Monolith Soft has been one of the big 'winners' in the Nintendo scene over the past two generations, with much-loved releases since it was acquired by the company. Though it's had a hand in a surprisingly broad number of games in supporting roles, it's best known for Xenoblade Chronicles on Wii and then Xenoblade Chronicles X on Wii U.

As some of you may be aware, a port of Xenoblade Chronicles X is among the rumoured launch year releases for Nintendo Switch, which makes some sense. Now Laura Kate Dale (source of numerous solid reports, from our perspective) has tweeted a couple of additional insights based on her sources.

Xenoblade X port is not being developed by Monolith, they're working on something new ground up for Switch. 2018 earliest. Not launch year. — Laura Kate Dale (@LaurakBuzz) November 23, 2016

Port is being handled by an external porting agency. — Laura Kate Dale (@LaurakBuzz) November 23, 2016

Dale also weighs in on the retail dates for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, with her own take on the expected dates; she's in the June camp which, again, is more logical than the GameStop Q1 window.

Nintendo are internally aiming for a June 16 2017 UK Breath of the Wild Switch release. Aiming Wii U for June 23 2017 UK. — Laura Kate Dale (@LaurakBuzz) November 23, 2016

In truth, these Xenoblade Chronicles X remarks - assuming the initial rumour of the port is correct - are entirely sensible. Nintendo is now well accustomed to employing third-parties for porting - Tantalus with The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, Monster Games with Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D - and would naturally want Monolith Soft to focus on a tentpole new title for Switch.

As always, let us know what you think in the comments.

Thanks to all that sent this in.