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Game Information

Game Title: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition

Platforms:

• Nintendo Switch (Mar 20, 2025)

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 87 average - 97% recommended

Metacritic - 88 average based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic Reviews



CGMagazine - Zubi Khan - 9 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition has landed on the Nintendo Switch, bringing with it one of the best Wii U exclusives to a modern platform.

COGconnected - James Paley - 85 / 100

The combat feels more grounded, the mechanics more approachable, and the plot is more accessible. Plus, the custom outfits. Those really changed the game for me.

Checkpoint Gaming - Omi Koulas - 8 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a welcome return to one of the most ambitious JRPGs of its time, refined with visual upgrades, quality-of-life improvements, and new story content. While the core gameplay remains as deep and rewarding as ever, some of its rougher edges, like clunky menus, a steep learning curve, and persistent pop-in, keep it from feeling as polished as Monolith Soft's later work. Newcomers will find a daunting but fascinating journey, whereas returning fans can enjoy the extra content without reinventing the experience. It might not be the series's classic, but if you can embrace its complexity and occasional frustrations, Mira is still an open-world marvel.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X is an ambitious and sprawling RPG that excels in exploration, world-building, and strategic combat.

Destructoid - Steven Mills - 10 / 10

Monolith Soft went the extra mile and added meaningful new content and quality-of-life features that actually improved on what was already a masterpiece experience. The Definitive Edition treatment makes Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition one of the best JRPGs on the Switch, and a must-play for fans of the genre.

Digital Trends - Willa Rowe - 4 / 5

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition gives a great RPG the second chance it deserves.

Digitally Downloaded - Matt Sainsbury - 4.5 / 5

For those that aren’t existing fans, all you need to know is that this is one of the biggest science fiction epics on the Switch, and while I do prefer the intellectual depth and fantasy trappings of the “proper” trilogy, it’s hard not to be thrilled when exploring your way around this lush, unique vision and world.

Digitec Magazine - Domagoj Belancic - German - 5 / 5

Despite its streamlined gameplay mechanics, the “Definitive Edition” of “Xenoblade Chronicles X” is still a very complex and sometimes exhausting game. But if you invest the necessary time and energy in the title, you will be rewarded with countless magical goosebump moments.

The fantastically beautiful sci-fi game world is full of dangers and surprises. The addictive combat system offers an incredible amount of flexibility and variety. And the massive mechs are one of the coolest things I've ever had the pleasure of controlling in a game. In short: “Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition” is one of the best role-playing games and one of the best Switch games of all time.

Eurogamer - Katharine Castle - 4 / 5

Not all its additions are for the better, but this excavation of Monolith Soft's alien opus remains as fascinating and enthralling as it was a decade ago.

Eurogamer.pt - Bruno Galvão - Portuguese - 4 / 5

Within the splendid Xenoblade series, Chronicles X is still its own title, whose science fiction setting allows for concepts such as Skells that make the whole experience even more distinctive. It's one of the great JRPGs of the last decade, in its definitive version.

GAMES.CH - Benjamin Braun - German - 86%

However, there aren't so many changes that owners of the Wii U version should necessarily buy again, unless they absolutely love the title. JRPG fans who have so far passed the game by will have an optimal opportunity with "Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition" to immerse themselves in a very good, incredibly atmospheric open-world role-playing game that will easily provide them with 100 hours of fun or more.

GRYOnline.pl - Sebastian Kasparek - Polish - 9 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X was a very ambitious game that debuted on a practically dying console. But right now you can confidently say that you have found a perfect example of a game ahead of its time. This definitive edition not only shows the strength of the series, but jRPG genre as a whole.

Geeks & Com - Anthony Gravel - French - 8.5 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a generous reissue that proves that not all remasters are created equal. The developers have made numerous improvements that fully justify this re-launch, and the result is impressive. Admittedly, a few minor flaws remain, such as the impossibility of accepting several agreement missions at once, but this remains a minor inconvenience. In short, whether it's a first discovery or a return, like me, the investment is definitely worth it.

Hobby Consolas - Spanish - 93 / 100

If it was already a special game on Wii U, now, thanks to all the changes, new features, and—above all—the epilogue, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is also one of the best JRPGs on Nintendo Switch. An adventure as colossal as a giant robot and as unforgettable as an alien planet you don't want to leave.

IGN - George Yang - 9 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X was already one of the Wii U’s best games, and this Definitive Edition does more than enough to justify another trip to planet Mira.

IGN Italy - Arturo Perrotta - Italian - 8 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a middle ground between a remaster and a remake; the game is not overly aged and benefits from the many improvements resulting so and accessible. This does not mean that it is easier: the level of challenge is the same as in the classic version, and in general this re-release, appreciable by both fans of the saga and newcomers, offers a deep and exciting story.

IGN Spain - Aarón Márquez - Spanish - 8 / 10

The original game was an epic adventure that, although it had its ups and downs, managed to position itself as a great JRPG. Now, this Definitive Edition comes to offer the best version of Xenoblade Chronicles X, with additions and improvements that suit it very well and strengthen its greatness.

Le Bêta-Testeur - Patrick Tremblay - French - 9.1 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is much more than a simple port with a simple graphical upgrade. The improvements made in this version address many of the frustrations of the original, making it more accessible without sacrificing its demanding essence. Its grandiose open world, rich combat system, and unique atmosphere make it an unforgettable experience.

On the other hand, its high difficulty level, its sometimes laborious quests and its less poignant story than other games in the series, like the excellent Xenoblade Chronicles 3 , could put off some. If you are ready to invest in a titanic adventure, Xenoblade Chronicles X is an epic that deserves your full attention.

Mashable - Alex Perry - 4.5 / 5

The Switch port of 'Xenoblade Chronicles X' was entirely worth the wait, as developer Monolith Soft has done everything in its power to make the best possible version of the last Wii U classic.

Nintendo Life - PJ O'Reilly - 10 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is an expertly crafted revamp that gives us all the bells and whistles we could wish for in terms of graphical upgrades. However, it's actually Monolith Soft's attention to clever gameplay revisions that impresses most here. This is X streamlined and modernised, carefully recast and reset in order to play better than ever. Additional characters, a new ending, and all that snazzy stuff is all well and good, and fans will be excited by the fresh revelations that occur, but it's in how everything flows so much better now that we reckon the hardcore will find themselves most impressed. And for newcomers a recommendation is even easier; this is up there with the all-time great sci-fi RPGs and an absolute must-play.

PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 9 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X hit the market in 2015, so in December Nintendo could celebrate a decade of production. However, the Japanese decided to put the Definitive Edition on the market sooner, and without a doubt it was a really good decision. Not only because of the better graphics and new content, but mainly because of the numerous improvements - it's for them that the title is worth getting interested in.

Press Start - 9 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a reminder that X is one of the best entries in Xenoblade despite its differences. It's a weird and wonderful game that stands out in a franchise filled with bangers. This version doubles down on its strengths and supplements some of its weaknesses to make for the best version of X, and is a must buy for any JRPG fanatic.

RPG Site - Cullen Black, Adam Vitale - 9 / 10

This well deserved remaster of Xenoblade Chronicles X makes it easier than ever to appreciate one of the best open-world RPGs out there.

Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 8 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition offers an immersive experience for fans of open-world RPGs, with a massive world and engaging combat system, along with significant improvements to the graphics and user interface. Despite some minor flaws, the improvements and additions make it an experience well worth your time and attention.

Shacknews - TJ Denzer - 9 / 10

If you can get past its tedious organization and swaths of overleveled monsters in your way, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is incredible.

Siliconera - Jenni Lada - 9 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition feels like a stronger game on the Switch, and quality of life adjustments make it more enjoyable.

Spaziogames - Italian - 8.6 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X was the last missing piece to recreate the whole quadrilogy of Xenoblade Games on Nintendo Switch, and this Definitive Edition makes it justice. The team worked on most of the things that didn't work so well in the original (an already great game) and made it viable for both newcomers and old-time fans.

Stevivor - Steve Wright - 6.5 / 10

Xenoblade often felt like I was giving more than I was getting in return.

TheSixthAxis - Dominic Leighton - 9 / 10

With a smattering of improvements as it jumps to Nintendo Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition offers up an epic sci-fi tale set in one of the very best open worlds.

Video Chums - A.J. Maciejewski - 8.6 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition streamlines a lot of aspects of the original while providing an even more appealing visual aesthetic which truly makes it stand out as definitive indeed. It still has some baggage but fans and newcomers alike will find a lot to love here.

WellPlayed - Kieron Verbrugge - 9 / 10

The underdog in Monolith Soft's Xenoblade Chronicles series has never looked or played better, giving new life to a game that could have been destined to rot in the ill-fated WiiU's library. By boldly refitting its systems and gently touching up the already-beautiful art, along with adding some welcome chunks of all-new content, this Definitive Edition of Xenoblade Chronicles X is essential playing for fans new and old.

XGN.nl - Simon Kwee - Dutch - 9 / 10

Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition is a true joy to play, in no small part thanks to quality of life improvements in the UI, and gameplay tweaks that streamline the experience significantly. Add to that the new story content that clears up several loose ends of the original and you have a certified must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

 

[Kacho]

Are we eating good?

 

[Tonio]

Ongoing AMA on reddit:


By Gene Park:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/video-games/2025/03/18/xenoblade-chronicles-x-switch-review/

 

[Zacfoldor]

Yay, the game is excellent as expected!!!

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

The review thread is up! I'll continue to update it as more reviews are added to the game's OpenCritic page.

Edit: Chuck Berry Get in dude, reviews are starting to drop, lol!

 

[Kings Field]

 

[Herr Edgy]

Rewriting history for whatever reason

 

[mèx]

Looks good.

The original landed on 84.

 

[Mister Wolf]

Xenoblade X was ahead of its time. We weren't ready to appreciate it back then. We are now.

 

[jshackles]

I mean, I was always going to get this day one - but damn these reviews are hyping me up

 

[Arachnid]

Never played these. Can I start with this one?

 

[pulicat]

Let's go!

 

[Kacho]

Never played these. Can I start with this one?

Yep. Totally stand-alone.

 

[DonkeyPunchJr]

Let's go!

Man it still amazes me how they have all these mechs that transform into ground vehicles and they all look mechanically correct. And they show all your equipped weapons in both forms.

 

[Mister Wolf]

Never played these. Can I start with this one?

Yes. Xenoblade X isn't connected to Xenoblade 1 - 3 as far as we know. The new epilogue in this Definitive Edition may change that.

 

[Chuck Berry]

The review thread is up! I'll continue to update it as more reviews are added to the game's OpenCritic page.

Edit: Chuck Berry Get in dude, reviews are starting to drop, lol!

Thanks man!


Let's goooooo Friday! Haven't gone balls deep with a hardcore JRPG in ages it seems.

 

[delishcaek]

Game has always been a 10/10 for people like me who love the grind.

I still don't know if I am getting it now or when Switch 2 comes out. I'd hate to play again now and then they announce Switch 2 upgrades in 2 weeks...

/edit
oh to anyone new to this, focus on the story until chapter 5 or 6. That's when you get your Skell. Don't grind side missions before that, just play the story.

 

[Vyse]

I mean, I was always going to get this day one - but damn these reviews are hyping me up

Same. Let’s go!

 

[Mister Wolf]

I mean, I was always going to get this day one - but damn these reviews are hyping me up

I wonder why they chose not to make a Collectors Edition with a bundled artbook.

 

[Fake]

 

[Synless]

Are we eating good?

You eating damn good!

 

[Dr.Morris79]

 

[sigmaZ]

Played a bit. A great upgrade but still has some odd button defaults that feel a bit awkward after playing modern games.

 

[Darkness_Arises]

I was going to wait and play this on Switch 2. I might get it day one now. I hope my aging Switch can survive this. The fan was going crazy when I played XC3 on release.

 

[Regginator]

Great scores. This reminds me to finally get started on Xenoblade Chronicles DE. What's the difference between the two? I've heard that XC focuses on story and characters, whereas XCX has better gameplay and exploration... Is that about right?

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

 

[Toots]

Let's go!

Game looks better than half of PS5 library
Goddamit Nintendo couldn't you share this one with us other console players ???

 

[touchfuzzy]

This game always looks so cool in gifs and screenshots with the UI turned off and then I remember most of the time it looks like this when you're playing and it just makes me tired to look at:

 

[jshackles]

This game always looks so cool in gifs and screenshots with the UI turned off and then I remember most of the time it looks like this when you're playing and it just makes me tired to look at:

Thankfully the battle UI has been pretty streamlined over the original:

It definitely still has a learning curve to it, but it's not as visually cluttered as the original game.

 

[NeoIkaruGAF]

I took a look at Metacritic and apparently the WiiU version got stellar scores. I didn’t remember it, I would’ve bet it’d be one of those “yeah yeah, not a bad game per se but you know, lol, WiiU” games that got hit hard by the WiiU tax.
The game’s opening was absolutely overwhelming, so I never went past the very beginning in the city. I may get back to it one day, but right now I just don’t have the time to dedicate to such a huge game. This is an easy 100+ hours affair.

 

[Fbh]

Definitely playing this.
I skipped it originally because I wasn't in the mood for a super long JRPG and I remember being disappointed about the mechs only becoming available dozens of hours into the game.
By the time I actually was in the mood for it I no longer had my WiiU

Let's go!

Damn, we could consistently get games that look like this at native 4K 60fps on modern consoles.
Instead we get "nanite" and "lumen" at 720p 45fps.

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

Launch trailer:

 

[Boneless]

Ive never played a Xenoblade, hows the story of X?

 

[Kacho]

The game’s opening was absolutely overwhelming, so I never went past the very beginning in the city.

I recall having a similar experience. Didn't know wtf I was doing.

 

[rkofan87]

just got it with a nso voucher grab party as my 2 game.

 

[Danjin44]

The was good then and now its even better with all QoL changes.

Ive never played a Xenoblade, hows the story of X?

I has story but its much more sparse compare to numbered titles and you get most really good story moments from affinity quests.

 

[Werewolf Jones]

Ive never played a Xenoblade, hows the story of X?

Paper thin compared to its predecessors if you want open world anime get it. If you want an actual good story avoid.

Saying that though we'll see what the expansion brings and if the cat people are recruitable.

 

[Touch fuzZy. get BizZay]

Xenoblade X is a game whose time has come.

Should have been on Switch 2 and had a collector's edition.

 

[Danjin44]

Xenoblade X is a game whose time has come.

Should have been on Switch 2 and had a collector's edition.

My big guess is Monolith Soft has plan to release their new game on Switch 2.

 

[Puscifer]

I was going to wait and play this on Switch 2. I might get it day one now. I hope my aging Switch can survive this. The fan was going crazy when I played XC3 on release.

I mean it's from a weaker system I think you're good

 

[drganon]

Nice. I've said it before but it will be cool to play this for the first time since I never owned a wii u.

 

[Musashipan]

This game deserves a better score

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

Ive never played a Xenoblade, hows the story of X?

I've never played X and this is because it's story light compared to the main series.

Play 1-3 on Switch.

Whichbarensome of the best modern JRPGs ever.

 

[Hero_Select]

These are glowing reviews. Can't wait for thursday - picking up a physical copy.

 

[DonkeyPunchJr]

Ive never played a Xenoblade, hows the story of X?

I thought the story was pretty cool. Definitely not as much of a story emphasis as the other Xenoblade games but there’s still plenty there, and what’s there is good.

 

[Miyazaki’s Slave]

It is ‘effing known!!

 

[NanaMiku]

Hopefully Amazon send the digital code today so I can preload

 

[fart town usa]

This game is so effing dope! Really tempted to get this considering the servers are down for Wii U. I should check to see if it kept virtual copies of real characters, kind of like Skate, AI NPCs will skate around and they're people you may have played with in the past or people on your friends list. Neat feature.

XBX is such a juggernaut of a game. Newcomers who get hooked are in for such a treat.

 

[fart town usa]

I've never played X and this is because it's story light compared to the main series.

Play 1-3 on Switch.

Whichbarensome of the best modern JRPGs ever.

I think X is only light on story if you focus on main missions. There's plenty of story if you do the side missions. Don't ever plow through with main missions, because you'll lock yourself out of side stuff, and that side stuff is probably what you want to see.

 

[GigaBowser]

nintendo derstoying everything now nort woke just good games