The Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2 Edition got a full overview trailer today, detailing everything new ahead of its digital launch next Thursday, July 30, with the physical version following on October 1. The dates line up with what Nintendo announced when the Switch 2 Editions for all three mainline Xenoblade games were revealed during June’s Nintendo Direct, and this is the first detailed look at what the upgrade actually includes.
On the presentation side, the RPG runs at 60 FPS with 4K resolution in TV mode or full HD in handheld mode, and the in-game cutscenes have been enhanced with improved resolution, frame rate, and detail. Pyra and Mythra are also getting new outfit designs, which carry over from regular adventuring into cutscenes as well.
The bigger additions are on the gameplay side. A new mode called Merc Assault lets you choose up to six Blades to send out on each mission and control them directly, moving and fighting freely while switching which Blade you’re piloting at any time, with combined Blade specials serving as the key to clearing missions. The game is also adding MOMO, a new rare Blade who can swap between light and dark forms, changing both her appearance and elemental affinity in the process. Switch 2 players who already own Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on Switch can get all of this through the upgrade pack rather than buying the full game again.
It took me several tries to really get into Xenoblade Chronicles 2, but once it clicked, I absolutely loved the game and the experience, so I’m looking forward to checking out all the new content and hoping the game looks and runs as well on Switch 2 as this trailer suggests. Preorders are live now on the Nintendo eShop.
