From Operation Rainfall dark horse to Switch launch window headliner, Xenoblade has become one of Nintendo's most profitable RPG series. The original game, released on Wii after a stubborn fan campaign pushed the resident Nintendo of America to localize it here in the States, saw a grudging limited release and as a result became a sought-after collector's item. Once the series saw greater success on Wii U with Xenoblade Chronicles X, Nintendo make the franchise a priority, porting the original to New 3DS and pushing Xenoblade Chronicles 2 into the limelight for Switch.
Now the Wii game is getting the full remaster treatment, launching as Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition on May 29th for Switch. This version features HD graphics, re-recorded music, a streamlined battle menu, and even an additional chapter called Future Connected. The game is can be pre-ordered today, and will also come in a limited edition box set with an art book. My wife should be particularly excited as she basically devoured Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and it stands as one of her favorite Switch games, so she'll probably be excited to explore where the series started. Personally I'm just happy to see a relatively niche--and mechanically deep--RPG series get the recognition it deserves, and I'm still holding out hope that Wii U's scifi spin-off Xenoblade Chronicles X gets the remaster treatment too.
