Dragon Quest IX to be DS exclusive

[JKTrix]

It was announced today in Japan that the next numbered Dragon Quest game will be a DS exclusive. It will be made by Level 5, who did the last Dragon Quest, as well as Dark Cloud and the upcoming Shirokishi/White Night Story for the PS3.

This was a pretty surprising move, but it actually makes a lot of sense. DS is probably the biggest and most accessible platform in Japan, and Dragon Quest is the biggest game there. Why not make it available for the system with the largest userbase? Developing a DS game I'm sure isn't as expensive as developing on a bigger system, and the revenue is almost guaranteed with this game on the DS. As if Nintendo really needed another 'megaton' over there.

It will also have multiplayer battles, though whether or not it will use the Nintendo WiFi Connection is not confirmed. They're hoping to have it on shelves (in Japan) in 2007.

GoogleTranslated Press Release
1up.com's story in real English

Both links have the same 2 pictures of the game.

And here's a video
http://www.gamebrink.com/news/735-Dr...y_Footage.html