Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has always been a game that pushed the original Nintendo Switch harder than it probably should have. Its huge environments and ambitious presentation were often let down by low resolution and inconsistent performance. But given the hardware upgrades of the Switch 2, it was only a matter of time before this Monolith Soft JRPG got the makeover it deserved. Finally, on July 30, 2026, the Switch 2 Edition dropped, and after playing it almost nonstop since then, I'm happy to say that it met my expectations , for the most part.
Alrest in a New Light
Having played both Xenoblade games before and after their Switch 2 upgrades, the visual improvements here immediately reminded me of what Nintendo did with the first game. The Switch 2 Edition runs at up to 4K when docked and 1080p in handheld mode, making it look much sharper and cleaner.
Similarly to Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, the move to 60fps is also a game-changer. Walking through Torigoth or fighting in the Old Factory in Mor Ardain used to feel like the game was running in slow motion, but now the overall experience is smoother and more enjoyable.
Unfortunately, the sudden frame drops and jitters that plague the Switch 2 Edition of the first game are also present here, albeit far less prevalent.
More Than Meets the Eye
Merc Assault
The Switch 2 Edition isn't just about making the game look and run better. The upgrade also brings a handful of new additions, the most interesting of which is Merc Assault.
This new mode gives players another way to complete the tedious Merc Missions without having to wait in-game time. You take direct control of your Blades and use them in a much more action-oriented combat style, creating a more enjoyable and interactive experience. Completing a Merc Assault mission for the first time rewards new outfits for Pyra and Mythra.
A Familiar Face Joins the Party
The update also introduces a new Blade called MOMO, adding to the list of crossover characters from the Xenosaga series alongside KOS-MOS and T-elos.
Her core crystal is obtained through a quest from Tora fairly early in the game, so there's no need to spend hours grinding for Legendary Cores to unlock this useful support Blade.
Wielding Bunnie, her adorable Bitball, MOMO heals and buffs the party while alternating between two forms:
- Real Mode , gives her a Light affinity
- Imaginary Mode , gives her a Dark affinity
Small Changes, Big Differences
For many players, one of the most impactful parts of the upgrade is the overhaul to the Field Skills system. Previously, you had to keep swapping Blades around whenever you needed a specific skill. That annoyance is now completely gone , every Blade you own counts toward Field Skill checks, whether equipped or not.
On top of that, instead of hearing every character contributing to a check deliver their voice line one after another, the game now picks just one of them to speak, making the entire process much quicker.
Together, these changes make Field Skills feel like they work with the player rather than against them.
Verdict
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was always held back by the hardware it originally released on, and the Switch 2 Edition finally gives the game some much-needed breathing room.
After spending hundreds of hours with Xenoblade Chronicles 2, returning to it on Switch 2 has been a noticeably better experience. The improvements are not flawless, but they address many of the frustrations that made the original version harder to enjoy and make a real difference when playing today.
If you have never experienced this journey, this is the version to start with , recommended without hesitation. And if you have already spent way too many hours in Alrest, the Switch 2 Edition makes another playthrough very tempting.
Score: 9/10
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a great excuse to return to Alrest. The original game was always held back by its hardware, but the Switch 2 Edition finally lets it show what it can do. The new additions and quality-of-life changes make the journey much easier to enjoy. It's not perfect, but the improvements make this an easy recommendation for anyone looking to experience Rex's journey for the first time , or jump back into it again.
