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  1. Games
  2. JRPGs
  3. Xenoblade Chronicles
  4. Xenoblade Chronicles X

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition saddens JRPG fans with "really disappointing" Switch 2 upgrade that's "worse than the Wii U version" – and Nintendo is apparently offering refunds in turn

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By Anna Koselke published 23 February 2026

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Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition became the first in the 16-year-old JRPG series to get a Switch 2 upgrade on February 19 – but fans have already taken issue with what they now dub a "very disappointing" purchase, reportedly prompting refunds from Nintendo.

The base game itself broke free from Wii U prison one year ago with a well-received Switch 1 port, the Definitive Edition, only to now be revamped in 2026 with improved visuals once again for Nintendo's new console – or, at least, that was the plan.

Folks aren't exactly thrilled with the upgrade, which is supposed to feature a shiny 4K resolution "at a smooth frame rate of up to 60 FPS" when docked and the same frames with 1080p in handheld mode.

A quick look at the game's Reddit forum shows as much, with one post warning, "Don't run this version handheld, until the visuals are fixed!" Another simply offers a meme about the game while docked versus while running in handheld.

Over on YouTube, there are also plenty of discussions regarding the new Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition upgrade, along with comparisons of the older Switch 1 port side-by-side.

Latest Videos From
Watch full video here:
Nintendo is refunding Xenoblade X upgrade patch from r/Xenoblade_Chronicles

So, what has come of all this? Refunds, apparently. In mere days post-launch, people are alleging that Nintendo is indeed granting refund requests to saddened fans.

A thread on the matter outlines how one player apparently managed to snag their money back, with comments showing others claiming to have also received a refund. They state that they asked for the refund while "saying that the image quality of the upgraded version is worse than the original game (which is true)."

The poster continues: "They said that they normally don't refund digital games but can do in this case after analyzing the problem." They explain that they requested a refund in the first place due to the Switch 2 Edition not being the "Nintendo quality I expected," and people replying largely agree.

Some call the upgrade "really disappointing," while others amusingly declare, "it looks worse than the Wii U version" from 2015. Another writes: "This is not OK for charging $5."

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Unsurprisingly, though, not everyone agrees. Various responses show players who are happy enough with the upgrade – but with so many evidently disappointed fans, I wouldn't be too surprised myself if Nintendo really was offering refunds.

Looking for more? Have a quick browse through our roundup of the best JRPGs to play right now – if you're done with Xenoblade Chronicles X, of course.

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CATEGORIES
Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Platforms Nintendo
Anna Koselke
Anna Koselke
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Staff Writer

After spending years with her head in various fantastical realms' clouds, Anna studied English Literature and then Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, going on to specialize in narrative design and video game journalism as a writer. She has written for various publications since her postgraduate studies, including Dexerto, Fanbyte, GameSpot, IGN, PCGamesN, and more. When she's not frantically trying to form words into coherent sentences, she's probably daydreaming about becoming a fairy druid and befriending every animal or she's spending a thousand (more) hours traversing the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3. If you spot her away from her PC, you'll always find Anna with a fantasy book, a handheld video game console of some sort, and a Tamagotchi or two on hand.

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