There’s been a trend lately of semi-recent titles receiving a Nintendo Switch 2 version and still requiring players to buy it at full price — even if it’s already owned. Luckily, this is not the case with Xenoblade Chronicles 2, which is getting its upgraded version on July 30. Its upgrade pack features more than just the visual update, though, promising new storylines and better graphics. While all of these seem great, the Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade will also come with new skins for Pyra and Mythra, and they are the true cherry on the top of this colorful JRPG sundae.
Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the most ambitious projects in recent years, establishing Monolith Soft as a major studio in the JRPG scene. Released in 2017, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was one of the first big RPGs released for the Nintendo Switch. It begins with this common boy, Rex, who dives into a sea of clouds. He ends up finding the mysterious red-haired blade, Pyra, and promising to help her reach the mythological Elysium at the top of the World Tree. Their meeting is just the catalyst for a tale of epic proportions that unfolds even beyond the second title, influencing Xenoblade Chronicles 3‘s DLC “Future Redeemed.”
Despite its qualities and flaws, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a generationally excellent game, largely because it introduced the world to Pyra and Mythra. The two women might be key characters in the game’s narrative, but since the game’s release, they have been elevated to icon status. Pyra and Mythra are the only playable Xenoblade Chronicles 2 characters in Super Smash Bros., and the only ones to have their own amiibo. They have become the faces of the series, while no one cares about Rex or Nia.
The Nintendo Switch 2 update confirms their important by giving both girls a new outfit. And these aren’t just throwaway skins; their clothes have received significant changes. What stands out is that Pyra’s armor retains part of its original design while losing some of its signature red tone in favor of a white, black, and green palette. On the other hand, Mythra receives an extreme makeover. Her vivid light green has completely been replaced by white and a darker blue tone. Even her blond hair has given way to white hair with a blueish gradient.
While the new skins seem like a small addition compared to the others announced by Monolith Soft, they are huge for all of those who — just like Rex — have been cheering for their favorite girls since the release of the first game. Think of it like collecting Pokémon cards. Pikachu fans find joy in owning cards that depict the yellow mouse in all kinds of ways. Pyra and Mythra are Xenoblade Chronicles 2‘s Pikachu. Having the chance to play the game again and watch its emotional scenes while Pyra and Mythra appear with brand-new aesthetics is just enough to convince fans to play this gazillion-hour RPG over again.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 deserves the new life that’ll be injected into it with this update. You can only see how thematically connected it is to the other games in the series if all three games are accessible. We just need to always remember that part of the reason why this game will endure over time is the strength of its two biggest icons.