Key Takeaways
1. The Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition upgrade for Switch 2 offers improved resolution and frame rates but has performance issues.
2. The game features 4K visuals when docked and 1080p in handheld mode, both running at 60fps, but suffers from blurry textures and visual artifacts.
3. Handheld mode experiences significant problems, including distracting shimmer on objects and muddy character faces.
4. The upgrade costs $5/£4.19 for existing owners, with a physical version set to release on April 16th.
5. Players are requesting a patch to address the performance issues despite the game’s smoother action at 60fps.
Fans of sci-fi RPGs got a nice surprise when Nintendo quietly released the Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition upgrade for the Switch 2. Even with improvements in resolution and frame rates, players have been reporting a number of performance problems. Among various issues, first impressions mention blurry textures and a lot of visual artifacts.
Upgrade Details
The Definitive Edition from Monolith Soft was launched on the original Switch back in March 2025. Owners of the new console have already enjoyed advantages due to backward compatibility. However, the Switch 2 Edition brings 4K visuals when docked and 1080p in handheld mode, both running at 60fps.
RPG Site has shared one of the most detailed early performance evaluations of the game. While the piece states that the action feels much smoother, some problems from the Switch version are still present. Pop-in issues are quite noticeable, even though the system should be able to load assets faster. Additionally, some textures do not have the clarity that players expect at higher resolutions.
Handheld Mode Issues
Handheld mode is notably more troublesome, with many Reddit users posting videos of their experiences. Thick_Tone_4158 pointed out how objects in the environment shimmer distractingly. SmithDoesGaming agreed, demonstrating how even the faces of characters appear “muddy.”
A lot of these issues could be a result of poor upscaling. It’s not clear which technology the developers are utilizing, but it seems unlikely that Nvidia’s solution is the cause. In other Switch 2 titles, DLSS has improved graphics without too much blur. Without this AI-enhanced magic, the older assets from Xenoblade Chronicles X stand out in a bad way.
Cost of the Upgrade
To make matters worse, the Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition upgrade for Switch 2 is not free. Nintendo fans who already have the game will need to pay $5/£4.19 for the update. A physical version with the upgrade included is set to launch on April 16th.
Even with a low cost, some players are urging for a patch to fix the issues. For now, many fans believe that the 60fps visuals make the small price worthwhile.
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