Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
I loved Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. I’ve already spent well over 70 hours in this game. But it’s over a decade old, you know? It’s definitely showing its age, especially on a modern 4K monitor. But the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade goes a long way towards fixing that specific issue. Now, for a handful of change, you can play this fantastic game in glorious 4K, at a smooth and solid 60fps.
That is, when the Switch 2 is docked – then you’re getting all that 4K goodness. In handheld mode, the resolution tops out at 1080p. But this is pretty normal for Switch 2 games. That tiny screen is simply not built for 4K. On the other hand, the console itself is definitely powerful enough to pump out 4K, given the right conditions.
To be fair, this is the only upgrade in the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Otherwise, this is exactly the same as the original Switch release. But oh man, what a difference it makes. Suddenly, every character model is crisp and clean. The mechs look downright fabulous, the NPCs are cleaned up, and the monsters all look lovely. Plus, the framerate is massively improved. No more dips while you’re exploring the overworld, and no more dropped frames during the more intense battles. But is this enough to justify the cost?
4K For A Pittance
Absolutely, for a couple of reasons. One, the cost in question is minuscule. We’re talking 6.99 CAD, total chump change. Two, and this is the more important reason, I barely need any excuse to dive back into this game. Xenoblade Chronicles X has a ton of postgame content, more than enough to justify another dozen or so hours of extra playtime. Honestly, it might end up longer than that. I just can’t get enough of this enormous RPG.
You can read all about it in my full review, but to sum it up for you: the game rules! I’m a total sucker for a mission-based open-world game where you can dress the characters in bizarre/slutty/cool outfits. That’s more or less my whole impetus for digging into the postgame at all. I need to scoop up some of those rare threads. And yes, I might challenge a secret boss or two, if I can find the time. But really, we’re looking for top-tier fashion.
Any Excuse To Jump Back In
But that’s just me. You will likely play this massive RPG with loftier goals in mind. Saving the human race, and all that. The story is deeply compelling, with some clever hooks that dig directly into your brain in short order. Speaking of which, the cutscenes and dialogue sections? They’ll look a lot better in 4K. There are a couple of minor exceptions, but basically every visual element in this game has been buffed and polished to perfection.
So, is the Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade worth your money? Absolutely! It’s extremely cheap, as far as Switch 2 Editions go, which is nice. If you’ve already got the game, this is the perfect excuse to jump back in for a few hours. And if you’ve somehow never played Xenoblade Chronicles X, the Definitive Nintendo Switch 2 Edition makes for an excellent way to do so.
***A Nintendo Switch 2 key was provided by the publisher***