Monolith Soft may be hinting at a remaster of its action role-playing game, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The official Twitter/X account for Monolith Soft has shared a job listing for the position of Effects Designer. The tweet explained that the role creates various visual effects, covering a wide range from phenomena that exist in reality, like flames, to things without a fixed form, such as damage effects for attacks, enriching the player’s experience. To give an example, the post was accompanied by a brief video clip from Xenoblade Chronicles 2, which looked like it may have been taken from a potential remaster for the Nintendo Switch 2. Read ahead to see side-by-side comparison with the original.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Original vs Potential Remaster Comparison
A screenshot comparison between the original Nintendo Switch version (top) and potential Switch 2 remaster (bottom) of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 using the same sequence can be seen below.
While it’s tough to say for sure, the lighting in the new footage does appear to have wider coverage, resulting in the distant trees and environments being well-lit. Additionally, the particle effects also appear to be more emissive in comparison to those seen in the original footage. On the other hand, the character model detail in the above comparison appears to be identical.
There’s certainly a case to be made for a Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2, especially given the original’s subpar graphical quality in handheld mode on the Switch. The original Xenoblade Chronicles and Xenoblade Chronicles X have both been remastered for the Nintendo Switch, while Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is already offers decent visual quality in its handheld mode. While all titles could benefit from a higher frame rate on Nintendo’s new console, it’s Xenoblade that is most in need of a graphical overhaul.
Xenoblade Chronicles is available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. It is also playable on the Nintendo Switch 2 via backwards compatibility.
