Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is one of the final major Nintendo Switch releases that we will see before the Switch 2 is released later year. Games such as Metroid Prime 4, Pokemon Legends: ZA, the tenth generation of Pokemon games, and others are in the pipeline and will very likely see versions released on both systems following the Switch 2’s release.
When the Nintendo Switch 2 does launch later this year, don’t worry, you won’t be stuck playing your older Switch whenever you want to play classic titles such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, or Pokemon Scarlet/Violet, as the Switch 2 will support full backward compatibility.
But, the Switch 2 doesn’t look to just be backward compatibility as a recent leak from the Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition‘s files reveal that the new system could enhance previous-gen titles as we’ve seen with the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is set to air on April 2nd and will give us all of the details we have been clamoring for as to what to expect from the console when it hits store shelves later this year.
A more detailed look at the specs, features, and most importantly games will be revealed during the event, but Xenoblade Chronicles X may have beaten Nintendo to the punch by accidentally revealing one of the key features of the Switch 2.
Switch modder MasaGratoR has uncovered some information regarding the performance of the recently released Xenoblade Chronicles X, including its resolution, as well as a hidden 60fps mode that isn’t implemented in the game currently.
MasaGratoR has revealed that, like many other Switch games, Xenoblade Chronicles X features dynamic resolution ranges of 504p-720p when it handheld mode, and 760p-1080p when docked, in addition to the 60fps mode which “seems to be implemented only partially since enabling it causes weird issues.”
When asked whether this could be related to a Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade, allowing for better performance, frame rate, and graphics, MasaGratoR theorized that “It can be a groundwork towards it,” while also noting that “no other Xenoblade game has something like this from what I found.”
Although this isn’t concrete evidence of Switch 2 upgrades being a planned feature, it is commonly found with previous-gen games on the PS5 and Xbox Series X, which often receive upgrades to allow for higher frame rates and resolutions.
It wouldn’t be out of the question for the Switch 2 to follow suit, with some developers choosing to improve its existing releases for the newer hardware. Many games would benefit from this, especially third-party AAA titles which are often notorious for having low resolution, such as Wolfenstein 2 which runs at just 360p at times, or improved frame rates, which is notable with games such as Doom (2016) experiencing issues.
All will hopefully be revealed on April 2nd, but for now, it is time to explore Xenoblade Chronicles X as millions of people will now experience it for the first time as the original 2015 release sold less than 1 million units.
This isn’t surprising as the Wii U is the lowest-selling major console of modern times with just 13 million units sold. A figure this low hasn’t been seen since the Sega Dreamcast, which resulted in Sega fully pulling out of the console race. Thankfully, Nintendo was able to bounce back with the Nintendo Switch, which could become the best-selling console of all time, so it all worked out for the company in the end.
Xenoblade Chronicles X
Release Date: March 20, 2025
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Genres: Action Role-Playing Game
Developed By: Monolith Soft
Published By: Nintendo
