertaker85

You can't play any of those walking down the street unless your whole street has a strong wifi connection.

[NapalmSanctuary]

"looks like crap" is a serious exaggeration.

[Imortus_san]

hahahah, it depends on the size of the TV you got, on my 55 it sure looks bad enough.

[NapalmSanctuary]

I'm on a 51" TV. Both Zelda BoTW and MK8 looked fine on it.

[RedDevils]

Wow, we found the second coming of Albert Einstein.

[EddieNX]

Personally, I'll take a small downgrade and portability.

[Fist4achin]

Yes. Portability is a huge bonus, especially with longer rpgs.

[badz149]

the battery doesn't even last THAT long

[Kainbrightside]

With this type of art style it seems very little of a price to pay. I've never played a dragon quest but this intrigues me because Jrpgs seem better for a portable experience where you can play for a little while every now and then without getting burned out.

[phoenixwing]

i own the ps4 version but these graphics comparison videos just don't do either the ps4 or the switch justice. Watching the game on a big screen instead of a computer is different altogether especially when you're relaxed and laying in bed/sitting on couch. Watching the same thing on a small portable screen makes the problems seem even less of an issue because the screen is tiny you don't need it to be super detailed as much as a big screen. Both ps4 and switch owners should be happy with their purchase no matter which they choose. This need to tell the other side how they should enjoy their video games is ridiculous. I for one don't care about portability I want the home console experience but I don't go around telling someone their hybrid was a bad choice.

[Muigi]

Omg the Switch isn’t as powerful as a PS4 shocker!

[TheColbertinator]

Been playing DQXI on my laptop so I can take it with me to work or my hotel room. The portability is perfect when you travel often and its such a charming game.

Any version of this game will make you happy as a JRPG fan.

[Kainbrightside]

Is there any timing based aspects to the battle system something similar to paper Mario

[Razmiran]

No

[NapalmSanctuary]

Come on Switch boys and girls. We're depending on you to push this game into solid sales success territory.

[jjb1981]

I paid $22 for the ps4 version so there definitely is a price to pay for the switch version.

[Ratchet75]

The switch version looks just fine imo.
Once you re in the game, u don't really care about such puny details.
I already have the ps4 version so I might get it down the line on the switch when it goes on sale or something.
Still a great port considering the limitations.

[CrimsonWing69]

All multi platform games look worse on the Switch. Hey guess what, they looked worse on the Wii, too. It’s kind of boring seeing articles on Switch downgrades, everyone knows that the Switch version of games are going to be lower res, missing effects, etc.

[Teflon02]

No big deal overall. But as someone who stopped playing on PS4 pro because the annoying blurred grass issue. I'm noticing that basically the difference is removal off character lighting. Big drop in texture quality and the game's just not vibrant. Not too big of a deal and I hope they make it more vibrant by release. As I think being vibrant makes the game look alot more beautiful. The other stuff is whatever. The magic effects are whatever, the textures are whatever if playing in portable as I would be if playing that version, and the lighting is only really noticeable once you've already played the game. So it's no big deal either. Ultimately it's kinda what I expected to be the downgrade. Worth it for portability imo

[DwightSchrute01]

There is also a price to play in regards to ps4 not being portable. Your not able to pay the game anywhere you want.

[TheUndertaker85]

Except with a laptop, tablet, or PS Vita.

Again, the same applies to Xbox as well minus PS Vita.

[DwightSchrute01]

Lol yh try fitting a laptop in your pocket.
And you can't play Nintendo's latest exclusives on your laptop, tablet or ps vita.

And I'm sure the title states switch vs ps4 not switch vs laptop, tablet and ps vita

[Sgt_Slaughter]

You know, those options cost $150-200+ extra, so that's a big price to pay just to add STREAMING essentially.

[Lingonbak]

Bigger difference than I expected. However, if the 2D mode is included I am getting it!

[1060FX8300]

I think it would be nice if multi-plat games like this on PS4/PC and Switch had cross-save functionality. Start your game at home on your PS4 Pro/PC in 4K and 60fps and whatnot; then continue on the go on your Switch in handheld mode.

[Gamist2dot0]

I see the difference but what about the frame rates?

[shinoff2183]

I prefer playing on ps4 over switch but even this the differences arent even worth writing home about. They did a great job with this on both ps4 and switch

[Kumakai]

Exactly why I got rid of my switch. If you don’t care about portability and enjoy adult themed AAA games over family friendly cartoons, there’s no reason to own it. I gave mine to my nephew and haven’t missed it.

[Question_Mark]

“Adult themed”, huh? When you grow up, you’ll realize that it doesn’t matter if it’s dark and gritty or colorful and light as long as the game is fun. Judging something solely on looks and dismissing it because it looks “kiddy” is something immature people do.

[Kainbrightside]

It's always funny to me when someone says something like this considering the whole videogame hobby by the vast majority of people is considered a childish one I don't agree with that notion obviously but saying you're more adult based on what games you play is ironic for an adult to say.

[Miacosa]

Get the PS4 version it performs better and it's cheaper only $36 on PSN sale now vs $60. Plus with all the text being micro small not sure the small screen is the palace to play this game unless its the only option or you would never play unless portable.

[Exvalos]

Switch cant even run this cartoonish game without a hit to graphics that is sad.

[Enigma_2099]

You're all missing the point. It can't match the visual quality of the PS4, so it's obviously inferior, and no one should play it. In fact you should completely ignore it's existence. Or any game that doesn't match the PS4's graphics for that matter. Anything else is fugly, and not worth playing...

... screw this article and every article like it. Play what you want... on what you want.