For years, Xenoblade Chronicles X remained a standout title virtually shackled to the commercially disappointing Wii U. While the RPG finally broke free from those hardware limitations with a Switch port last March, the timing felt bittersweet. Arriving just months before the debut of the Switch 2, many players were left wanting a version that truly leveraged Nintendo’s next-generation power. Today, that wish has been granted: Nintendo has officially launched a dedicated performance upgrade for the successor console, and it is available to download immediately.
Existing owners of the Switch 1 version can access this enhanced experience for a $4.99 upgrade fee. For those who haven’t yet embarked on this journey, a standalone Switch 2 edition is available for $64.99—a modest $5 premium over the standard release. This definitive iteration boasts a crisp 4K resolution when docked and targets “smoother framerates.” The promotional footage suggests the game can hit 60 fps, though performance may fluctuate depending on the intensity of the on-screen action.
The Xenoblade Chronicles franchise is celebrated for its intricate real-time combat, sprawling open worlds, and a captivating fusion of science fiction and high fantasy. Xenoblade Chronicles X distinguishes itself from its counterparts by introducing massive, pilotable mechs known as Skells, which allow players to soar across the alien landscapes of Mira. Reflecting on the original release, critics noted that while the game offers immense rewards for those with the patience for deep progression, the sheer scale of the 100-hour odyssey can occasionally feel like a test of endurance.
If you are looking to explore more of this expansive universe, be sure to read our detailed reviews of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
