Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition’s Hidden 60 FPS Mode Hints At Switch 2 Performance Optimization

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition has a hidden 60 FPS setting when playing the title in handheld mode, which is always capped at 30 FPS.  This led to gamers speculating that Monolift Software preemptively optimized the title for the Nintendo Switch 2. 

The feature was datamined by MasaGratoR, who released their findings on Twitter: 

• Dynamic resolution Ranges: 504p-720P handheld, 760-1080p docked
• GAme’s executable has hidden 60 FPS mode. It seems to be implemented only partially since enabling it causes weird issues. As a proof screen from function that sets UI speed, 1.0.1 

From Xenoblade Chronicle I’s release on the 3DS to Xenoblade Chronicles III’s debut on the Nintendo Switch, the series has always been a showcase of Nintendo consoles’ graphical capabilities — pushing the limits of the respective hardware of each generation. Speculating from the 60 FPS feature for handheld, it appears Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will follow the same trend.

A similar function was implemented for a handful of 3DS titles — some games, such as Super Smash Bros, supported extra features that were locked for previous generation players. This allowed for a unique experience for those with an upgraded console, while not gatekeeping the title for original console owners. 

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition released on March 20, rather close to the Nintendo Switch 2’s debut.