Xenoblade Chronicles X May Arrive on the Switch 2

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition offers an intriguing take on the original game by introducing unexpected features like a hidden 60 FPS mode. However, trying to activate this feature on the Nintendo Switch seems to cause some peculiar issues. There’s a growing buzz around the possibility that this setting might be tailored for the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Enthusiasts won’t have to wait long, as more information about the new console is set to be unveiled on April 2.

The discovery of this hidden mode by a modder has many speculating about Monolith Soft’s intentions. Did they initially plan to implement this feature for the Switch but ultimately set it aside, or is there a more deliberate purpose behind its inclusion? Perhaps it hints at an upcoming version specifically designed for the Switch 2, suggesting that Xenoblade Chronicles X might get another lease on life on Nintendo’s future platform.

The game, a remastered treasure from its Wii U origins released back in 2015, has been expanded with enhanced visuals and numerous quality-of-life tweaks. These changes compensate for the absence of the GamePad by tweaking interfaces and exploration methods. The remaster revamps certain battle aspects too, like removing the BLADE and Field Levels, and it also entices veterans with fresh story content in the post-game, offering new characters and enemies to enrich the narrative.

After launching on March 20, initial reactions seem equally focused on the whispers of a potential Switch 2 version as on the game itself. Modder masagratordev shone a light on this hidden 60 FPS mode, revealing that while the feature can be enabled, it results in gameplay glitches peculiar to this title—rendering 60 FPS but outputting only 30 frames usable for players. Such oddities aren’t found in other Xenoblade games, further fueling speculation about future compatibility with new hardware.

The anticipation builds as users and modders discuss the possibilities. Could this be paving the way for a grand re-entry on the Switch 2? The fact that the game was able to run on the Wii U is already seen as a triumph of Monolith Soft’s craftsmanship. It’s possible they initially aimed to have the Switch version run at 60 FPS but had to abandon the effort. Now, this leftover setting teases the hope of a Switch 2 update fully utilizing its potential.

In any case, even without a stable 60 FPS mode on the current Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition remains a brilliant technical showcase. Its expansive, interconnected world captivated players on the Wii U, delivering one of the platform’s most celebrated gaming experiences. The transition to the Switch retains this epic scale, enriched by high-definition graphics, an updated soundtrack, and modern enhancements ensuring it caters to today’s gamer needs. The future looks bright, potentially extending this game’s legacy further with upcoming hardware developments.