Xenoblade Chronicles 2 came out in 2017, almost four years ago. More recently, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, a Switch port of the original Wii game, was released last year. Surely it seems we’re due for a new series entry? Signs point to yes as rumours of a Xenoblade Chronicles 3 are picking up steam.
Currently, there are two indicators that point towards a new Xenoblade Chronicles game. A report from Fanbyte states that the next entry was actually meant to be announced earlier this year, but was pulled due to COVID-19 related concerns. This one makes sense the more you think about it. Back during February’s Nintendo Direct, Pyra and Mythra of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 were announced to be the next fighters for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. An announcement of a third mainline entry would have made for a good accompanying announcement.
Developer Monolith Soft has also reportedly been experiencing issues optimising the game for the Nintendo Switch. It’s said this project will be aiming for more characters on screen than ever in the series, something that’s not an easy feat on the platform.
The other piece of trickling information that gets all the more interesting is a chat with actress Jenna Coleman (yes, the woman who played Clara in Doctor Who also starred in a JRPG). Din’s Meteorite, a channel with only 41 YouTube subscribers, recorded a brief virtual chat with the star where the topic of Xenoblade Chronicles came up.
“It was through my voiceover agent and I did it… god, when was the first game? Ten years ago? It was a long time ago,” Coleman said. “I did it pre-Doctor Who days and then when they did the second one, they asked me to come back.”
Coleman continues and it’s this following slip of the tongue that brings more credibility. “I think they’re going to do another,” she adds. “Common knowledge? Don’t know… Yeah, I think they’re going to do another… Not sure if I’m allowed to say that.”
Looking from afar, witnessing all the hints, clues and puzzle pieces about whether there’ll be another Xenoblade Chronicles game is now becoming more interesting. What say you series fans? Is it time to start donning the tinfoil hats and getting ready for an impending follow-up entry announcement?
About the Author
Charlie Kelly
She/Her, They/Them
Charlie loves her video games as much as she loves dumb, charming JRPG protagonists: probably way too much. You can often catch her spending too much time being emotional over LGBT stories in games. She also thinks Yakuza 6 is the best one.
