A programmer poking around the newly released Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on Switch has discovered references to an unused 60 fps mode in the game’s code, fueling speculation of a potential upgrade on Switch 2 when Nintendo’s next console rolls around later this year.
Switch modder MasaGratoR shared a screenshot of the Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition code to X on March 19. He noted that this 60 fps mode is “implemented only partially” because it “causes weird issues” when activated.
“Gameplay is rendered every second frame, so even though it outputs 60 FPS you get in fact 30 usable frames,” MasaGratoR added when asked about the issues presented by the higher framerate. “Cutscenes sometimes are working fine, sometimes some objects are jittering like hardcoded to be 30 FPS, sometimes it’s again every second frame rendered.”
While it’s entirely possible this code is just leftover evidence of the developers at Monolith Soft trying to get 60 fps working on the original Switch, the Switch 2 specs suggested by leaks should be more than enough to handle such a framerate boost. Nintendo has yet to say whether or not backwards-compatible Switch games will be upgraded on Switch 2.
Xenoblade Chronicles X first launched on Wii U in 2015, somehow cramming a massive, roleplaying adventure into a tiny space and garnering praise as one of the best games on the doomed console. Definitive Edition, available on Switch since March 20, features improved visuals and new story content.
