{
  "id": 1179855,
  "title": "Xenoblade Chronicles 2's Nintendo Switch 2 edition could have been perfection — but unending menus left me burning with rage like Pyra",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/xenoblade-chronicles-2s-nintendo-switch-2-edition-could-have-been",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T03:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/gaming/nintendo-switch/xenoblade-chronicles-2s-nintendo-switch-2-edition-could-have-been-perfection-but-unending-menus-left-me-burning-with-rage-like-pyra"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Xenoblade Chronicles 2, when brought to the Nintendo Switch 2 edition, had the potential for greatness but was hindered by an excessive number of menus and frustrating gameplay elements. This sequel to the original Xenoblade Chronicles, originally released for the Nintendo Switch, is set in the world of Alrest and follows protagonist Rex who pilots a powerful blade known as the Aegis, with Pyra being its alternate name. The game remains largely unchanged from the Switch version, featuring the same story and gameplay, with Rex and his allies recruited Blades fighting alongside them as they strive to reach Elysium, a place that may hold answers to the world's troubles. The Switch 2 edition also brings visual upgrades such as 4K resolution and 60fps in docked mode, as well as full-HD 60fps in handheld mode, alongside new content. However, the addition of new menus, tutorials, and optional Merc Assault mode fail to significantly improve the overall experience. Such features create unnecessary tedium and frustration, making the Switch 2 edition a step back from its predecessor rather than an upgrade.",
  "summary": "Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on the Nintendo Switch 2 should be the perfect way to play the game. It isn't.",
  "key_points": [
    "Xenoblade Chronicles 2 could have been perfect on Nintendo Switch 2",
    "Excessive menus and gameplay issues hindered potential greatness",
    "Visual upgrades and new content fail to improve overall experience"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Switch 2 edition's visual upgrades and new content are overshadowed by unending menus and frustrating gameplay elements that detract from the experience, making it a step back from its predecessor.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}