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

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.

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."

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.