Square Enix’s next ‘Dragon Quest’ for Nintendo DS only

TOKYO (AFP) -”Dragon Quest IX”, designed specifically for the Nintendo DS, will hit the shelves next year, Square Enix said in a statement Tuesday.

“By taking full advantage of Nintendo DS’ wireless communication capability, we have fulfilled the thrill of (the) “network experience” — embarking on adventures with real ‘friends’ instead of on your own,” the company said.

The decision was seen by some as a setback to Sony because “Dragon Quest” has been one of the flagship titles for its PlayStation series.

Square Enix’s decision “was rather unexpected, so it’s not a huge vote of confidence for the PlayStation 3,” said Hiroshi Kamide, game analyst for KBC Securities.

The PlayStation 3 finally launched last month after a long delay and production problems and faces stiff competition from Nintendo’s new home video game console, the Wii.

“Dragon Quest”, with its onion-headed mascot “Slime”, has sold more than 41 million copies worldwide since its debut in 1986.