Xenoblade Chronicles X on Switch Reignites Censorship Controversy

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition has reignited the censorship controversy from nearly a decade ago, since the Nintendo Switch version is based on the Western Wii U version. Some fans are upset that the Japanese version of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is also based on the Western version, meaning that some features might not be present in the new release.

In recent years, rumors suggested that Monolith Soft was working on a Switch version of Xenoblade Chronicles X, but some fans believed the remaster would not happen until after the Switch console’s successor was revealed. On October 29, Nintendo shocked Xenoblade and RPG fans with the announcement of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for Switch, an enhanced remaster of 2015’s cult classic Wii U RPG. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is slated for a March 20 release next year with new story content and graphical improvements, and the community’s excitement led the announcement trailer to be one of the most watched in the franchise’s history. However, some fans are concerned about the remaster, as it reminds them of the controversy regarding censorship and removed features.

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As reported by NintendoLife, Twitter user Deathtanz browsed the Japanese Nintendo eShop listing of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition and discovered that the remaster is based on the game’s western version, which had alterations made for its localization. As a result, the user is unhappy about the potential implications of censorship and other changes to Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. For example, the character creator’s breast size slider was removed in the western release of Xenoblade Chronicles X for Wii U, and certain costumes for Lin were changed. Some fans on Twitter are concerned and frustrated about the Switch version, and a few are worried that Elma’s costumes and other features may be censored or omitted, despite the lack of new information at the moment.

Fans are Concerned About Censorship Changes for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition

• The Japanese Nintendo eShop notes that Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is based on the western Wii U version.
• In 2015, Nintendo removed the breast size slider and altered Lin’s costumes for the Wii U version in the west, leading to controversy regarding censorship by the company.
• Fans are concerned that the Japanese version’s features and other content may be cut permanently.

Fortunately, it appears that textures for Elma’s signature armor have been improved for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition without major changes to its design. It’s also worth noting that the Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition announcement trailer did not show any of Elma’s other costumes, so conclusions about cut costumes or other content can’t be made just yet. Nintendo and Monolith Soft are likely preparing to share more information regarding in-game content at a later date.

The Japanese Nintendo eShop listing confirms that Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will have all previously released DLC. Some of this DLC was not released outside of Japan on Wii U, so it’s possible that it will be made available to all players with the release of the remaster.

Despite some of the concerns, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition appears to be a very promising release for newcomers and returning Xenoblade fans. Moreover, Monolith Soft has a bright future ahead as the studio improves its in-house engine over time, and Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition might tease the franchise’s future, similarly to what was shown in the ending of Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed.

Rebuild humanity on the mysterious planet Mira in this action RPG.

The year is 2054. Earth has been destroyed by an intergalactic war between two alien races, and humanity is on the brink of annihilation. A small number of survivors, aboard the USS White Whale, crash land on the vast and untamed planet Mira—and now it falls to you, as a member of BLADE, to help bring humanity back from the edge of extinction…with the aid of powerful giant robots called Skells!

Choose from a huge variety of special attacks, skills, and classes in a combat system that’s as deep as you want it to be. Once you’ve proven yourself to BLADE, you’ll earn the right to pilot and personalize your very own Skell—a powerful machine that can fly, transform into a vehicle for fast overland travel, and wield immense strength in combat with customizable weapons and armor.

As you go about the reconstruction effort, getting to know the people of New Los Angeles (NLA), you’ll build affinity with your party members and unlock quests for gear and other rewards. Join your choice of military organization within BLADE to take on even more missions—or even team up with up to 32 players from near and far online* in Squad Tasks, Online Missions, and extra-challenging Global Nemesis Battles!

Systems

Released

March 10, 2025

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer

Number of Players

1 (Single-Player), 1-32 (Multiplayer)

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