Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition has made its anticipated debut on the Nintendo Switch 2, marking a significant milestone for both the critically acclaimed RPG franchise and its developer, Monolith Soft.
Since its original release, Xenoblade Chronicles X garnered praise for its expansive world, dynamic combat, and deep customization options.
Following its successful port to the Nintendo Switch in 2025, expectations were high for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, especially given the enhanced capabilities of Nintendo’s latest hardware. For newcomers, Xenoblade Chronicles X stands as a top-tier RPG with a distinctive identity, offering an enormous world that rewards exploration and investment.
Players who have not experienced earlier versions will still find a remarkable adventure at the core of this Definitive Edition.
However, for existing fans and new Nintendo Switch 2 owners, there is now an important choice to make regarding how to play the game. The Switch 2 Edition comes with a slightly higher price tag compared to the original Switch release.
Nintendo has offered a reasonably priced upgrade path for those who already own the game, though it is focused solely on technical improvements.
Specifically, this version touts smoother framerates, promising “up to” 60 frames per second along with 4K resolution when docked, as well as a set of visual refinements.
While such upgrades are common for other Switch 2 re-releases—often at no additional cost—the decision to charge for these improvements has generated some debate within the community. In terms of performance, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition does deliver on its promise of a significantly improved framerate.
Gameplay is not only visually smoother but also feels more responsive.
The upgrade in resolution is immediately noticeable, but it is accompanied by a caveat—there is a new upscaling filter in place, which, in handheld mode especially, causes visual artifacts.
This filter leads to distracting flickering and loss of texture detail, particularly during fast action or when displaying complex visuals.
As of publication, there is no way to disable the filter. Monolith Soft has ensured the game remains enjoyable in docked mode, where the upscaling issues are less intrusive.
Players who primarily use their Switch 2 on a TV will likely appreciate the performance enhancements and may consider the trade-offs minor.
However, for those who favor handheld play, the texture issues are prevalent enough to affect the overall experience.
This makes it difficult for some users to justify the additional cost, especially when other Switch 2 enhanced games provide free updates. Despite these shortcomings, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 remains an impressive RPG, retaining its core strengths—an engrossing world, engaging combat, and extensive customizability.
The technical benefits in docked mode offer a compelling upgrade for returning players, but ongoing visual issues in handheld mode mean the experience is not as refined as many had hoped. Looking ahead, it is hoped that Nintendo and Monolith Soft will address these technical drawbacks with updates.
For now, players must weigh the improved framerate and responsiveness against the visible handheld compromises.
As it stands, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition provides a promising—not perfect—showcase of RPG gaming on the Nintendo Switch 2. Version tested: Nintendo Switch 2.
Review copy provided by Nintendo.
Since its original release, Xenoblade Chronicles X garnered praise for its expansive world, dynamic combat, and deep customization options.
Following its successful port to the Nintendo Switch in 2025, expectations were high for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, especially given the enhanced capabilities of Nintendo’s latest hardware. For newcomers, Xenoblade Chronicles X stands as a top-tier RPG with a distinctive identity, offering an enormous world that rewards exploration and investment.
Players who have not experienced earlier versions will still find a remarkable adventure at the core of this Definitive Edition.
However, for existing fans and new Nintendo Switch 2 owners, there is now an important choice to make regarding how to play the game. The Switch 2 Edition comes with a slightly higher price tag compared to the original Switch release.
Nintendo has offered a reasonably priced upgrade path for those who already own the game, though it is focused solely on technical improvements.
Specifically, this version touts smoother framerates, promising “up to” 60 frames per second along with 4K resolution when docked, as well as a set of visual refinements.
While such upgrades are common for other Switch 2 re-releases—often at no additional cost—the decision to charge for these improvements has generated some debate within the community. In terms of performance, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition does deliver on its promise of a significantly improved framerate.
Gameplay is not only visually smoother but also feels more responsive.
The upgrade in resolution is immediately noticeable, but it is accompanied by a caveat—there is a new upscaling filter in place, which, in handheld mode especially, causes visual artifacts.
This filter leads to distracting flickering and loss of texture detail, particularly during fast action or when displaying complex visuals.
As of publication, there is no way to disable the filter. Monolith Soft has ensured the game remains enjoyable in docked mode, where the upscaling issues are less intrusive.
Players who primarily use their Switch 2 on a TV will likely appreciate the performance enhancements and may consider the trade-offs minor.
However, for those who favor handheld play, the texture issues are prevalent enough to affect the overall experience.
This makes it difficult for some users to justify the additional cost, especially when other Switch 2 enhanced games provide free updates. Despite these shortcomings, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 remains an impressive RPG, retaining its core strengths—an engrossing world, engaging combat, and extensive customizability.
The technical benefits in docked mode offer a compelling upgrade for returning players, but ongoing visual issues in handheld mode mean the experience is not as refined as many had hoped. Looking ahead, it is hoped that Nintendo and Monolith Soft will address these technical drawbacks with updates.
For now, players must weigh the improved framerate and responsiveness against the visible handheld compromises.
As it stands, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition provides a promising—not perfect—showcase of RPG gaming on the Nintendo Switch 2. Version tested: Nintendo Switch 2.
Review copy provided by Nintendo.
