Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition Reviews

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is ranked in the 98th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition's appearance on the Switch has been a long time coming, but it couldn't have come at a better moment. It's the sort of immersive, feel-good experience that gels well with a modern quarantined life. It begs to be lost in, and boasts a phenomenal story, memorable characters, and a beautiful world to explore. Not even the periodically clunky combat can get in the way of that.

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9.5 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Sure, there were likely some expecting a grander visual overhaul, but that doesn't take away from the care put into the package. There is even an additional dozen-hour epilogue if you're in the mood for more Xenoblade. All in all, I am just happy that the game still grips me as much as before. Definitive Edition makes me remember why I love Shulk, his world, and all the wonders that come along for the ride.

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9.5 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles, even after 9 years, is still one of the best jRPGs around. Dive into game's massive world to experience the unforgettable journey.

Review in Russian | Read full review

9.6 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the greatest video games ever created and this Definitive Edition manages to make it even better. Plus, the lovely bonus chapter acts as a delightful cherry on top.

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9 / 10.0
Jun 22, 2026

The upgrade on the original Switch helped give it the recognition it deserved, and the latest upgrade on the Switch 2 makes it the must-buy version of the first Xenoblade Chronicles game. The title might be a mouthful, but Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is the best way to get started or relive the beginning of Xenoblade Chronicles.

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70 / 100
Jun 22, 2026

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition for Switch 2 delivers the definitive way to experience one of the greatest JRPGs ever made, thanks to its sharper visuals, smooth 60fps performance, and welcome quality-of-life additions. Features such as the Ether Jet, Nopon Grand Prix, and newly voiced Heart-to-Hearts add extra value, even if the core adventure remains largely unchanged.

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Recommended
Jun 22, 2026

Overall, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is still a good RPG with partially interesting visual design, a solid story, and great music. Thus, it is the best way to experience the game on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Review in German | Read full review

95 / 100
Jun 22, 2026

Xenoblade Chronicles remains one of those games that withstands the test of time without needing to reinvent itself. Its blend of exploration, narrative, and combat continues to work with surprising power, and this Nintendo Switch 2 version polishes many of its technical limitations, offering the most comfortable and fluid way to enjoy it to date. Not everything has aged equally well, but the whole still rests on such a solid foundation that its impact remains undiminished. In the end, it's a colossal adventure with a very distinct identity that simply plays better than ever.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9 / 10
Jun 22, 2026

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition proves once again why this franchise holds such a special place within the RPG landscape. This is neither a spectacular remake nor a game that completely reinvents itself. What you get is a timeless classic that finally runs as it always should have. It is the first of the three Xenoblade games to receive this Switch 2 treatment. Xenoblade 2 and Xenoblade 3 can also look forward to Nintendo Switch 2 editions, in July and December respectively. And I think that’s fantastic.

Review in Dutch | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jun 17, 2026

The Switch 2 Edition comfortably earns its place as the definitive way to experience Shulk’s adventure.

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Jun 22, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition brings the Wii classic back with a striking visual overhaul, quality‑of‑life improvements, and a polished new epilogue story. Its vast world, emotional narrative, and refined combat system make it clear why the game is considered a modern JRPG landmark.

Review in Finnish | Read full review

9.5 / 10.0
May 28, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition definitely provides value for money. The main story alone will take around 70 hours to complete, but there’s easily over 100 hours of gameplay on offer here for those players that want to spend more time completing the many side quests, building character affinities and of course completing the new Future Connected epilogue. I can’t commend the effort Monolith Soft have put into this release of the game. Not only has it been graphically overhauled and had it’s soundtrack remastered, it’s packed full of quality of life improvements that make it such a joy to play and also comes life’s with a brand new epilogue story, making sure even long time veterans of the game have something brand new to jump into and enjoy.

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Essential
Jun 11, 2020

Xenoblade’s unwavering quality – even after almost a decade – proves it’s worthy to stand among the other “greats” of the genre.

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May 27, 2020

Unfortunately for Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, the Nintendo Switch isn't exactly hurting for Japanese role-playing games, though few can match its breadth and width. If you've been curious about the title and managed to miss out on both the Wii and 3DS versions, picking up the Switch one is practically a no-brainer, even if it does feel like a bit of a throwback. If you've played it before and loved it, maybe Future Connected is plenty enough reason to return. But if you are just generally interested in games more broadly, there are probably better uses of your time. If they had seriously reworked the combat in some way, it probably wouldn't really be Xenoblade Chronicles any longer, but I imagine I also would have had a much better time with it.

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8.8 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition is first and foremost one of the best restoration works that we have been able to try for some years now. Refined, improved, expanded and with a technical sector in line with the current productions available on Nintendo Switch.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

All in all, Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition is a fantastic title that's well worth playing. With a story you'll remember for a long time to come, characters to love, and a particularly good combat system, the game is well worth playing. Especially on the Switch, the game comes into its own thanks to the option to play handheld.‎

Review in Dutch | Read full review

Sep 30, 2020

Remastering a game from a beloved franchise can always be a dangerous game, especially one that’s held in such high regard as Xenoblade Chronicles. There are three groups that will be picking up this game and it’s important they’re all treated with the respect they deserve. Firstly you have the dedicated and hardcore fans that will want to have everything as it was, with minimal changes as to not risk damaging the memories of a game they hold dear. Then you’ll have the players who are familiar with the series but may have missed this entry; essentially they’re going back in time to try out a game whilst comparing it to the newer entries in the series.

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Geeks Under Grace
Derek Thompson
9.5 / 10.0
Jul 21, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the greatest JRPGs ever made, and that remains true 10 years later.

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9.5 / 10.0
Jun 15, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch with a flawless re-imagining of the cult-classic JRPG.

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8 / 10.0
Aug 18, 2020

This new version is the best thing that has ever happened to the original Xenoblade Chronicles.

Review in Greek | Read full review