The initial reviews for Xenoblade Chronicles X | Definitive Edition on the Nintendo Switch have begun surfacing online, and the remastered role-playing game has earned an impressive 88 out of 100 on both OpenCritic and Metacritic. This marks a notable improvement over the original Wii U version, which scored 84 points back in 2015. With its upcoming release, this definitive edition is shaping up to be a standout title, refining and expanding upon an already beloved sci-fi epic.
Critics are hailing Xenoblade Chronicles X | Definitive Edition as a gold standard for remasters. Monolith Soft, the game’s developers, have gone beyond a simple graphical overhaul, delivering sweeping updates to numerous gameplay systems. The character editor has been revamped, exploration mechanics have been polished, and the overall experience has been streamlined for modern audiences. However, the most significant enhancements lie in the expanded content. Fans of the original will recall its abrupt cliffhanger ending, which left players with more questions than resolutions. Now, a decade later, this remaster picks up where the Wii U version left off, weaving in new quests, characters, towering robots, formidable bosses, and uncharted locations across its sprawling open world. Accompanied by the stirring compositions of Hiroyuki Sawano, the game’s soundtrack further elevates the experience.
One of the standout features preserved from the original is the seamless open-world design, a technical marvel that allows players to traverse vast landscapes on foot or soar through the skies piloting massive mechs. Reviewers continue to praise this ambitious scope, noting that it remains one of the most awe-inspiring environments in the RPG genre. The online multiplayer mode, a rarity for the series, has also been retained, adding yet another layer to the game’s replayability.
Here’s a deeper dive into what critics are saying:
Washington Post — 5/5
“Imagine Halo reimagined as a Japanese RPG, crafted by a developer whose pitch for Final Fantasy VII was turned down for being too dark and labyrinthine. Xenoblade Chronicles X | Definitive Edition is a triumph of vision and execution, blending intricate storytelling with a boundless sense of adventure.”
Nintendo Life — 10/10
“This is a masterclass in remastering. Xenoblade Chronicles X | Definitive Edition doesn’t just polish the visuals—it reworks the gameplay to feel smoother, more intuitive, and undeniably modern. New characters, an expanded ending, and a host of other additions will thrill longtime fans, but it’s the refined mechanics that will truly hook dedicated players. For newcomers, the verdict is clear | this is one of the greatest sci-fi RPGs ever made and an essential addition to your Switch library.”
RPGSite — 9/10
“It’s astonishing how well this massive, intricate open-world game performs on a handheld console. Xenoblade Chronicles X | Definitive Edition feels like the Nintendo Switch’s grand swan song before the dawn of the company’s next era. There’s simply nothing else like it—an unparalleled blend of scale, depth, and wonder.”
JeuxActu — 9/10
“True to the series’ roots, this re-release strikes a delicate balance between Eastern and Western RPG traditions. Its world is a dizzying tapestry of colossal landscapes and vibrant energy, an everlasting tribute to the joy of discovery. The seamless integration of combat and exploration, paired with a new epilogue that ties up long-standing narrative threads, elevates this version into something truly special.”
Vandal — 9/10
“Concerns about handheld performance can be put to rest—aside from occasional minor detail loss due to the sheer density of on-screen elements, the game runs admirably. Xenoblade Chronicles X | Definitive Edition exceeds expectations as a re-release, offering a compelling reason for veterans to return and an inviting entry point for newcomers. Be warned, though | this is a demanding JRPG that requires time, focus, and commitment to reach its rewarding conclusion.”
Digitally Downloaded — 4.5/5
“This isn’t just a port—it’s a reimagining that justifies its existence and its price tag. Xenoblade Chronicles X | Definitive Edition stands as one of the most ambitious sci-fi odysseys in gaming. While I’m partial to the narrative depth and fantasy flair of the mainline Xenoblade trilogy, it’s impossible not to be captivated by this game’s distinct, richly crafted universe and the sheer pleasure of exploring it.”
IGN — 9/10
“Once a crown jewel of the Wii U, Xenoblade Chronicles X has now found new life on the Switch, escaping its original platform’s fate like the White Whale of its lore. The quality-of-life improvements alone make it worth revisiting, while newcomers get the definitive way to experience its breathtaking world. With a dynamic combat system, an endlessly engaging open world, and a colorful cast of characters, it’s a journey that shines despite a main story that doesn’t quite reach the heights of the series’ best. The wealth of side content, however, ensures it’s a tale worth living.”
Set to launch on March 20, 2025, Xenoblade Chronicles X | Definitive Edition promises to be a landmark release for Nintendo Switch owners. Whether you’re a veteran of the Mira expedition or a first-time explorer, this remaster offers a richer, more complete adventure that builds on the legacy of its predecessor while forging a bold path forward.
