Nintendo has been steadily going over some key hits in its Switch back catalogue to capitalise on upgraded “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” re-releases, and the latest example is a surprise drop for what was already a re-release in itself when it launched on the Nintendo Switch early last year – Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition.
The ridiculously-named Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition updates the already-excellent remaster of this WiiU banger, adding smoother performance up to 60FPS and higher resolutions up to 4K, depending on whether you’re playing in TV or handheld mode.
Aside from those visual quality buffs, there’s really nothing else new in this case, which does raise questions about why this is a paid upgrade to a Switch 2-specific SKU and not a simple patch like we’ve seen in other titles that have had framerate and/or resolution lifts. The slight salve here is that the update will only run you USD$5 / AUD$8 / £4.19 if you already own the base Switch game.
If you don’t yet own the game, the full Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is available for USD$64.99 / AUD$87.95 / £54.99, which is roughly the equivalent of buying the previous-gen version and upgrade.
A physical version of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is also scheduled for launch on April 16, 2026.
Here are some quick links to the game and upgrade pack on the Nintendo eShop:
- Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition [US eShop]
- Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition [AU eShop]
- Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition [UK eShop]
The original release of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on the first-gen Nintendo Switch predates the launch of this site, but you can read my glowing review of it over on WellPlayed, where I scored the remaster a 9/10 and said, “The underdog in Monolith Soft’s Xenoblade Chronicles series has never looked or played better, giving new life to a game that could have been destined to rot in the ill-fated WiiU’s library. By boldly refitting its systems and gently touching up the already-beautiful art, along with adding some welcome chunks of all-new content, this Definitive Edition of Xenoblade Chronicles X is essential playing for fans new and old.”
Will you be picking up this paid Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition? Let us know in the comments below or on our social pages!