The Xenoblade Series Desperately Needs a Resolution Upgrade on Switch 2

Pyra and Mythra in front of a Switch 2
Credit: Nintendo, Monolith Soft

Pyra and Mythra in front of a Switch 2
Credit: Nintendo, Monolith Soft

Monolith’s Xenoblade Chronicles series saw a massive resurgence on Switch, with every game now playable on Nintendo’s hybrid system. It’s hard to believe that fans had to petition for the first game’s release on Wii all those years ago, and now the series is a Nintendo signature. We still can’t believe these huge RPGs are Switch exclusive.

Although all three games are perfectly playable on Switch, the Xenoblade series desperately needs a resolution update on Switch 2. Some of these games sacrificed a clearer resolution for playability on the handheld-console hybrid, and it worked. Now that the Switch 2 is much more powerful, these games deserve a resolution upgrade.

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What’s the resolution for Nintendo’s Xenoblade games on Switch?

Every Xenoblade game on Switch runs at 540p on handheld mode and 720p on docked.

Xenoblade screenshot
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Credit: Nintendo, Monolith Soft
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

It’s not too noticeable when playing the game on a Switch OLED or Lite, but it becomes pretty obvious when comparing it to similar titles. Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom might not be an entirely original game, but it is a smooth 720p on handheld mode. The same can’t be said for these epic RPGs, although they’re all worth playing.

Luckily, the anime art style of the Xenoblade series helps fans overlook some of its visual shortcomings. Monolith really gave its all with these titles, as they are enormous in scope and don’t make any significant gameplay sacrifices. We might be able to appreciate the visuals more on a Switch 2, though.

Why does the Xenoblade series need a resolution update on Switch 2?

We want the Xenoblade games to reach their visual potential on Switch 2.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 screenshot
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Credit: Nintendo, Monolith Soft
Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Everyone understands why these games had their resolution cut to work on the Switch. It was so players could enjoy these massive adventures without any gameplay hiccups while keeping the art style visible. These Monolith RPGs pushed the Switch’s limits, and we appreciate the sacrifices made to make them playable on these systems.

However, with games like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet getting free upgrades, Xenoblade should be next. Having a resolution boost on handheld and docked mode for Switch 2 would make these already fantastic games even better, as these graphics can finally run uncompromised. A 60 FPS boost wouldn’t hurt either, but that’s not needed for these games since their battle systems feel automated.

Tell me you don’t want to see Pyra and Mythra in proper 720p or even 1080p in handheld mode.

Will the Xenoblade games get resolution updates on Switch 2?

Nothing’s been confirmed, but we see it happening.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 screenshot
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Credit: Nintendo, Monolith Soft
Xenoblade Chronicles 3

The Xenoblade games could get free updates that make their resolution clearer. We could also see these titles getting paid updates so they get a ton of improvements, like 4K resolution and that fancy 60 FPS gameplay. Nintendo could go either way for these games, but we assume paid editions are coming, so the company can make more money.

Although we’d love to see these games get resolution upgrades, they’re still worth buying on your regular Switch. There’s a reason why people love these games, since they offer epic and emotional stories that few RPGs can touch. Even the DLC for these titles gets praised, since they’re able to match their emotions and even improve on the already-acclaimed gameplay.

Stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com, the best website for Switch 2 and Xenoblade.