### Xenoblade Chronicles X on Switch 2: A Nostalgic Glitch-fest We Didn’t Ask For
Ah, Xenoblade Chronicles X—a game that holds a special place in the hearts of Wii U owners (all 12 of you). Now, the Switch 2 version is here, and it’s… well, let’s just say it’s a trip down memory lane, complete with potholes. Nintendo, in all its infinite wisdom, has decided to port this iconic title to their shiny new hardware. But instead of a seamless remaster, we’re getting a glitchy mess that feels more like a beta test for a game that came out *eight years ago*. Bravo, Nintendo. Bravo.
Let’s dive into what makes this “new-and-improved” edition so… unique, and by unique, I mean frustratingly broken.
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### The Good, the Bad, and the Downright Infuriating
#### The Good (Because We’re Trying to Be Positive)
– **Upgraded Graphics**: Yes, the game looks better than it did on the Wii U. But considering the Wii U’s graphical prowess was somewhere between “early PS3” and “meh,” that’s not exactly a high bar to clear.
– **Portable Play**: Finally, you can take Xenoblade Chronicles X on the go! Just be prepared for your Switch 2 to sound like a jet engine trying to process the game’s massive open world.
– **Nostalgia Overload**: For those who loved the original, this is a chance to relive your favorite moments—assuming you can get past the bugs.
#### The Bad (Where Do We Start?)
– **Glitches Galore**: From disappearing characters to enemies that randomly T-pose, this version is a masterclass in how not to port a game.
– **Frame Rate Woes**: The Switch 2 is supposed to be more powerful than its predecessor, yet somehow, the frame rate still dips harder than your Wi-Fi during a Zoom call.
– **Audio Sync Issues**: Nothing says “immersive RPG experience” like lip-syncing that looks like it was done by a ventriloquist.
#### The Infuriating
– **No Quality-of-Life Improvements**: Remember how everyone complained about the clunky menu system in the original? Well, guess what? It’s still clunky!
– **Mandatory Updates**: The game shipped with a day-one patch that fixes exactly zero of the major issues. Classic Nintendo.
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### Pros & Cons
#### Pros:
– Portable Xenoblade Chronicles X
– Slightly better graphics
– Hits you right in the nostalgia
#### Cons:
– Glitches that make Cyberpunk 2077 look polished
– Frame rate drops in key combat moments
– Zero effort in addressing original gameplay complaints
– Feels more like a cash grab than a thoughtful remaster
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### What Could Nintendo Have Done Better?
We get it, game development is hard. But when you’re re-releasing a beloved title on a brand-new console, the least you can do is make sure it runs smoothly. Here are a few ideas for Nintendo to consider (feel free to take notes, guys):
1. **Optimize for New Hardware**: The Switch 2 is supposed to be a powerhouse. So why does this game run like it’s on life support?
2. **Fix Known Issues**: The original game wasn’t perfect, but eight years should have been plenty of time to address its flaws.
3. **Listen to the Fans**: Players have been begging for quality-of-life improvements. Instead, we got T-posing enemies. Thanks for that.
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### Related Reading
If you’re interested in other Nintendo missteps, check out our article on Nintendo’s Cloud Gaming Experiment. Spoiler alert: It’s not great.
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### Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Your Time?
If you’re a die-hard Xenoblade fan, you might be willing to overlook the game’s flaws. But for everyone else, this feels like a lazy cash grab masquerading as a remaster. Nintendo has a history of re-releasing old games with minimal effort, and unfortunately, Xenoblade Chronicles X on the Switch 2 is no exception.
So, should you buy it? If you’re a masochist or just really love T-posing, go for it. Otherwise, maybe wait for a patch—or better yet, play something else.
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### Call to Action
What do you think about the new Xenoblade Chronicles X? Are you willing to overlook the glitches for a taste of nostalgia, or is this one port you’re skipping? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles, like Top 10 Nintendo Switch Games of 2023, for more gaming goodness.
