Nintendo Switch has amassed a huge number of quality titles across almost every category since launching back in 2017, but that may be more true with RPGs than any other genre.
RPG fans are spoilt for choice, with a veritable glut of retro rereleases and ports, indie gems, and the latest and greatest turn-based adventures. There’s something for every kind of RPG player on this console, and we’ve got the best of the best here.
This list only covers ‘traditional’ RPGs, so role-playing games with a heavy emphasis on menus — they’re not all turn-based, but many certainly are.
Without further ado (and in no particular order), let’s dive into our selection of the best Nintendo Switch RPGs.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (Switch)
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a massive, sprawling RPG built by Monolith Soft, who helped Nintendo design the world of Breath of the Wild, so there’s no doubting the pedigree. You’ll explore a massive open world made up of Titans – enormous living creatures that house entire civilisations on their bodies. Along the way, you’ll meet a wide variety of characters, solve a bunch of quests, and save the world. This is another Xenoblade gem, though, and a must-have on Switch.
The huge stand-alone DLC, Torna: The Golden Country, is also well worth playing through. It serves as a prequel to the events of 2, so you can play it before or after.
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Undertale (Switch eShop)
Undertale is a brilliant and smartly designed game that understands well what makes a good RPG work; so much so that it can upend expectations and deliver something that’s almost a satire of the genre. You fall into the underworld and explore a humour-tinged world full of fun things to do. You’ll date a skeleton, dance with a robot, and cook delicious dishes with a woman who’s part-fish. Or, you can do none of those things – Undertale delights in letting you decide what to do.
It manages to surprise you in so many unique ways, and even if it doesn’t look like much, Undertale has way more going for it under the surface. Do yourself a favour and give this one a download.
Final Fantasy VII (Switch eShop)
Final Fantasy VII is the sort of game that speaks for itself, a touchstone of game design that played a large role in setting the standard of RPGs for years to come. It goes without saying that you should give Final Fantasy VII a shot if you consider yourself to be a fan of RPGs, as this is an experience unlike any other in many ways.
With that being said, Final Fantasy VII is a relic of its time, but that doesn’t mean it’s to be respected any less; if you can look past the obviously antiquated elements, this is a well-paced, engaging RPG that’s still fun to play today.
South Park: The Fractured But Whole (Switch)
South Park: The Fractured But Whole is a direct sequel to The Stick of Truth, and once again places you in the shoes of the New Kid. You’ll fight alongside your favourite South Park characters in the superhero group Coon and Friends against the villainous Professor Chaos who is trying to eliminate them.
The humour – while hilarious – is offensive and adult in nature. You’ll create your own superhero, complete with costume, origin story, and superpowers as you explore South Park at night to save it from evil. While it’s no great leap from the mechanics of the first game, it still offers an ideal introduction for players looking to try out a turn-based RPG and would make a worthy addition to any genre fan’s collection.
Child of Light: Ultimate Edition (Switch eShop)
Child of Light is an absolutely gorgeous RPG developed in the same UbiArt Framework that gifted us Rayman Origins and Legends. You play as Aurora, who’s on a quest to save her ill father and former kingdom. It also features co-op, with one player taking on the role of Igniculus, the shiny little ball of light.
Game mechanics that are usually reserved for massive RPGs have been consolidated in a concise package here, and it’s as beautifully refreshing as when it was first released. It’s a shame to see framerate hitches – however occasional they may be – but they’re not enough to cast a shadow on this delightful adventure.
West of Loathing (Switch eShop)
West of Loathing is not your average RPG; we’d go so far as to say you’ve probably never played anything quite like it. Its combat won’t blow you away but don’t be lulled into believing that’s what this game is about, as really the whole thing is an adventure in exploration and interaction with a bit of fighting sprinkled in.
The humour is as wonderfully dry as the desert you’re traversing and the writing is some of the best you can find on the Switch. Unless you’ve not got a humorous bone in your body, this is one RPG you can’t risk skipping.
