Nintendo Keeps Making Questionable Switch 2 Upgrades And I Don’t Understand Why

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I’ve always been interested in how Nintendo handles different versions of games for its consoles. The Switch has seen some impressive upgrades, particularly for titles like Hogwarts Legacy, which struggled on the original system. It’s great that developers put in the effort to make these games run well on the newer hardware. However, some games didn’t really need a Switch 2 version – many first-party titles, for example, already looked and played perfectly fine on the original Switch.

Fans are frustrated with Nintendo’s choices for which Switch games get upgraded, and the recent update for Xenoblade Chronicles X is particularly disappointing. Calling it Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition suggests the original version isn’t truly definitive anymore, and surprisingly, the new version seems to be a step backwards. It’s baffling why Nintendo chose to update this game instead of others that really need it, and it makes the purpose of these Switch 2 editions unclear.

Xenoblade Chronicles X Switch 2 Edition Proves These Upgrades Are A Joke

The Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (quite a long name!) is a $5 upgrade that boosts the game’s frame rate to 60fps and increases the resolution to 4K. However, it also unfortunately makes the game noticeably blurry when played in handheld mode. Many players are questioning whether the upgrade is worth it, as reports of visual smearing and underwhelming 4K upscaling suggest it doesn’t add much to a game that already looks great. While 60fps is a welcome addition, many feel it could have been included as a free update for those who already own the game.

Several games haven’t benefited from being updated for the Switch 2. Like the disastrous port of Skyrim, which needed a large patch to even be playable, and the disappointing Super Mario Party Jamboree update that felt like a replacement for proper downloadable content, Xenoblade Chronicles X isn’t the first Switch 2 edition to miss the mark. Early previews of the upcoming Super Mario Bros. Wonder update suggest it’s also adding changes that aren’t really needed.

One of the most confusing upgrades Nintendo has offered is the $5 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Switch. While it added 4K resolution and mouse support, a free update also improved the graphics from 720p to 1080p when playing handheld. This left many players wondering why they had to pay for features that should have been included with the console they already purchased for $449.99. More broadly, it raises the question of why so many Nintendo games that struggle to run well on the original Switch haven’t received substantial improvements to take advantage of the Switch 2’s better hardware.

There Are Many Switch Games In Dire Need Of A Switch 2 Upgrade

The biggest frustration with the Switch 2 upgrade situation is how inconsistent Nintendo has been – both with the cost of upgrades and which games are getting them. For example, popular but technically flawed games like Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 haven’t received dedicated Switch 2 versions. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 in particular struggles to even run at a decent resolution on the original Switch, despite being a fantastic game. These titles don’t just benefit from a Switch 2 port; they really need one to truly shine. The fact that Nintendo hasn’t released upgraded versions suggests they’re either taking a long time, or worse, aren’t prioritizing improving these games.

Figuring out how Nintendo will price different versions of the Switch 2 is tricky. The recent free update for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet – which improved performance to 60fps when docked and increased the resolution to 4K – is essentially the same upgrade Nintendo is now charging $5 for with both Xenoblade Chronicles X and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Some people argue that $5 isn’t a significant amount to worry about, and that asking for a refund for the Xenoblade Chronicles X Switch 2 edition over such a small cost is unreasonable.

It’s frustrating that Nintendo is charging $5 for improvements to one game when similar upgrades are free in others. Five dollars might be a significant amount for some players, and it feels wrong to pay for a fix that isn’t even guaranteed. This inconsistent approach to quality, content, and pricing makes it hard to support. It’s especially puzzling because Nintendo could reasonably charge for substantial improvements to games like Xenoblade Chronicles 2, but they aren’t, making the whole situation even more confusing.

As a long-time fan, it’s really frustrating to see how Nintendo is handling the recent updates. It feels so inconsistent, like they’re randomly deciding how much to charge for each little improvement. Honestly, I’m hoping they’ll make the XBCX upgrade free for those of us who already bought it, or at least fix things quickly. I also wish they’d stop charging for small changes or features that most Switch players probably won’t even notice. I’m not holding my breath, though. Nintendo often seems to miss what their fans really want. Still, I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, hoping we’ll eventually get the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 edition we’ve all been dreaming of.

What are your thoughts on the different versions Nintendo might release for the Switch 2? Share your opinion in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-25 21:14