Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition - Everything you need to know

Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition Switch
Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition Switch (Image credit: Nintendo)

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is coming to Nintendo Switch on May 29, 2020! This remake of the classic Xenoblade Chronicles has updated graphics, controls, music, and more, as well as a brand new epilogue. We here at iMore have everything you need to know about this remake!

What is Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition?

Announced in September 2019, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition follows Shulk as he first comes into possession of the future-seeing sword, Monado. Set in a universe divided between the Bionis and the Mechonis, titanic gods whose bodies serve as the sources of two very different worlds, war has waged between the Homs, human-like beings who reside on Bionis, and the Mechonis lifeforms: Machina, mechanical beings that live many times longer than even the oldest of the Bionis species. The Monado has long since served as a key weapon in the war between these two worlds, and Shulk is the latest of many Homs to take it up. As he journeys across the land, Shulk is joined by a cast of unique and memorable characters, each with their own agenda and role to play in this epic war that has waged on for countless centuries.

Is Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition a remake or a new game?

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a remake of the original Xenoblade Chronicles game. While it is not a new game, it's also not a port. The graphics have been redone, the music has been remixed and remastered, and the controls have been reworked for smoother gameplay. However, the story of Shulk and his allies remains largely the same.

What sets the Definitive Edition apart from the original?

Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition Bionis Shoulder (Image credit: Nintendo)

In addition to gorgeous new graphics, remastered and remixed music, and reworked controls, what really makes the Definitive Edition a must-play is the Epilogue: Future Connected. This epilogue promises one final adventure with Shulk as he and Melia travel to the capital in search of Melia's people. However, after being attacked by a strange new enemy, they crash into the Shoulder of Bionis. There, they are joined by a pair of Nipon named Kino and Nene, who aid them in the fight against a variety of enemies, including the new "Fog Beasts".

When can I get it?

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition releases exclusively on the Nintendo Switch on May 29, 2020. You can preorder it now at the Nintendo eShop or at Amazon for $60.

Casian Holly

Casian Holly has been writing about gaming at iMore since 2019, but their real passion is Pokémon. From the games to the anime, cards and toys, they eat, sleep, and breathe all things Pokémon. You can check out their many Pokémon Go and Pokémon Sword and Shield guides and coverage here on iMore.