It should be noted that the controversy surrounding the designer, which includes historical allegations of abuse, may sour your opinion and influence a purchase decision. As always, it’s up to individuals to determine if they still wish to support a game, developer, publisher, or platform holder given the available information and wider context.
Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition (Switch eShop)
During the sixty to seventy hours it takes to make your way through the main story and DLC in Pillars Of Eternity, you’ll meet a cast of unforgettable travelling companions, fight your way through labyrinthine dungeons, explore deserted Dwarven fortresses, become Lord of your very own stronghold and undertake quests as varied as they are beautifully-written and acted.
Obsidian has created a heartfelt tribute to the classic ‘Infinity Engine’ RPGs of old; one that takes the best of those games, delicately updates them and – in the process – becomes something of a classic itself. For RPG fans, this is a must-buy.
Golf Story (Switch eShop)
Golf Story is a Switch-exclusive RPG that borrows liberally from Mario Golf on the Game Boy Color. It’s absolutely bonkers and you should be prepared to put your golf skills to use in a variety of contexts, including feeding hungry alligators and knocking things off high surfaces, plus winning the occasional round of pitch ‘n’ putt.
With a hilarious script and a wide variety of activities, it remains fresh throughout and will have you coming back for many hours in the Story mode alone; the multiplayer offers decent replayability, too. We would highly recommend Golf Story to anyone looking for something a little different.
Final Fantasy IX (Switch eShop)
Final Fantasy has been an institution in the JRPG genre for decades now, and Final Fantasy IX acts as a good reminder of why. Memorable characters, a wacky (if somewhat meandering) story, deep character customisation, and plenty of incredible environments certainly help make a case for why Final Fantasy IX deserves a spot on your Switch’s SD card, even if some elements of this game’s design haven’t aged too well.
If you’re a fan of RPGs and somehow haven’t played Final Fantasy IX yet, it’s certainly worth a download for the privilege of playing this classic on the go.
Battle Chasers: Nightwar (Switch)
Despite a title that suggests it came out of a name generator, Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a satisfying slice of JRPG with visuals inspired by the likes of World of Warcraft, Divinity: Original Sin, and classic Diablo adventures. It forges a confident, colourful character of its own from formulaic ingredients.
The approachable comic style, plus a couple of neat mechanics that encourage experimentation, give it a freshness that belies the age-old systems at its core, and it doesn’t waste your time with filler. Ultimately, it’s the same old story – numbers go up! – but it’s shot through with an infectious exuberance and attention to detail that reinvigorates old tropes.
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key (Switch)
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key ends Ryza’s three-game run on a high note (and the entire trilogy is worth your time), serving up a heady mix of exploration, crafting, and combat that benefits greatly from a narrative arc that’s had time to develop and grow. The new mechanics add more depth to combat, synthesis, and exploration, the world is more seamless and diverse than ever before and the whole thing comes together to form a satisfying end for this hugely popular protagonist.
We did have some issues with small text, no English dub, and a little fussiness in how information is relayed, but overall this is Gust’s finest adventure to date and a JRPG experience that long-term fans and newcomers alike will find plenty to delight in.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition (Switch)
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition is an achievement that Square should be proud of; this is one of the best games they’ve put out in years. A heartwarming, well-paced narrative supported by a cast of fantastic characters, a dense and interesting overworld packed with dozens of hours of content, and one of the finest soundtracks we’ve heard in a JRPG combine to make this an unforgettable modern classic.
Whether you’re a newcomer to the JRPG genre or a returning vet, do yourself a favour and buy Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age as soon as you’re able. And, if you’re looking for an even more classic adventure on Switch, then Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is also a fantastic time.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition (Switch eShop)
From its opening moments upon a prison ship bound for Fort Joy to non-stop adventures that take you across the high seas to the Reaper’s Coast, Nameless Isle and beyond, Divinity: Original Sin 2 simply dazzles. In its seemingly endless parade of well-written characters, hilarious narration, deep and rewarding physics-based combat and the myriad ways in which it allows you to engage with its systems, this is a truly epic RPG that revels in choice more than any other that’s come before it.
