Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 Faces Upscaling Concerns Among Fans

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition launched on Nintendo Switch 2 to significant anticipation, offering fans improved visuals and a smooth 60fps experience on the updated hardware.

Developed by Monolith Soft and originally released for the Wii U, Xenoblade Chronicles X has become a beloved entry in the expansive RPG franchise.

The new Switch 2 release, often referred to as 'NS2E', aimed to leverage the more powerful hardware of Nintendo's newest console with enhanced resolutions and updated textures.

However, just days after its debut, a portion of the gaming community has expressed concerns regarding the upscaling technology implemented in this edition.

According to multiple user reports and coverage from Eurogamer, many of these issues are most pronounced during handheld play, where it appears that an upscaling filter was used to sharpen textures.

Rather than providing a visual upgrade, some players argue that these adjustments may have diminished the overall graphical quality compared to the original Nintendo Switch—and, in some instances, even the Wii U version. Community outlets such as GVG and SwitchUp have documented visible shimmering and texture inconsistencies, particularly in handheld mode.

While docked play remains highly praised—citing a stable 60fps framerate and vibrant visuals—handheld users have noted that character and enemy shadows can exhibit distracting shimmer effects.

These visual discrepancies seem to vary in impact depending on player sensitivity and overall expectations for the remaster. Eurogamer further reports that a subset of affected players have successfully obtained $5 refunds for the Switch 2 edition from Nintendo, further highlighting consumer dissatisfaction.

Discussions on platforms like Reddit amplify this sentiment, with some users going so far as to claim the visual presentation on the Switch 2 is inferior to previous releases.

Still, the general consensus among critics is that, despite these issues, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition delivers an impressive docked experience on the new console. Monolith Soft and Nintendo have not yet released an official statement addressing these concerns.

As more fans explore the nuances of the Switch 2 port, ongoing feedback will likely shape future updates or improvements.

Xenoblade Chronicles X remains available via the Nintendo eShop, and its launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to spark conversation about optimizing legacy titles for next-generation hardware. For those seeking the most polished experience, docked play on Switch 2 currently stands out as the preferred option.

However, users invested in portable gaming should be aware of the reported visual compromises.

The community awaits further clarification or potential updates from Nintendo regarding these upscaling and texture concerns.