It's been a while since a Nintendo home console has had such a strong showing of role-playing games, and the Switch could be on pace to have one of the best, most diverse RPG lineups ever. From blocky Minecraft builders to dungeon crawlers to epic, grandiose adventures, there are a plethora of JRPG options to choose from on Switch, both new and old.
The console's capable hardware, coupled with touchscreen functionality and portability, make the Switch a terrific fit for this genre. This list will venture into the vast archives of Metacritic and examine the best JRPGs Switch has to offer, according to this ratings aggregator.
Updated December 29, 2022 by Stephen LaGioia: While approaching what's often considered the twilight of the typical console lifespan, Switch continues to plow ahead, strengthened by a massive and diverse library. The JRPG subgenre remains especially well repressented on the machine, with various ports, remasters, and all-new efforts like Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Harvestella hitting the scene. And with so many newer entries rounding out the lineup, we thought we'd revisit this list.
20 Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (80)
What's long been a phenomenon in Japan, on par with a similar monster-hunting franchise, Pokemon, has only recently caught fire in the West. Though this region has discovered why this is the case. Sporting tons of exciting showdowns against a plethora of more epic monsters than ever, along with satisfying scavenger hunts and a solid sense of progression, Ultimate is tough to put down.
What's neat about this version — aside from the robust content — is that you can now enjoy the gameplay on the go or get fully immersed on your TV, and this game is well-suited for both styles. This is one adventure that JRPG fans need to experience.
19 Pokemon Sword And Shield (80)
Fans have voiced their displeasure with some of the odd limitations placed on this first home console rendition of Pokemon, from its bouts of linear gameplay to its exclusion of many older monsters. Yet, Sword & Shield still provide that delightful, familiar adventure feeling from previous games — and looks good doing it.
The game offers a slew of colorful Pokemon to play around with, crawling about the vast, vibrant lands of Britain-inspired Galar. The open-world areas, while few, are immensely fun to get lost in. Features like the Pokemon Go-style group raids and Dynamaxing serve as neat additions.
18 Rune Factory 4 Special (81)
Animal Crossing fans looking to dip their toes in the magic of JRPGs would do well to start here. Rune Factory 4 — and its enhanced remaster for Switch — blends the adventure and mysticism of JRPGs with the satisfying sim gameplay of those titles.
There's no shortage of fun tasks or journeys to partake in here, with a whopping 54 hours of gameplay and over 200 if you seek to leave no stone unturned. The versatility in the gameplay allows you to engage in anything from farming and crafting to dungeon crawling and even marriage.
17 Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore (81)
As the title might reveal, Tokyo Mirage Sessions utilizes real locations and adds a fantastical, off-the-wall spin chock-full of anime quirkiness. The combat is quite literally a spectacle here as you clash with energy-harvesting Mirages in crowd-filled arenas. The tactical, turn-based system is made more exciting and fun by visual bombast and fast pacing.
Fire Emblem fans will want to give this colorful romp a look, as its design and world-building largely draw from the series.
16 Final Fantasy 7 (81)
What more can be said about this iconic JRPG classic that hasn't already been said? FF7 proved groundbreaking for its time, with epic cinematics, dynamic combat, imaginative worlds, classical/rock melodies, and great characters. The game introduced one of the most iconic gaming heroes and villains simultaneously with Cloud and Sepiroth.
Despite the hype for the long-anticipated remake, the original still holds up, thanks to its slick cutscenes, fundamentally solid gameplay, and complexity. The fact that it still stands strong as one of the highest-rated games on Metacritic despite being over two decades old is a testament to its timeless appeal. The Switch remaster also tightens up its pacing by allowing you to turn off random encounters and speed up in-game time, as well as minor touch-ups in graphics.
15 Ys 8: Lacrimosa Of DANA (82)
Most Nintendo fans likely haven't heard of this obscure JRPG series. Not only has it made just a few appearances in the West since the mid-2000s, but its home has typically been the Sega and Sony line of consoles. But this Vita transplant, Ys 8, proves to be a fine addition to the Switch library.
While there's a plethora of rich game and anime lore to draw upon, this eighth entry into the Ys series makes a great starting point for newbies, as its plot is largely an isolated one. The game takes a simplistic approach both in its fast-paced combat and its narrative — which involves exploring and escaping a deserted island after being attacked by a sea creature. On the other hand, there's plenty of majesty and depth for RPG diehards to sink their teeth into.
