When Monolithsoft dropped their latest hiring ad on Twitter, eagle-eyed fans immediately noticed something unusual. The Xenoblade Chronicles remaster speculation started flying when the gif showcased what appeared to be enhanced visuals from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – with noticeably improved lighting and sharper background details that weren’t in the original release.
This isn’t just wishful thinking from fans. The visual differences are clear enough that the gaming community is buzzing about what this could mean. Are we looking at our first glimpse of a Xenoblade Chronicles 2 remaster, or perhaps a enhanced edition designed for Nintendo’s rumored Switch 2?
What Makes This Xenoblade Chronicles Remaster Speculation So Compelling
The timing couldn’t be more interesting. Monolithsoft, Nintendo’s go-to studio for sprawling JRPGs, has been on a hiring spree lately. They’ve been actively recruiting talent for what they describe as a “new RPG” that will tackle “many new challenges.” But using enhanced footage from an existing game in a hiring ad? That’s not typical.
The visual improvements spotted in the Twitter gif include:
- Enhanced lighting effects that give scenes more depth and atmosphere
- Sharper background textures and improved environmental details
- Better overall image quality that suggests higher resolution rendering
- More refined character models with improved shading
Why a Xenoblade Chronicles Remaster Makes Perfect Sense
Nintendo has been systematically bringing their biggest Wii U titles to Switch, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was one of the platform’s standout JRPGs. With the Switch 2 on the horizon, a remastered version would serve multiple purposes.
First, it would give new hardware owners a showcase title that demonstrates the improved capabilities. Second, it would allow Nintendo to reach players who might have missed the original release. The Xenoblade series has grown significantly in popularity, especially after characters like Pyra and Mythra joined Super Smash Bros Ultimate.
Monolithsoft’s Track Record with Enhanced Editions
This wouldn’t be Monolithsoft’s first rodeo with enhanced versions. They’ve already brought us Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition for Switch, which included significant visual improvements and additional content. The studio knows how to handle remasters, and they understand what fans want to see improved.
The company has grown considerably since Xenoblade Chronicles 2’s original release. With over 270 employees across their Tokyo and Kyoto studios, they have the resources to work on multiple projects simultaneously. This includes their mysterious new RPG project and potentially a Xenoblade Chronicles remaster.
What This Could Mean for Switch 2
If this speculation proves accurate, an enhanced Xenoblade Chronicles 2 could be positioned as a launch window title for Nintendo’s next console. The original game already pushed the Switch to its limits, so seeing it running with improved visuals would be a compelling demonstration of new hardware capabilities.
The enhanced graphics shown in the hiring ad suggest the kind of improvements we might expect from more powerful hardware – better lighting, higher resolution textures, and overall visual fidelity that the original Switch couldn’t quite achieve.
Community Response and Expectations
The gaming community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans expressing excitement about the possibility of revisiting Alrest with improved visuals. Comments across Reddit and social media show genuine enthusiasm for experiencing the game’s epic story and memorable characters with enhanced presentation.
However, it’s important to manage expectations. While the visual improvements in the hiring ad are promising, Monolithsoft hasn’t officially announced any remaster plans. The enhanced footage could simply be internal development work or proof-of-concept material rather than a commercial product in development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monolithsoft officially working on a Xenoblade Chronicles remaster?
Monolithsoft hasn’t officially announced a Xenoblade Chronicles remaster. The speculation comes from enhanced visuals shown in their recent hiring ad, but this could be internal development work rather than a confirmed project.
What visual improvements were spotted in the Twitter hiring ad?
Fans noticed improved lighting effects, sharper background details, better texture quality, and overall enhanced visual fidelity compared to the original Xenoblade Chronicles 2 release on Switch.
Could this be related to Nintendo Switch 2 development?
It’s possible. The enhanced visuals suggest capabilities beyond the current Switch hardware, making it a potential showcase title for Nintendo’s next console, though this remains speculation.
When was the last Xenoblade Chronicles remaster released?
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition was released for Nintendo Switch in May 2020, featuring significant visual improvements and additional Future Connected epilogue content.
What other projects is Monolithsoft currently working on?
Monolithsoft is actively hiring for a new RPG directed by Tetsuya Takahashi that will reportedly tackle “many new challenges.” They also provide development support for various Nintendo titles.
How many people work at Monolithsoft now?
As of recent reports, Monolithsoft employs over 270 people across their Tokyo and Kyoto studios, making them one of Nintendo’s larger development partners.
Would a Xenoblade Chronicles 2 remaster include additional content?
While unconfirmed, Monolithsoft’s previous Definitive Edition included substantial additional content, so fans might expect similar treatment for any potential Xenoblade Chronicles 2 remaster.
Looking Ahead
Whether this speculation about a Xenoblade Chronicles remaster proves accurate or not, one thing is clear – Monolithsoft is actively expanding and working on exciting new projects. The enhanced visuals in their hiring ad have certainly captured the gaming community’s attention and renewed interest in the beloved JRPG series.
For now, fans will have to wait for official announcements. But if the visual improvements shown in that Twitter gif are any indication, the future looks bright for Xenoblade Chronicles fans. Whether it’s a remaster, a Switch 2 edition, or something else entirely, Monolithsoft clearly has ambitious plans ahead.