Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Impressions – Upgrade Comparisons & More

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Nintendo released an upgraded version of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 today, offering a $4.99 upgrade for those who already own the game. I previously covered how the entire Xenoblade Chronicles series runs on the Switch 2, including the original Definitive Edition, and hoped for a patch to improve performance. After purchasing the new upgrade, I decided to re-test the game, compare loading times, and see how much the Switch 2 Edition improves the visuals. So far, I’ve only tested the early parts of the game, and I’ll update this report as I test further into the game.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Nintendo Switch 2 Edition vs Switch 1 visuals and resolution

After starting up Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on the new Nintendo Switch 2, I loaded both an old save file and began a new game to check the opening sequence. The biggest improvement seems to be in how smoothly the game runs. While the graphics are noticeably sharper, issues like objects popping into view haven’t been fixed. When played on a TV in 4K, the game also still lacks effective anti-aliasing. This new version is definitely better than the original on the older Switch, but the visual improvements are mostly about increased clarity, not a complete overhaul.

Just to clarify how the comparison was done: I started with a saved game from version 1.5.2. Then, I played that save on the original Switch using backward compatibility before updating to the Switch 2 version (2.0.0). I also played the same save on the native Switch 2 Edition after it was upgraded. All the images used for comparison were captured using a 4K capture card.

The visual improvements aren’t as dramatic as the trailers suggested, especially when playing on a TV. I was hoping for sharper textures, as some surfaces still look blurry at certain angles. However, the game looks noticeably clearer in handheld mode. While bigger visual changes would have been nice, the smooth, 60 frames-per-second gameplay is a huge improvement, making the game feel much more responsive and fluid.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Nintendo Switch 2 Edition docked gameplay



Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Nintendo Switch 2 Edition performance impressions

The original release of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on the first Switch had noticeable input lag and sometimes dropped below its intended 30 frames per second. The newer version, designed for the Nintendo Switch 2, largely fixes these issues thanks to backwards compatibility – the game feels much more responsive, and consistently hits a target of 60 frames per second, which is apparent even on the main menu. While the improvements might not be as dramatic as those seen in some other Switch 2 upgrades, it’s still a significant and appreciated enhancement.

Just so you know, when I was comparing the two consoles, I took screenshots directly on both my Switch 2 (the special edition) and my original Switch, running the game at version 2.0.0. I noticed the differences in how plants and trees looked happened in different areas of the game, and it doesn’t seem like they cut anything to try and get a faster frame rate.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Nintendo Switch 2 Edition vs Switch 1 load times compared

I’ve compared load times from a test I ran in June 2025 with new results taken today. The June test used Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on both the original Switch and the Switch 2, with the game installed on both an SD card and the internal storage of each console. Today’s test uses the same game, now version 2.0.0 (titled Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Nintendo Switch 2 Edition), also installed on both SD cards and internal storage on both consoles.

Test condition Dashboard to title Loading a save
NS1 June 2025 9-10 10
NS1 on NS2 June 2025 4-5 7
NS1 version 2.0.0 8 10
NS2 Native 2.0.0 4-5 7

Note: All load times above are in seconds.

Loading times haven’t changed much, and that’s good news! Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition already loaded very quickly, and it still does.

The improved resolution feels similar to updates for games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet or the enhanced version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but the performance upgrade – aiming for a smooth 60 frames per second – definitely justifies the cost of the Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition upgrade. I’m happy I hadn’t finished the game yet, because now I can enjoy the whole experience at that higher frame rate. It’s such a significant improvement that I’m even considering starting a new game file!

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is now available on Nintendo Switch. A physical copy of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be released on April 16th.

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2026-02-19 18:57