Game Trailer
Watch the announcement trailier below in your choice of English or Japanese voices.
English
Japanese
After years of fan anticipation, Nintendo has announced that Xenoblade Chronicles X will be arriving on the Nintendo Switch on March 20th, 2025. Originally released on the Wii U in 2015, this ambitious RPG from Monolith Soft captured the imaginations of players with its massive open world, complex systems, and unique sci-fi setting. However, due to the Wii U’s limited reach, Xenoblade Chronicles X became something of a hidden gem in the Xenoblade series. Now, with upgraded graphics, new story content, and additional gameplay features, this Definitive Edition aims to reintroduce the game to both longtime fans and newcomers.
A World Worth Revisiting
Set in the distant future on the alien planet Mira, Xenoblade Chronicles X places players in a survival story following humanity’s escape from Earth after an interstellar war. The game’s sprawling landscapes and biomes are filled with towering beasts, hidden secrets, and awe-inspiring sights that showcase Monolith Soft’s talent for world-building. Players take on the role of a customizable avatar, joining the remnants of humanity in the city of New Los Angeles as they strive to build a new life on Mira.
Unlike the story-driven approach of other Xenoblade Chronicles titles, Xenoblade Chronicles X emphasizes exploration and discovery. The introduction of “Skells”—mechanized suits that allow players to fly, swim, and battle across Mira—adds an extra layer of depth to exploration. Now, on the Switch, fans will be able to experience the vastness of Mira with enhanced visuals and modern performance upgrades.
What’s New in the Definitive Edition?
Nintendo has promised a host of new features for the Definitive Edition. Here’s a rundown of what players can look forward to:
Enhanced Visuals and Performance
Xenoblade Chronicles X has received a graphical overhaul, including improved textures, lighting, and environmental effects. These upgrades ensure that Mira’s breathtaking landscapes look sharper than ever, even in handheld mode.New Story Content
Monolith Soft has hinted at additional story segments designed to fill in some of the original game’s loose narrative threads. These segments aim to deepen the lore of Mira and provide more context for characters like Elma and Lin.Online Co-op Mode
The online co-op mode returns and will allow players to join forces with friends, taking on Mira’s most challenging creatures together. This mode will bring an exciting new multiplayer dynamic to the experience, with the potential for special rewards exclusive to co-op.
Comparison Video
Community Reactions: Why Fans Have Been Waiting
For years, Xenoblade Chronicles X fans have been vocal about wanting a Switch port. Locked to the Wii U, a console that struggled commercially, this game became difficult for many to experience. Its distinct style—a fusion of open-world exploration and sci-fi storytelling—left a lasting impression on those who played it, making it one of the most requested Wii U ports in recent memory.
Upon hearing the announcement, fans expressed excitement across social media, with many speculating on the impact of the new features. The addition of story content and online co-op has been especially well-received, as these updates address some of the original release’s criticisms while adding a layer of replayability.
Why This Port Matters
This port marks a significant addition to the Switch library, aligning with Nintendo’s ongoing trend of reviving classic Wii U titles. But it’s more than just another port—Xenoblade Chronicles X is a unique entry in the Xenoblade series that brings a fresh perspective and style compared to its peers. For Nintendo, releasing the Definitive Edition of a beloved but previously inaccessible game helps reinforce the Switch’s reputation as the home of RPG classics, new and old.
With a new generation of players on the Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition promises to give fans both an enriched experience and a nostalgic return to Mira’s captivating world. Whether you’re a fan of the original or a newcomer curious about what makes this title special, this port is shaping up to be a highlight of 2025.
References
- Nintendo of America (2024, October 29). Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meabXp-IFkM
- Nintendo ??????? (2024, October 29). Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition First Release Video. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqIJQevQGjc
- Nintendo (2024, October 29). Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive edition brings an expansive sci-fi adventure to Nintendo Switch on March 20! – news – nintendo official site. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition brings an expansive sci-fi adventure to Nintendo Switch on March 20! – News – Nintendo Official Site.
- Nintendo. (29AD). Xenobladex definitive edition: Nintendo switch: ???. ?????????. https://www.nintendo.com/jp/switch/bas6a/index.html
- GameXplain. (2024, October 29). Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Graphics Comparison – Switch vs Wii U. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DePvVL0HlQ4
Leave a Reply