Xenoblade Chronicles X, on Switch 2 Mira has never looked so good

Xenoblade Chronicles X was one of the (unfortunately few) reasons to support Wii U in 2015. Its alien setting, sparse narrative, the ability to pilot giant robots, and Hiroyuki Sawano's soundtrack made it quite different from the original Xenoblade Chronicles for Wii, and this uniqueness only intensified with the later release of the second and third installments in the series.

Its merits were undeniable, however, and many rejoiced at the announcement of the Definitive Edition for Switch last year, effectively freeing it from the “prison” that was Nintendo's ill-fated eighth-generation console. The title, however, still lacked something: a presentation that would do justice to such a vast and fascinating world. Which is why I believe many owners of Kyoto's new hardware will appreciate the benefits of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. An obligatory purchase?

A planet to re-MIRAr, now at full power

Following previous first-party production upgrades, the Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (to be pronounced in one breath) offers 4K resolution in docked mode and 1080p in handheld mode, both brought to 60fps. The doubled frame rate and complete removal of stuttering, which particularly affected cutscenes, make the experience much more enjoyable.

The combat system is essentially turn-based, but more responsive controls help during combos, and smoother camera movements are a boon for exploration. In more crowded areas, Neo Los Angeles first and foremost, you might encounter some uncertainty, but it never drops below 50fps, so you'll hardly notice.

With Switch 2 docked, the increased resolution allows for full appreciation of Mira's bustling locations, especially when boarding a Skell. Models, surfaces, and effects are the same as 11 years ago, and even then, the Wii U wasn't exactly known for cutting-edge hardware, but the boost in image quality, combined with its inimitable style, makes up for any imperfections.

On the go, however, the jump from 720p to 1080p has worked wonders for the readability of the action and especially the interfaces, which are not exactly suitable for a small screen. And don't underestimate the reduced loading times thanks to the increased power under the hood. Transitions between zones last just a handful of seconds, great for when you're flying from one sector to another hunting for bounties and side quests.

But be careful not to over-MIRAr it

Not everything is rosy, however. Pop-in is still present, with monsters and NPCs spawning in front of us and geometries changing before our eyes as we approach; the sharper image unfortunately makes it all more evident. Here and there, artifacts can be seen that smudge the view, and in handheld mode, it's possible to spot distant textures that become "muddled," a sign that the upscale work wasn't too clean. Nothing that compromises gameplay or emerges too often, but it's still annoying.

Five euros isn't much for this Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, yet the technical issues don't do a niche title like Xenoblade Chronicles X any favors. It could certainly have been more polished; we hope that those in charge decide to remedy it. However, if you primarily play in front of the TV, or aren't too nitpicky, don't hesitate to upgrade: the improvements are worth it. If, on the other hand, you're looking for quality of life or extra content, the Definitive Edition's novelties already have everything you need to definitively experience this immense JRPG, sometimes a bit verbose, but as engaging as few others.