Few RPGs embrace scale quite as fearlessly as Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, now available in a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Originally released during the Wii U era, Monolith Soft’s sprawling science-fiction adventure remains one of the studio’s most unconventional projects, favoring exploration and player-driven discovery over the more guided storytelling that defines many modern JRPGs. Set after Earth’s destruction during an interstellar conflict, the game follows humanity’s desperate attempt to survive on the alien world of Mira. Rather than focusing on a chosen hero destined to save the universe, the narrative centres on rebuilding civilisation and carving out a future in an unfamiliar environment, creating a premise that feels more grounded and pragmatic than many of its genre peers.
That approach has both advantages and drawbacks. Mira itself is a fascinating setting filled with mysteries, hostile wildlife and remnants of long-forgotten civilizations, but the main storyline can feel surprisingly distant at times. The player-created protagonist functions more as an observer than a driving narrative force, and the plot often unfolds at a measured pace. Those expecting the emotional highs associated with other Xenoblade entries may find this instalment comparatively restrained. However, the worldbuilding is exceptional, and many of the side missions and affinity-focused quests provide some of the game’s most memorable storytelling, adding depth to both New Los Angeles and the diverse cast that inhabits it.
Gameplay remains the real star of the experience. Mira is enormous, and Xenoblade Chronicles X encourages players to immerse themselves in its ecosystems rather than simply rushing from objective to objective. Story progression often requires meaningful exploration, side quest completion and map surveying, which can occasionally disrupt narrative momentum but also reinforces the feeling that you’re genuinely contributing to humanity’s survival. This design philosophy won’t appeal to everyone, especially players looking for a more streamlined adventure, yet it creates a remarkable sense of ownership over the journey.
Combat continues to offer impressive depth. Battles combine auto-attacks with cooldown-based Arts, positioning mechanics and extensive class customisation systems. Success comes less from quick reflexes and more from understanding how skills, party composition and enemy weaknesses interact. The downside is that the learning curve remains steep. Tutorials only scratch the surface of the game’s many interconnected systems, and the interface can sometimes overwhelm players with information. Inventory management, equipment optimisation and character progression all demand a significant investment of time before they begin to feel intuitive.
One of Xenoblade Chronicles X’s defining moments still arrives when players gain access to Skells. These giant mechs dramatically transform both exploration and combat, turning previously intimidating landscapes into playgrounds for aerial travel and high-powered encounters. Unlocking a Skell requires patience, but the payoff remains one of the most satisfying progression milestones in the genre. The sheer thrill of taking flight over Mira’s vast continents fundamentally changes how the world is experienced and helps distinguish Xenoblade Chronicles X from virtually every other open-world RPG on the market.
From a technical perspective, this Nintendo Switch 2 Edition delivers meaningful improvements even if it stops short of a full visual overhaul. Running at up to 60 frames per second with higher-resolution output, the game feels substantially smoother during exploration and combat. The increased fluidity benefits virtually every aspect of the experience, from traversal to menu navigation, while helping large-scale Skell battles feel more responsive and readable. The improvements do expose the game’s age, however. Character models, textures and environmental assets still originate from a much older production, and occasional pop-in remains visible despite the hardware upgrade.
Visually, Mira remains the true attraction. Its alien biomes continue to impress through sheer scale and creativity, with every region presenting distinct geography, wildlife and environmental storytelling. While the higher resolution enhances image clarity, some technical blemishes linger, and portable play saw visual artefacts that can affect image quality in certain situations. Docked play generally fares much better, allowing the artistic strengths of the world design to shine through. Complementing vocal tracks and sweeping orchestral influences result in a score that perfectly reinforces the game’s science-fiction identity. It remains one of the most unique soundtracks in the broader Xenoblade franchise, even if its bold style won’t appeal to every listener.
More than a decade after its original debut, Xenoblade Chronicles X still feels remarkably ambitious. Its pacing can be uneven, its systems can be intimidating, and its story occasionally takes a back seat to exploration, but few games create such a convincing sense of venturing into the unknown. The Nintendo Switch 2 enhancements don’t reinvent the experience, yet they provide the smoothest and most comfortable way to experience one of Monolith Soft’s most daring creations. For players willing to embrace its complexity and lose themselves in Mira’s vast wilderness, this remains one of the most rewarding science-fiction RPGs available today.
Score: 8.6/10