Nintendo has finally confirmed that Xenoblade Chronicles X is getting a Definitive Edition after years upon years of fan requests! Read on to learn more about what new features and improvements are coming to this beloved Wii U RPG.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Breaks Free from the Wii U
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Launches March 20, 2025
After nearly a decade as a beloved yet stranded Wii U exclusive, Xenoblade Chronicles X is finally soaring onto the Nintendo Switch, set to launch on March 20, 2025! The sci-fi RPG had long been requested by fans for a re-release on more accessible hardware. Yesterday, October 29th, Nintendo delivered a bombshell of an announcement trailer for the highly anticipated Definitive Edition of the game.
Originally launched in 2015, Xenoblade Chronicles X stood out among the Wii U’s catalog. While it garnered rave reviews for its vast open-world and deep combat system, its exclusivity on a console with somewhat limited sales meant many players missed out on this gem. However, the Definitive Edition aims to rectify that by bringing Mira’s sprawling landscapes to a whole new generation of gamers.
According to the game’s press release, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will boast enhanced visuals, as evidenced as well by the trailer’s sharp textures and smoother character models. The massive world of Mira, from the lush grasslands of Noctilum to the towering cliffs of Sylvalum, are sure to be even more breathtaking on the Switch’s display. But the enhancements go beyond simple eye candy.
The press release and trailer also hints at "added story elements and more" unspecified features. This could potentially mean additional quests or even a brand new area to explore, similar to how Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition allowed players to explore the detached left shoulder of the Bionis.
They even gave players a short snippet of the brand new story element at the end of the trailer. "Just who is the mysterious hooded figure on the beach?" Nintendo teased. "You’ll have to stay tuned to learn more…"
With Xenoblade Chronicles X now coming to the Nintendo Switch, the console will now house all four Xenoblade titles. While the Xenosaga series remains confined to its original platforms, fans can still hope for future ports or remasters. However, the global availability of the entire series on a single console speaks volumes about the journey of Xenoblade Chronicles, a game that is originally Japan-exclusive.
Nevertheless, the arrival of Xenoblade Chronicles X on Switch is a major victory. This beloved Wii U title, once confined to a commercially unsuccessful console, now has the chance to reach a wider audience. Previous Wii U exclusives like Mario Kart 8, Bayonetta 2, and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker have already found success on the Switch, and Xenoblade Chronicles X is poised to follow suit.
Xenoblade Chronicles X Switch Release Hints at Switch 2's Unveiling
Since Nintendo announced Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for a March 20 release on the Switch, fans have been buzzing with theories that this date might hint at a Nintendo Switch 2 debut around the same time.
At the moment, we know nothing about the Switch 2, not even its name. However, Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, said they intend to make an announcement regarding the Switch 2 within the current fiscal year ending on March 31, 2025. Given Nintendo’s history of aligning high-profile releases with new hardware launches, it’s not far-fetched for fans to speculate that the open-world title could help showcase the technical capabilities of a next-gen console.
Whether or not Xenoblade Chronicles X becomes a cross-generational title remains to be seen, but the game’s announcement has undeniably heightened anticipation for Nintendo’s next big move. For more on everything we know so far about the Switch 2, you can check out our article below!
Xenoblade X Multiplayer Will Bring Epic Battles and Exploration to the Switch
Set in 2054, the game takes players to Mira, an alien planet where humanity is trying to rebuild after a destructive intergalactic war forced them to flee Earth. As a member of the New Los Angeles (NLA) colony, you’re tasked with exploring Mira’s five distinct continents, each teeming with strange creatures and challenging foes, some towering in size.
But how do you combat these towering foes and explore the massive world? One of the most compelling features of Xenoblade Chronicles X is the Skells—massive, customizable mechs that players can pilot across the alien terrain. Skells allow players to soar over Mira and confront epic-scale enemies with a combat system that melds traditional RPG mechanics and real-time strategy.
However, for those unfamiliar with Xenoblade Chronicles X, the game differs significantly from the mainline Xenoblade Chronicles titles, with a much greater emphasis on exploration and open-world mechanics rather than a linear, narrative-driven plot. While it remains a standalone entry, it’s filled with the rich lore and complex battle systems that Monolith Soft is known for.
This is also the only entry that has multiplayer. The multiplayer features were a unique addition for its time, as it allowed players to form online squads to tackle tough missions and face off against "Global Nemesis" bosses. These massive enemies required collaborative effort from multiple players to defeat, with special rewards for successful victories.
For the Definitive Edition, according to the game’s press release, Nintendo will keep these multiplayer aspects intact, so players can recruit avatars from other players and build teams with their friends. Nintendo Switch Online members can also take full advantage of these online features and be part of the revived community that will likely follow the release.
Source:
Nintendo of America’s Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Announcement on Twitter
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa on Twitter Regarding Switch 2’s Announcement
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition’s Nintendo eShop Page
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch
