Nintendo Announces Release Date for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
Though we’re mere months away from the reveal of the Switch’s successor, Nintendo still has some unfinished business with its current hardware. Nintendo has announced that Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, a remaster of Monolith Soft’s 2015 action RPG, will launch on the Switch on March 20, 2025. According to the press release, the remaster features enhanced visuals and added story elements.
Nintendo released a new trailer to mark the occasion and its opening seconds feel hilariously on the nose. There’s something deeply ironic about the trailer for a Switch port of a ten-year-old Wii U game starting with the dialogue, “Well, here we are. Not too shabby, huh?” It’s like a tongue-in-cheek joke acknowledging there’s a wealth of Wii U games in desperate need of salvation (coughs Wind Waker coughs) and Xenoblade Chronicles X was one of the lucky ones to get a lifeboat off the sunken, inaccessible ship that is the Nintendo back catalogue.
In addition to porting old Wii U games, Nintendo’s still releasing new titles in the twilight days of the Switch. Mario & Luigi: Brothership is due out next week. Nintendo’s also confirmed that Metroid Prime 4 will get a Switch release too.
Discussion
In light of this news, we gathered a panel of gaming experts to discuss the implications of these releases and the future of the Nintendo Switch. Joining us are:
- Dr. Emily Carter, Video Game Historian
- James Nolan, Gaming Industry Analyst
- Sarah Lee, Community Manager at a major gaming platform
Panel Discussion
Moderator: What are your thoughts on Nintendo’s choice to remaster Xenoblade Chronicles X now, especially with the impending launch of their next console?
Dr. Carter: It makes sense from a business perspective. There’s a nostalgia factor and an established fanbase that will appreciate the remaster, which can also help span the transition to the next console.
James Nolan: Absolutely, but I also believe this reflects their acknowledgment of the gaps in their library. They have a unique opportunity here to bring over titles that may have been overlooked during the Wii U era.
Sarah Lee: Let’s not forget the community aspect. The more they expand their library, the more they engage with both new and returning players, which is essential as they prepare for the next generation.
Final Thoughts
As we anticipate the release of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, it’s clear that Nintendo is not just resting on their laurels. Their strategy to remaster beloved titles while also developing new games speaks to their commitment to their fanbase.
What do you think about Nintendo’s strategy? Will you be picking up the remaster? Share your thoughts in the comments below!