Xenoblade Chronicles X was considered an obscure Nintendo title until very recently, but Xenoblade the fanbase is happy to see it finally getting some new attention. With Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition heading to the Switch, it cements the series as the latest member of an unusual pair.
The latest announcement that Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will be heading to the Switch this coming March surprised Nintendo fans. Seeing another Wii U exclusive become more widely available is a good sign that the company is showing love to all of its IPs. With the title soon available on the current generation console, Xenoblade series joins Pikmin series as only the second first-party Nintendo series to have all of its mainline games released on Switch. To see these two titles receive this honor over mainstay franchises such as Mario and Zelda games may be a head scratcher for some, but the decision could mean Nintendo is considering a new direction and giving more attention to its underrated IPs.
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Critically acclaimed Wii U exclusive finally confirmed for Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Announces First-Party Title Coming to Switch in 2025; however, it is not a brand new game.
Xenoblade Chronicles X is coming to Nintendo Switch
Xenoblade has become one of Nintendo's most unique and complex series in recent years, blending the JRPG style with action, excellent storytelling and incredible environments, but it started life as a hidden gem. Developed by Monolith Soft, a first-party Nintendo developer, Xenoblade Chronicles was first released for the Wii without much fanfare. It wasn't until its main character, Shulk, was chosen to join Super Smash Bros. list that the game began to see more mainstream appeal, leading to a port of the game on the New 3DS.
This success would also lead to a second and third title, both initially released on the Switch, and a Switch-native definitive edition of the first game. That would leave only the series' second title, Xenoblade Chronicles Xas a Wii U exclusive – until recently, that is. The announcement trailer for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition completed the process of bringing each Xenoblade game to the same console for the first time.
The most elusive Xenoblade game finds a new home
The Xenoblade the fanbase is particularly excited about the latest announcement as even some of the series' biggest fans have yet to experience Xenoblade Chronicles X. Due to the game originally being released for the Wii U, one of Nintendo's worst selling consoles, and due to it coming out just as the series was starting to take off, it wasn't a particularly high-selling title. Even so, fans who have played it usually consider it one of the best Xenoblade game, prefer it Xenoblade Chronicles 2. The choice to bring Xenoblade Chronicles X to the Switch ensures that existing fans can now experience the entire franchise, while making it easier for new fans to get into the series.
Pikmin becomes a Flashship franchise
As Xenoblade, Pikmin is another Nintendo IP that debuted fairly recently compared to the company's classic titles. The first one Pikmin the game was released for the Gamecube in 2001, with a sequel 3 years later for the same console. However, the series would be dark until Pikmin 3 came out for the Wii U in 2013. The third game's success would lead to Pikmin 4which was released on Switch last year. Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, has even said that he sees Pikmin as a flagship franchise for the company, so it's likely that more games are on the way. Some even believe Pikmin 5 may be in the works for Switch 2. This may be why both Pikmin 1+2 Pack and Pikmin 3 was re-released on Switch.
A Pikmin spinoff in the works
As proof of the importance of Pikmin franchise, it has already been confirmed that another game is in the works. It is believed that this game will be one Pikmin spin-off title rather than Pikmin 5joins two other spin-offs still relegated to mobile and 3DS. The upcoming game, whatever it may be, is believed to be coming out for the Switch's successor, ensuring that Pikmin has a future as a Nintnedo mainstay. That future looks bright for both Pikmin and Xenobladeand the fans can pick up Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on March 20, 2025.
Rebuild humanity on the mysterious planet Mira in this action RPG.
The year is 2054. Earth has been destroyed by an intergalactic war between two alien races, and humanity is on the brink of annihilation. A small number of survivors, aboard the USS White Whale, crash land on the vast and untamed planet of Mira – and now it's up to you, as a member of BLADE, to help bring humanity back from the brink of extinction…with the help of powerful giant robots called Skells!
Choose from a wide variety of special attacks, skills, and classes in a battle system that's as deep as you want it to be. Once you've proven yourself to BLADE, you'll earn the right to pilot and customize your very own Skell—a powerful machine that can fly, transform into a vehicle for fast land travel, and wield immense strength in battle with customizable weapons and armor.
As you embark on the rebuilding effort and get to know the people of New Los Angeles (NLA), you'll bond with your party members and unlock quests for equipment and other rewards. Join your choice of military organization within BLADE to take on even more missions – or even team up with up to 32 players from near and far online* in Squad Tasks, Online Missions and extra challenging Global Nemesis Battles!
- Released
- March 10, 2025
- Publisher
- Nintendo
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Number of players
- 1 (single player), 1-32 (multiplayer)
