Xenoblade Chronicles 2 originally released right after the launch of the Switch hardware in 2017. While being considered a strong RPG, it had its share of performance issues, especially in handheld mode. The Switch had difficulty maintaining a decent resolution on the handheld screen while maintaining 30 FPS.

Monolith Soft and Nintendo have addressed those performance issues in the new Switch 2 version. They’re promising 4K/60 FPS in TV mode and 1080p/60 FPS in handheld mode, which is a significant improvement from the original. This applies to both gameplay and cutscenes.

These upgrades are also included in the Switch 2 version of the Torna – The Golden Country expansion, which can be played as its own standalone game. If you already have Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on Switch, you can upgrade to the Switch 2 version for $9.99, but prepare some extra space in your storage, as the upgrade will occupy an extra 20-25 GB. It’s a hefty download.

Also included in the Switch 2 version are new outfits for Pyra and Mythra, a new mode called Merc Assault which allows the player to switch freely between their Blades as they fight, plus a rare blade called Momo.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and Torna – The Golden Country are out now for Nintendo Switch 2 in the eShop, with the physical versions releasing October 1, 2026. Check out the overview trailer below:

Lead Rex, Pyra, and the world to refuge in an enhanced adventure

Lost in a sea of clouds, entire civilizations rest on the backs of Titans. As the giant beasts march toward death, the last hope is a scavenger named Rex—and Pyra, a living weapon known as a Blade. Command a group of Blades and lead them to countless strategic victories as you search for the fabled paradise Pyra calls home.

This journey has been enhanced with 4K* resolution in TV mode, and full HD in handheld mode, at 60 frames per second—and with smoother and sharper cutscenes.

Make allies—and enemies

The search for Elysium will lead you further than you can imagine. You won’t make it alone.

REX – Rex makes a living salvaging treasure from the Cloud Sea. He lives on the back of a Titan he calls “Gramps”. When Rex meets Pyra, his world changes forever.

PYRA – Rex’s partner and a Blade who commands the power of fire. Together with Rex, she aims for paradise.

NIA – Nia can be prickly, but she grows fond of Rex and the rest of the party over time.

JIN – Leader of the Torna, Jin is as mysterious as he is deadly.

MALOS – Malos is Torna’s second-in-command, and a dangerous foe.

BLADES – These living weapons come from Core Crystals. Blades give their Driver access to special weapons and powers. Each Driver can equip up to three blades at a time, so you can customize your combat style.

Battle together to survive

The bond between Driver and Blade is special—and powerful. See how the two can fight together to take down the toughest of enemies.

Regular Arts

As Drivers auto-attack enemies with their weapons, their Arts will power up. They can then be used to do extra damage, cause special effects, and more.

Special Arts and combos

Using Arts charges up a Blade’s Special Art, a powerful attack with four levels of intensity. You can even chain together these attacks in Blade Combos to do massive damage to your enemies!

Customize your party

You can modify Drivers and Blades in many ways. Equip gear and accessories to grant them a stat boost, and unlock skills through each character’s own Affinity Chart.

Enhance your adventure

Enjoy new gameplay features available only in the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Experience 4K* resolution in TV mode and full HD in handheld mode, all at a snappy 60 frames per second—including smoother and sharper cutscenes.

Discover a new rare Blade

MOMO has two forms—light and dark—that you can swap between to change her appearance and elemental affinity. She also has a quest to complete.

Master the new Merc Assault mode

Directly command your Blades in a new action-battle mode. Choose up to six Blades to send out on missions where you move, fight, and swap freely between the Blades under your command. Combining Blade Specials will be key to victory!

New outfits for Pyra and Mythra

Customize Pyra and Mythra while adventuring and during cutscenes with new looks exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.

Improved framerate

At 60 frames per second, battling and exploring across the Cloud Sea have never felt so smooth.

Higher resolutions

In TV mode, experience the adventure like never before in 4K resolution. Enjoy full HD in handheld mode, too.

Expansion Pass available

Gain access to some titanic additions, including more Rare Blades like Shulk and Fiora, bonus items, new quests, Challenge Battle mode, and the additional story mode Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country** (also available as a standalone game).

Experience it all on Nintendo Switch 2

This game is the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. It includes the Nintendo Switch game plus the upgrade pack***, which adds more features and enhancements for play on Nintendo Switch 2.

Already have the game for Nintendo Switch?

Go for just the upgrade pack to enhance your game!

[Nintendo]