14 Tales Of Vesperia: Definitive Edition (83)
The Tales series by Namco contains some truly enjoyable gameplay, while also containing an enriching narrative and charming cell-shaded visuals. This JRPG, which debuted on the 360 in 2008, is still spoken of amongst many Tales fans as the highlight in the series. The characters' dialogue (especially Yuri), and fantastical plot leave an impression. The combat — and its focus of an appealing magic system — proves both fluid and complex.
This Definitive Edition comes with additional perks to supplement the already fantastic experience, including upscaled graphics, extra content, along with both English and Japanese voice over. You can even partake in local co-op with up to four players.
13 Dark Souls Remastered (83)
The grueling dungeon-crawler from studio From Software has finally made its way on the Switch. Dark Souls has carved a niche for super tough but rewarding JRPGs on the console. Newcomers now get to enjoy one of the most well-crafted, intense ARPG romps of the last decade. Meanwhile, battle-hardened slayers of the undead can still get something out of this, with the spruced-up visuals and handheld functionality.
Despite being a new feature for the series, this on-the-go functionality suits the gameplay superbly. The Switch remaster also includes the excellent DLC content, Artorias of the Abyss, along with additions to the online gameplay. Just be sure not to throw your Switch in frustration after being defeated for the tenth time in a row!
12 Octopath Traveller (83)
Octopath Traveller is largely a celebration of the charming retro traits of past JRPGs. But that doesn't mean the game isn't rich or compelling in its own way. It provides an engrossing experience using modern-day sensibilities like intricate, open-world gameplay, dynamic lighting, and gorgeous melodies.
At the same time, it decorates this with layers of colorful 16-bit sprites bound to invoke plenty of warm and fuzzy 90s gaming nostalgia. The game doesn't hold your hand during your epic adventure as you venture across the land of Orsterra. Both the plot and gameplay encourages you to carve out your own path as you take on the roles of eight distinct characters. These range from a master thief to a professor to an exotic dancer.
11 Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (83)
One of the most epic, expansive open-world RPGs to come from Japan, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 provides a uniquely rich experience. This game takes the vast, free-roaming nature of Chronicles X and infuses it with the compelling narrative. It also contains a truly rewarding combat system that's even more engaging and dynamic than the original Xenoblade.
This glorious sequel takes things one large step further, by its introduction of the innovative "Blade" concepts — essentially a harmony of magical weaponry and Pokemon. The fantasy world of Alrest is simply majestic with a variety of colorful biomes. The amount of complexity in the game's progression and customization is quite impressive.
10 Pokemon Legends: Arceus (83)
Pokemon fans wishing for an open-world experience finally got their wish — sort of. This title invokes exploration with a handful of open-yet-segmented zones, each of which brings its own vibe and character. The game follows the Poke-master in training as they venture through Hisui and gather from a pool of colorful monsters old and new (specifically 242 in-game).
Only a handful of new beasts emerge in this 25-hour journey, many of whom are local offshoots or evolutions of older ones, yet most of them manage to be memorable. And despite being overshadowed by the fully open-world Scarlet and Violet months later, Arceus continues to thrive as the prettier, more well-crafted Poke-venture.
9 Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch (84)
This lesser-known RPG from Level-5 is mainly associated with Sony consoles. Yet, Ni No Kuni finds a great home on the Switch with its cute aesthetic reminiscent of Professor Layton, fun real-time combat, and a monster-fighting premise akin to Pokemon.
The lush, anime-style visuals are complimented by some memorable story-telling and fun action-based combat that features "familiars". These critters can be captured, tamed, and trained throughout your fantastical 45-hour quest. The game captivates with a unique charm from the moment you depart your hometown of Motorville.
8 Dragon Quest Builders 2 (85)
Dragon Quest fans on Switch can enjoy this Dragon Quest-meets-Minecraft romp that proves fun and interesting in its own right. It takes place some time after the events of DQ2, and you are on a quest to rebuild a world decimated by the Dragonlord.
The game takes the sandbox and exploration sensibilities of Minecraft while fleshing things out with a rich narrative, majestic fantasy worlds, and an array of imaginative baddies. The game uses familiar RPG mechanics while incorporating satisfying mining, hunting, and building features.
7 Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age (85)
While FF12 is something of a black sheep among fans, it's an often overlooked entry in the series, and a top-tier JRPG for Switch. This game masterfully balances depth with accessibility, limiting the amount of grinding and allowing you to focus on the game's awesome story if you so choose.
