Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Review – An Epic Reimagined on Nintendo Switch

Monolith Soft’s Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition brings the grand scale of its acclaimed Wii U JRPG to the Nintendo Switch, offering both long-time fans and newcomers an immersive experience that is as visually impressive as it is expansive.

Originally released on the Wii U in 2015, Xenoblade Chronicles X quickly established itself as a standout title with its massive open-world, innovative combat, and ambitious design.

The Definitive Edition takes those foundations, refining and expanding them for today’s audience, solidifying its place as a must-play title on the Switch. At its core, Xenoblade Chronicles X stands apart from other entries in the Xenoblade series.

Unlike Xenoblade Chronicles 1 through 3, which focus on contained narratives and character-driven plots, X instead revolves around humanity’s fight for survival after Earth is destroyed in an interstellar conflict.

As survivors land on the mysterious planet Mira and establish New Los Angeles, players are tasked with exploring five distinct continents, gathering resources, and facing daunting alien threats that constantly test their skills and resolve. Players begin by customizing their protagonist, forming a party, and taking on countless missions scattered across Mira’s vast terrains.

Progress is tied to strategic resource management—installing survey probes, farming materials, and upgrading equipment.

Overcoming obstacles often means tackling formidable native beasts and sometimes running up against enemies that will outclass your party until you’ve invested dozens of hours improving your skills, gear, and tactics.

One particularly helpful addition to the Definitive Edition is the improved user interface, highlighted by the new “follow ball” feature, guiding players through the labyrinthine world with greater ease. Combat remains a cornerstone of the Xenoblade Chronicles X experience, employing a real-time system where positioning and strategy are key.

You command job-specific arts—skills that can be upgraded and swapped out to adapt to different combat scenarios.

Each battle demands both preparation and quick thinking, while the deep equipment customization affords players significant control over their approach to the many threats scattered throughout Mira. Monolith Soft’s design ensures that grinding rarely feels like a chore; there’s always a new mission, unexplored sector, or party member to experiment with.

Legendary to the series, Skells—large, customizable mechs—eventually become available, opening up new avenues for exploration and combat.

Upgrading and maintaining Skells introduces another layer of strategic depth, balancing resource management with the thrill of piloting these mechanical giants across the alien landscape. Visual enhancements are among the most noticeable upgrades in this Definitive Edition, with sharper textures, smoother performance, and a vibrant depiction of Mira’s diverse ecosystems.

While the physics can be inconsistent—such as characters facing the wrong direction or moving through enemies—these quirks do little to detract from the game’s overall visual flair.

However, while the soundtrack features sweeping orchestral moments, it occasionally shifts to less fitting rock tracks that may not appeal to all players. The most significant criticism remains its storytelling.

While there is an overarching mission and a constant sense of urgency, the narrative takes a secondary role to exploration.

Side characters are likable, but many lack deep involvement in the main plot, a noticeable difference from the emotional storytelling found in previous entries. The Definitive Edition offers meaningful new content: two additional playable characters, an extended storyline, and a new area to explore—all seamlessly integrated into the core experience.

Alongside robust single-player content, updated online features allow for cooperative missions with friends or larger online squads, enhancing longevity and replayability. Ultimately, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a testament to Monolith Soft’s ambition and technical prowess, standing as one of the premier JRPG experiences on Nintendo Switch.

It’s an essential title for fans of grand exploration and strategic combat, even if its narrative ambitions fall short of other Xenoblade entries.

Mira is the true star—a world that beckons you to explore every corner, whether on foot or from the cockpit of a Skell, making this release a fitting addition to the Switch library.

Nintendo Switch Xenoblade Nintendo JRPG Monolith Soft Xenoblade Chronicles Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Switch Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition X Epic Wii U New Los Angeles Mira Skell