Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is set to receive a significant upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2, arriving on July 30. This enhanced version promises more than just graphical improvements, introducing new storylines and updated visuals. Notably, the upgrade pack will also feature new outfits for the game's central characters, Pyra and Mythra. This follows a trend of recent titles being re-released on the new console, though unlike some, this upgrade for Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will not require players to repurchase the game at full price if they already own it.
Released in 2017, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was a pivotal early RPG for the Nintendo Switch and helped establish Monolith Soft as a prominent force in the JRPG genre. The game follows Rex, a young salvager who encounters the enigmatic blade Pyra. Their journey to reach the mythical Elysium atop the World Tree forms the core of an expansive narrative that extends to influence subsequent titles in the series, including the DLC for Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
Despite its narrative strengths and weaknesses, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is celebrated for introducing Pyra and Mythra, characters who have transcended the game to achieve icon status. They are the only playable characters from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 featured in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and have received their own amiibo figures, solidifying their position as the faces of the franchise.
The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 update reinforces the importance of Pyra and Mythra by giving them distinct new outfits. Pyra's new attire reimagines her original design with a color palette shifting from red to white, black, and green, while retaining elements of her familiar armor. Mythra undergoes a more drastic transformation, trading her signature light green for white and a darker blue. Her iconic blonde hair is also replaced with a white style featuring a blue gradient.
These new cosmetic changes, while seemingly minor compared to the broader narrative and graphical updates, are significant for fans who have followed Pyra and Mythra since the game's initial release. The opportunity to replay the game with these beloved characters appearing in fresh aesthetics is expected to entice players back to the lengthy JRPG.
This update aims to give Xenoblade Chronicles 2 renewed relevance, particularly as its thematic connections to other games in the series become clearer with greater accessibility across titles. The enduring appeal of the game is significantly tied to the strength and popularity of its central duo, Pyra and Mythra.