One of the Best Nintendo Switch Games Needs a Switch 2 Version, but It May Never Get One

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The Nintendo Switch has hosted many fantastic games over the years, but its older hardware often limited what developers could achieve. Many of the console’s biggest hits experienced technical issues like unstable frame rates, low resolutions, and reduced features. Thankfully, with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, several of these games have received improvements through free or paid updates, addressing these original technical shortcomings.

Many recent games have benefited from performance improvements, and while those updates are welcome, several other titles still desperately need them. This is especially true for Xenoblade Chronicles 2, a fantastic JRPG and one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch. Despite being a brilliant game, its technical performance is very poor and needs fixing. Sadly, it seems unlikely we’ll ever see an updated version for the Switch 2, and there’s a key reason why.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Desperately Needs A Switch 2 Version

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is an incredible game, and it happens to be my all-time favorite! While it has some unique elements that might not appeal to everyone (especially those who dislike fan service), the game offers a deeply moving story, a stunning soundtrack, fun combat, and characters you won’t forget. It’s a truly special experience. Even after nearly a decade, the game still feels high-quality and new thanks to the amazing world design, beautiful cutscenes, and impressive art style created by Monolith Soft.

Despite its beautiful visuals (and in some ways, being even better looking than the newer game), Xenoblade Chronicles 2 suffers from significant technical problems on the Nintendo Switch. When played handheld, the resolution often drops to a very low 368p, and even when docked, it only reaches 720p – a resolution that doesn’t do justice to the game’s impressive landscapes. It’s obvious the game was incredibly ambitious and really pushed the Switch’s hardware, especially considering it was released early in the console’s life. While these issues – like downgraded graphics, long loading times, and occasional slowdown – don’t ruin the experience, they are noticeable and should ideally be fixed.

A new Switch model could potentially fix the biggest problem with Xenoblade Chronicles 2. We’ve already seen visual improvements for games with similar issues on the new Switch, like Breath of the Wild, Divinity: Original Sin 2, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. So, it’s likely Xenoblade Chronicles 2 could benefit as well. While Nintendo and Monolith Soft are probably focusing on other priorities, the game already runs better on the new Switch hardware without any additional paid updates. Still, it’s surprising that this major Switch series hasn’t received a visual upgrade yet.

Monolith Soft May Never Deliver The Improvements XBC2 Needs

For a while now, people have been talking about a possible upgrade to the Switch for Xenoblade Chronicles 2, but there’s not much solid proof that one is coming anytime soon. This might be due to reasons we’ve already discussed, or simply because Monolith Soft tends to go all-in on their projects. When they remastered the first Xenoblade Chronicles, they didn’t just make a few tweaks – they completely revamped the graphics, changed how the game played, and even created new downloadable content with the original voice actors.

Just like with Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, Monolith Soft seems to prefer comprehensive updates. When they brought that game to the Switch, they included new downloadable content, enhanced graphics to align with other Xenoblade titles, and significant gameplay improvements. They don’t typically release simple remasters with only minor visual or performance tweaks. While a complete overhaul isn’t necessary – Xenoblade Chronicles 2 still looks and plays great – Monolith Soft might not consider a Switch 2 upgrade worthwhile unless they can meaningfully expand upon the original game.

It’s all just a guess, based on what the developer has done in the past. But it could explain why one of the Switch’s oldest games hasn’t been updated, while others like Breath of the Wild have. The next Switch could also use a large-scale RPG, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 would be a good fit with improved graphics and performance. For now, though, it seems Nintendo and Monolith Soft are happy with us continuing to play the original, even with its imperfections.

Should Xenoblade Chronicles 2 get an upgrade for the new Switch console? Share your thoughts and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-01 22:13