Despite being a remake of a 2006 game, The Zodiac Age holds up with upgraded visuals, in-depth combat and customization, and a beautifully remastered soundtrack. You can also speed up the pacing with the "New Game +" option. This modern rendition of FF12 is arguably one of the best remasters in gaming, and a top-tier JRPG to experience on your Switch.
6 Monster Hunter Rise (88)
Nintendo fans have seen their share of Monster Hunter romps over the years, dating back to the Nintendo DS. But this 2021 release shines as one of the first full-fledged modern efforts on a Nintendo platform. The result is one of the most gripping ARPGs to hit the console. Capcom leans on the core traits that make this series enticing, while sprinkling in refinements, more streamlined multiplayer, and new features.
Examples include the intense tower defense "Rampage Mode", and the dog-like companions called Palamutes. The heart-thumping battles against countless huge monsters, rewarding progression, and tons of areas to explore; it all makes this one hard to put down, even after plowing through dozens of hours of content.
5 Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (89)
This third entry in Monolith's memorable JRPG series truly shines as a culmination of most everything fans love about Xenoblade. This 2022 release brings back the deep (and sometimes dark) plotline akin to the first game, while hosting a fluid, flashy battle system more prominent in Xenoblade 2.
This time, battles enable seven party members to join the fold, adding to the thrilling chaos of combat. Along with this are combined abilities, swappable characters, and an inventive new Master Arts system, which continues to progress many hours in. The lavish settings harken back to the first entry too — centered around the contrasting worlds of mechanical Aionios and the organic, ether-based Agnus. Rounding out this awesome JRPG is a cinematic ride — with brilliant visuals, a delightful soundtrack, and seemingly boundless exploration.
4 Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (89)
Being a rare fun, deep RPG on Wii — with a gripping plot, lush settings, and iconic weaponry — many were willing to overlook the crude models, cumbersome menus, and other spotty areas in Xenoblade Chronicles. Thankfully, Monolith Soft irons out most of these issues with this sleek remaster, sprucing up the presentation and making some QoL refinements, which include markers for side quests, auto-run, indicators during combat, and more.
Not only this, but a gorgeous new soundtrack helps paint the lavish scenes of Bionis and Mechonis, and added content fleshes out this already huge game — like new difficulties, a Time Attack Mode, and "The Future Connected" epilogue. With previous limitations and rough patches cleared, this gem can shine as it was meant to.
3 Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age - Definitive Edition (91)
With a campaign as expansive as its drawn-out title, Dragon Quest 11 on Switch is one of the best ways to play this game and series at large. With its emphasis of grinding and exploration, and a nostalgic 16-bit mode, the game proves quite fitting for handheld play. Yet, the vibrant, vast world of Erdrea — as well as gripping cutscenes and cinematic flair — make it easy to get entranced on the big screen too.
DQ11 seems to cater to veteran fans as well as newcomers, with a dynamic, old-school RPG skeleton, but sprinkled with modern flair and streamlined mechanics (no random battles, for instance). Traditional turn-based fights are used, though you can move about in a 3D space, speed up the action, and tweak various tactics and features to your liking. The result is a gripping 60-hour epic that's tough to put down.
2 Chained Echoes (93)
What's old is new again; at least this is what developer Matthias Linda seems to be out to prove with this lovely callback to classic RPGs of the "golden" 16-bit era. The game draws from retro hits like Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, and Xenogears — as displayed by its colorful pixel art, warring plot, and deep mechanics.
Chained Echoes pits our hero on Valandis, a continent that has seen generations of war between three kingdoms. Like its storyline, the gameplay proves deep yet accessible—with a swift sense of pacing, and classic turn-based combat that brings an Octopath Traveler twist via boosting "Overdrive" meter.
1 Persona 5 Royal (94)
This stylized JRPG from 2016 arrives in most appealing form ever on Switch (and several other modern consoles), adding new regions, events, plotlines, and a new Phantom Thief member to this already massive romp. But most notably is the playable third semester, which alone adds close to 20 hours of gameplay.
Persona 5 draws in fans with a distinct comic book-meets-zany-noir vibe, while keeping them hooked with memorable characters and fun combat. Often regarded as one of the best modern JRPGs, P-Studio's Persona 5 has recieved a slew of accolates to back these claims up. And it's no surprise why, given the rich and unique art style, exciting and flashy combat, and memorable plot involving the troubled teen tagged "Joker".