Xenoblade Chronicles X On Switch Is A Bigger Deal Than You Might Realize

3 hours ago 2

However, while fans have been enjoying the Switch releases of all three games, there are many who haven't had the chance to play the all-important spin-off Xenoblade Chronicles X, one of the best open-world JRPGs. That's because, until recently, it was trapped on Nintendo's relatively unsuccessful Wii U. However, Nintendo surprisingly announced that XBCX is coming to the Nintendo Switch. While it is seemingly not that big of a deal for the publisher - it didn't even get mentioned in a Direct - for fans, this is a huge deal.

Xenoblade Chronicles Is Finally Complete On Switch

The Last Game In The Series Has Been Ported Over

Xenoblade Chronicles X coming to the Nintendo Switch means that the entire series is finally available on the same platform, giving Switch players access to the best JRPGs of all time. This is important not just as it means that dedicated fans don't have to splash out on a still surprisingly expensive Wii U, but also because Xenoblade Chronicles X, despite being a spin-off, has ties to the main trilogy. It is referenced a number of times, with characters appearing as cameos and allusions being made, especially at the end of Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

However, the fact that the entire series is available on the same platform across the world speaks to the enormous success of what was once intended to be a Japan and Europe exclusive. In an alternative future - perhaps one in which humanity lives on the backs of giant titans - Xenoblade Chronicles faded into cult classic status like Xenosaga and Xenogears before it. However, thanks somewhat to the efforts of the Operation Rainfall movement, Xenoblade Chronicles was brought over to North America and the rest is history.

Reggie Fils-Aime mentioned in an interview with Siliconera that Operation Rainfall didn't directly affect Nintendo's decision to bring Xenoblade Chronicles to North America. However, it was certainly noticed, and likely had an effect, especially considering that prior to the campaign, Nintendo had stated it had absolutely no plans to release Xenoblade Chronicles in North America.

Newcomers and fans alike will finally be able to understand all the various references and see Tetsuya Takahashi and Monolith Soft's vision for the series in its complete form. Additionally, fans will likely get some clarity about the rather abrupt cliffhanger at the end of the game as the Definitive Edition adds new story content. If it's anything like Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition's additional story content, it will be a huge deal for fans.

The Switch Now Has All The Best Wii U Games

Xenoblade Chronicles X Was The Final Holdover

Xenoblade Chronicles X art showing a mech overlooking a sci-fi settlement on an alien planet.

The Wii U had a number of incredible games that relatively few people had the opportunity to play thanks to the console's poor sales. This included Mario Kart 8, The Wonderful 101, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, Super Mario Maker, Pikmin 3, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, and so many more. Fortunately, all of these eventually got a Nintendo Switch port, bringing over the majority of the Wii U's library of excellent games.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Open World Is A Blueprint For Other JRPGs to Follow

Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s Open World Is A Great Blueprint For JRPGs

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 has launched on the Nintendo Switch and features an open world map that should be the blueprint for future JRPGs.

However, the one game that hadn't been brought over was Xenoblade Chronicles X, the game that pushed the console to its absolute limits and was widely regarded as one of the best Wii U games of all time. Now that it's coming to the Nintendo Switch, it marks the end of its exclusivity as well as the final Wii U masterpiece coming to the platform. Xenoblade Chronicles X finally launching on the Switch is a dream come true for both fans of the series and fans of Nintendo's misunderstood console.

Sources: YouTube/Nintendo of America, Siliconera