A specific release date was not provided, though the game was highlighted in a press release detailing Nintendo's "Software Lineup for the First Half of 2010," suggesting a release by June 30, 2010 at the latest.

Helmed by Dragon Quest VIII (PS2) developer Level-5, the sequel hit Japan in July 2009 and, like most other recent entries in the long-running role-playing franchise, was published by Square Enix. However, Nintendo will be publishing the North American release, with the company explaining "Nintendo and Square-Enix will now work together to bring this title to the Nintendo DS consumer base in the Americas."

The next entry in the series, Dragon Quest X, is currently in development for Wii.