Nintendo is reportedly offering refunds to customers dissatisfied with the recently released Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2, following widespread reports of visual downgrades and performance issues. The upgrade, intended to enhance the expansive sci-fi RPG, has instead drawn criticism from players who claim the fresh version looks worse than the original, citing problems with texture quality and upscaling techniques.
The situation unfolded rapidly after the game’s release on February 19, 2026, with numerous videos surfacing on YouTube detailing the perceived decline in graphical fidelity. Players have expressed disappointment that the Switch 2 edition doesn’t deliver the visual improvements expected for a next-generation console, and in some cases, appears to be a step backward. The core issue appears to center around the implementation of upscaling, which some users report results in a blurrier image compared to the original Switch release.
While Nintendo has not issued a formal statement addressing the specific complaints, reports indicate the company is processing refund requests from affected customers. This suggests an acknowledgement of the issues, even without a public apology or explanation. It remains unclear which development studio was responsible for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game, but players experiencing problems are being directed to contact Nintendo Support for assistance.
The Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 promised significant enhancements, including up to 4K¹ resolution in TV mode and up to 1080p resolution in handheld mode, both at a frame rate of up to 60fps. The upgrade pack² is similarly available for existing owners of the original Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on the Nintendo Switch. Yet, the current user experience appears to fall short of these promises for many players.
The game itself places players in the role of a customizable protagonist, a survivor of Earth’s destruction, who crashes on the mysterious planet Mira in the year 2054. Players are tasked with exploring a massive open world, battling enemies, and ultimately fighting for the future of humanity. A key feature of the game is the ability to pilot Skells – giant, mech-like vehicles – after proving oneself to the BLADE organization. Players can also participate in online squads of up to 31 players to complete tasks and tackle challenging content.
The situation highlights the challenges of porting and upgrading complex games to new hardware. While the Nintendo Switch 2 boasts increased processing power, achieving optimal performance and visual fidelity requires careful optimization, and testing. The current issues with Xenoblade Chronicles X serve as a cautionary tale for future game releases on the platform.
The availability of refunds suggests Nintendo is prioritizing customer satisfaction, even if it means absorbing the cost of a flawed upgrade. This approach could help mitigate further damage to the company’s reputation and maintain trust among its player base. The Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is currently available digitally on the Nintendo eShop and the My Nintendo Store.
As players continue to share their experiences and Nintendo processes refund requests, the future of the Xenoblade Chronicles X upgrade remains uncertain. It’s likely Nintendo will need to address the underlying technical issues through a patch or further optimization to fully realize the potential of the game on the Nintendo Switch 2. The company has not yet announced a timeline for any potential fixes.
Have you experienced issues with the Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition upgrade on the Nintendo Switch 2? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
¹Nintendo of America – Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
²Nintendo eShop – Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Upgrade Pack
