Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Review
- Matthew Rondina
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 delivers smoother 4K/60 FPS performance, making it the best way to explore Mira.
Xenoblade Chronicles X was one of Nintendo’s most ambitious RPGs when it arrived on the Wii U back in 2015, and it continues to impress with new versions on the Nintendo Switch family of consoles. After returning in the form of a “Definitive Edition” in 2025 on the Nintendo Switch, the game has now received another upgrade on Nintendo Switch 2, taking advantage of the new system’s extra horsepower. You can read my original review of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on the Nintendo Switch to get even more details on what it has to offer.
In terms of content, not much has changed. This latest update for the Switch 2 is focused primarily on resolution and framerate improvements. And good news, if you own the Switch version of the game, you can upgrade to this version for a small fee. While this upgrade doesn’t radically change the experience, it delivers the best technical version of the game yet. Let’s take a look at all the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition has to offer in my full review.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Details
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Monolith Soft
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Action RPG
Available game modes: Single-player, Online Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: T for Teen
The Biggest Change: A Boost in Graphics and Performance
Let’s hone in on the biggest change right out of the gate, which comes down to raw performance on the Nintendo Switch 2. The original Switch release ran at 1080p with a 30 FPS target and it reached the technical ceiling of the hardware. Textures were muddier and blurry, along with draw distance and pop-in issues, which really pushed the aging Nintendo Switch hardware. Now, on the Switch 2, the game aims for 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, resulting in a noticeably sharper image and far smoother movement during exploration and combat. Overall, I found that it achieved this quite well and the game is much better for it.
An Overall Smoother Experience
Mira’s enormous alien landscapes, from dense jungles to sweeping desert plains, benefit greatly from the extra clarity and fluidity. Traversing the world, especially once you unlock Skells, simply feels better thanks to the improved frame rate.
The upgrade isn’t transformative, but the smoother performance makes the game’s massive scale easier to appreciate. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fix everything; there are still some lingering quirks, such as occasional environmental pop-in, but overall, this is the most polished version of the game to date.
It’s a nice graphical bump at a lower price point, though it would have been great to see some additional content included alongside the upgrade to add more incentives and value for returning players.
Combat and Skells Still Shine
Just like the Definitive Edition on the Switch, the gameplay continues to shine, benefiting from the upgraded framerate. Combat blends real-time action with strategic RPG mechanics. You build up a set of Arts abilities, positioning for bonus damage and chaining attacks together for maximum effectiveness.
Jump into Overdrive
The Overdrive mechanic remains one of the most satisfying elements of the combat system, rewarding you for master timing and cooldown management. And of course, there are the Skells, massive customizable mechs that drastically change both combat and exploration. Once unlocked, they allow you to battle towering enemies and traverse Mira’s enormous world with ease.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Continues Nintendo’s Switch 2 Upgrade Offerings
Xenoblade Chronicles X is also part of a broader trend with Nintendo’s early Switch 2 upgrades. Where some are free, paid and or offer extra content to entice returning players. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition lands in the middle of these offerings. It’s not free, not prohibitively expensive, but does have little in the way of extras besides graphical bumps.
Rather than fully remaking games, Nintendo has been enhancing existing titles with technical improvements and occasional new features.
For example, Super Mario Party Jamboree introduced Jamboree TV, adding new gameplay features alongside performance upgrades. Overall, I love this update, and it was great to have it return with plenty of Nintendo Switch 2 features. Similarly, one of my all-time favourites, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, received both an expansion and technical improvements for the new system.
In comparison, Xenoblade Chronicles X keeps its focus primarily on performance and visual improvements, making the already massive adventure feel smoother and more modern without fundamentally altering the experience. If you are a purist, that comes with its own benefits of maintaining the same feel of the original, with fewer bumps along the way. I would have loved to see some extra content, but I'm also happy to have the option for a better, more technically sound version that takes advantage of my Switch 2’s hardware.
Final Thoughts on Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Xenoblade Chronicles X remains one of the most ambitious RPGs Nintendo has ever published. Its enormous world, deep combat systems, and sense of exploration still hold up remarkably well. The Nintendo Switch 2 version doesn’t reinvent the experience, but the higher resolution and smoother frame rate make Mira feel better than ever to explore. While additional content would have been a welcome bonus, this upgrade still represents the best way to experience one of Nintendo’s most fascinating cult classics. If you’ve never played Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition before, this is hands down the best way to experience it.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Pros
+4K resolution and 60 FPS make exploration smoother than ever
+Massive open world packed with secrets
+Deep and rewarding combat system
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Cons
– New content would have helped justify the upgrade further
– Skell controls can still feel awkward
– Environmental pop-in persists
Overall Assessment of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
The score below reflects my original review of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on the Nintendo Switch, with a small bump in the “Graphics” category to account for improvements in the Nintendo Switch 2 paid upgrade.
Gameplay: 9.5/10
Graphics: 9.5/10
Sound: 7.5/10
Lasting Appeal / Replayability: 8.5/10
Overall Rating: 35.5/40 = 88%
Nintendo provided a copy of the game to conduct this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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