Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Marks 7th Anniversary: Exclusive Artwork from Masatsugu Saito Highlights Nintendo Switch Milestone

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Marks 7th Anniversary: Exclusive Artwork from Masatsugu Saito Highlights Nintendo Switch Milestone This week marks the 7th anniversary of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Monolith Soft’s critically acclaimed RPG for the Nintendo Switch.

As part of the celebration, Masatsugu Saito, the game’s lead character designer, created a special commemorative illustration, underscoring the enduring impact of the game and the creative talents behind its success. Originally released worldwide on December 1, 2017, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 quickly became a pillar within the Nintendo Switch library, captivating fans with its intricate narrative, expansive world, and deep combat system.

Developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo, the title was pivotal in establishing the Switch as a premier platform for large-scale JRPGs.

Since launch, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has surpassed 2.5 million copies sold globally, and its continued popularity has been supported by DLC expansions—most notably “Torna — The Golden Country”—as well as persistent fan engagement on online platforms and the Nintendo eShop. Masatsugu Saito’s journey to becoming the Xenoblade series’ iconic character designer is notable within the gaming industry.

Saito began his career as a programmer at SEGA, contributing to celebrated projects like Jet Set Radio for the Dreamcast and Yakuza 1 & 2 for PlayStation 2.

Over time, he transitioned to freelance illustration, ultimately joining Monolith Soft to help define the visual identity of Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

In recognition of the game’s anniversary, Saito shared a new piece of commemorative art, further delighting the Xenoblade community and underscoring the artistry that has helped define the franchise. In a statement shared through official Nintendo channels, the Monolith Soft team expressed their gratitude to the fanbase, saying that seeing ongoing support and vibrant discussion around Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a rewarding testament to the game’s legacy.

They credited the dedication of the game’s artists, designers, and players worldwide for making this seven-year milestone possible. Xenoblade Chronicles 2’s journey hasn’t been without debate within the community.

While many fans laud the deep world-building, emotional storytelling, and innovative battle mechanics, some players have voiced criticisms regarding performance on the Nintendo Switch hardware and the randomization elements of its “Blade” system.

Nevertheless, Monolith Soft’s commitment to post-launch support—including performance enhancements and content patches—has allowed the title to remain relevant and accessible to a growing audience. As conversations around the next generation of Nintendo hardware continue, the legacy of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 stands as a benchmark in modern JRPG design and a showcase for the talents of Monolith Soft and Masatsugu Saito.

The 7th anniversary celebration and dedicated art are not only a tribute to an exceptional game but also to the creative teamwork that has driven the Xenoblade series forward on the Nintendo Switch and beyond.

Nintendo Switch Xenoblade Nintendo Milestone Monolith Soft Xenoblade Chronicles Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch Masatsugu Saito