Quick Read
- Nintendo is issuing refunds for the Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade.
- Players reported dissatisfaction with the upgrade’s visual quality despite promises of 4K resolution and 60 frames per second.
- The premium upgrade was priced at $4.99 USD.
- Initial reviews praised the consistent 60fps, but users noted issues like upscaled visuals and pop-in.
- Refunds are being processed through Nintendo’s eShop customer support.
YEREVAN (Azat TV) – Nintendo is reportedly issuing refunds for the recently released Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade, following a wave of player dissatisfaction regarding its visual quality. The premium update, which launched earlier this week, was marketed with promises of 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, but many users have criticized the actual graphical fidelity as falling short of expectations.
The Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, priced at £4.19 or $4.99 USD, aimed to enhance the beloved open-world RPG for Nintendo’s latest console. While some initial reviews, such as one from TechRadar, lauded the consistent 60 frames per second performance, even in graphically demanding areas, player feedback quickly highlighted perceived shortcomings in image quality. Dissatisfied users reported that long-range textures appeared to have a convolution filter applied, and the overall image seemed to be an upscaled and heavily anti-aliased Full HD rather than a true high-resolution experience, as detailed by Eurogamer.
Player Dissatisfaction Prompts Nintendo Refunds
Player complaints emerged almost immediately after the game’s release on February 19, 2026. Many users contrasted the Switch 2 upgrade unfavorably with the Wii U version of the original game, which they claimed could achieve superior 4K visuals when played through emulators like Cemu. These vocal complaints prompted Nintendo to begin processing refunds, with instructions for unhappy players to contact the company via the eShop’s customer support form.
Despite the criticism regarding visual clarity, the technical improvements in performance were notable. The upgrade consistently maintained its 60fps target, even during intense combat sequences and in environments dense with foliage, which was a significant improvement over previous iterations. However, some inherent issues from the original Wii U release and the initial Switch port of the Definitive Edition persisted, including menus still displaying at 30fps, instances of dynamic resolution, and noticeable pop-in effects, particularly in the hub city of New LA and the lush jungles of the Noctilum biome.
Future Implications for Monolith Soft and Switch 2
The incident raises questions about the expectations for future ‘Definitive Edition’ re-releases on the Nintendo Switch 2, especially for other titles in the critically acclaimed Xenoblade Chronicles series. Developer Monolith Soft has historically been praised for optimizing massive games on Nintendo’s hardware, but the user backlash against this particular upgrade suggests that players now expect more substantial graphical overhauls from premium next-generation ports. The Switch 2’s more powerful specifications are expected to free developers from previous hardware constraints, setting a higher bar for visual fidelity.
The decision by Nintendo to issue refunds for a premium upgrade underscores the growing importance of meeting player expectations for graphical enhancements on new console hardware. As the gaming industry progresses, the distinction between a simple performance bump and a truly ‘definitive’ visual upgrade becomes increasingly critical for player satisfaction and trust.