Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Review: A Decent, Yet Fairly Uneventful Upgrade

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For years, many doubted that Xenoblade Chronicles X would ever come to a new console, citing the massive work needed to make it financially worthwhile. But after finally being released on the Nintendo Switch following its original debut on the Wii U, Nintendo and Monolith Soft have now given the game one final polish for the Switch 2 with Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.

Besides correcting the number of times ‘edition’ appears in the title, the team has optimized the game for Nintendo’s new hardware. The upgrade is inexpensive at just $5, but given the game’s size and depth, it’s really only worthwhile for the most dedicated Xenoblade fans.

I’m definitely a fan, having spent around 100 hours total playing both the original Switch version and this new update. If you’ve already played the game for a significant amount of time – roughly a full work week plus extra – you probably won’t find a ton new here, though it’s still a fantastic game.

Xenoblade Chronicles X is different from the other games in the series and takes place in a completely separate world. That makes it a great place to start if you’re new to the Xenoblade games. This updated version lets you experience one of the best action RPGs available, now with improved graphics and a smooth 60 frames per second at 4K resolution.

If you’ve played this game before – either on the Wii U or the Switch version released last year – the improved performance isn’t likely enough to make you buy it again. It’s the same game with no new additions. While it’s still a great game, be aware that it’s quite long and requires a significant time commitment if you decide to play.

The World Beyond

I didn’t get to play Xenoblade Chronicles X when it first came out on the Wii U in 2015 because I didn’t have the console. However, I was always drawn to its massive world. After falling in love with the series thanks to the 2020 remaster of the original Xenoblade Chronicles on Switch, I really hoped Xenoblade Chronicles X would get a similar remake, just like many other fans.

Xenoblade Chronicles X is set on the planet Mira and follows humanity’s flight from Earth to a completely new world. It’s a game that truly resonates with players, creating a deep connection through its immersive world, compelling characters, and engaging story – all set against a vast science fiction backdrop.

Xenoblade Chronicles X came out for the Wii U in 2015. I wasn’t able to play it then because I didn’t have the console, but I always found its massive world really interesting.

This updated version of the game doesn’t include any new content. If you’ve already played it on the Wii U or the original Switch, you won’t find anything new here. It’s only worth revisiting if you’re eager to experience the improved performance or simply want to replay this classic game.

I genuinely love this game and play it every year. It’s easily one of the best action RPGs ever made, and a highlight in Monolith’s catalog. It’s just incredibly charming, with an amazing soundtrack and incredibly smooth combat.

I’m Really Feeling It

The biggest improvements in this new Switch 2 version are better performance and graphics. The game itself doesn’t include any new content; it’s the same release from March 2025 on the original Switch. The developers at Monolith Soft have worked hard to enhance the game’s performance so it can compete with newer consoles.

While the visual improvements are subtle, the game already looked great on the Wii U and even better on the Switch, so the upgrade isn’t a huge leap. However, it’s stunning on a 4K screen and remarkably crisp when played handheld. Ultimately, this game proves that strong artistic design is more impactful than raw processing power.

Xenoblade Chronicles X on the new Switch aims for a smooth 60 frames per second, and for the most part, it achieves this consistently. Compared to the Wii U version, which ran at 720p and 30fps, this is a significant improvement. While the game generally maintains 60fps, there can be occasional dips during particularly demanding scenes. This is fairly typical for large, open-world 3D games, so players should expect some minor framerate fluctuations at times.

On a big 4K display, it looks glorious, and it also looks incredibly sharp in portable mode.

Whether or not the Switch 2 upgrade for Xenoblade Chronicles X is worth it really depends on what you’re hoping to get out of it. If you’ve already spent a lot of time playing the game on Wii U or the original Switch, I wouldn’t strongly recommend it, especially since the game already runs well on the original Switch, even at 30 frames per second. It’s a very smooth and stable experience as is.

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If you’re new to the series, this game is a perfect place to start. It doesn’t rely on any previous knowledge of the story or characters, making it very accessible. This independence has always been one of its best features. Plus, it plays differently than the other games, and starting with this one can actually make the rest of the series feel more cohesive as you play through them.

As a huge fan of sci-fi RPGs, I seriously think you should check this game out. The world is absolutely gorgeous, the fighting is amazing, and I haven’t found another game with exploration quite like it. The character upgrades aren’t super complex, but they still add something to the experience.

Closing Comments:

While the name ‘Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition’ isn’t great, the game itself is still fantastic. However, if you’ve played it before, this version doesn’t offer any new content – it just improves how the game runs. Those performance improvements are worthwhile for five dollars, but if you don’t have a lot of extra time, you’re better off sticking with the original Switch version.

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2026-03-06 07:10