It takes the old-school isometric style of Baldur’s Gate, layers it with an unparalleled level of attention to detail and fuses it with a thoroughly modern take on meaningful player decisions, resulting in one of the greatest role-playing games ever; and it’s all here, present and correct on a portable console.
Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster (Switch)
Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster successfully does justice to these two RPG classics as it brings them to a new age of players.
Final Fantasy X was a watershed moment for the storied franchise, rightfully gaining widespread acclaim while also ushering the series into the new generation, and while Final Fantasy X-2 hasn’t quite reached the same level of influence, it stands as a fantastic adventure in its own right with a level of quality that surpasses most of the competition in the Switch library. Having both of these incredible games in one package, with all the international content thrown in, makes picking up this release a no-brainer.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus (Switch)
Pokémon Legends: Arceus feels like the result of the developers learning lessons for 25 years, refining the formula, and finally taking the franchise in a new, incredibly exciting direction. Technically it may stumble in places, but with an emphasis on extremely rewarding exploration, addictive catching mechanics, and a genuine sense of scale that’s unlike anything in the series, Legends: Arceus is up there with the greatest Pokémon games ever.
If you’re looking for a more traditional Pokémon experience, then check out Pokémon Sword & Shield and Scarlet & Violet. Alternattively, Let’s Go! Pikachu & Let’s Go! Eevee is more beginner-friendly,
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (Switch)
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is an experience unlike any other on the Switch, expertly blending standard RPG tropes with a heartwarming story, innovative art style, and an immersive soundtrack composed by some of the best in the business.
In more ways than one, this is a ‘dream project’ that’s very existence is a gift to fans of the genre the world over. Pacing issues and shoddy AI drag down an otherwise pitch-perfect experience. However, if you consider yourself a fan of the genre – or even if you’re just looking to get your feet wet – you owe it to yourself to give Wrath of the White Witch a shot.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (Switch)
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a great example of what developers should aspire to do with a remaster; this is the best-designed and most enjoyable version of this RPG classic currently on the market, and it can all be played on the go, too. The Gambit-focused combat system still proves to be one of the best we’ve seen in an RPG to date, making it dangerously easy for hours to slip by as you work on min-maxing characters.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age may not prove to be the best Final Fantasy ever made, but it’s still a pretty darned great game in its own right.
Persona 5 Royal (Switch)
For JRPG fans, Persona 5 Royal is the very definition of ‘required reading’. A deep and moving story, stylish presentation, amazing soundtrack, and decision-driven gameplay all combine to make for an unforgettable and exceptional experience that proves itself to be every bit deserving of the hype and praise it’s already received on other consoles.
While those who have played this elsewhere may want to consider whether Switch’s portability is enough of a selling point to justify paying full price to double dip, it suits it perfectly. This easily stands as one of the very best RPGs of the last decade and you’d be doing yourself a disservice to miss out.
Live A Live (Switch)
Live A Live has been well worth the long wait. This remake reintroduces an influential, unique JRPG to the wider world with aplomb, with a cacophony of different gameplay styles, music, and visuals that somehow hang together beautifully.
We admire that Square Enix decided not to change too much here, instead delivering an authentic and faithful update to the game that the majority of players outside Japan missed nearly three decades ago. This is a piece of gaming history we have loved getting to experience for the first time.
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition (Switch)
While Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition doesn’t make any major changes to the original game, it does combine practically every piece of exclusive content into one wholesome package.
With the benefit of some improved visuals in both cutscenes and gameplay, it’s very difficult to recommend this JRPG classic on any other system than Nintendo Switch thanks to how well it performs in both docked and handheld modes. If you’ve missed out on this classic, there’s never been a better way to rectify that error.
The Alliance Alive HD Remastered (Switch)
Nearly two years on from its initial release, The Alliance Alive HD Remastered proves to be a perfectly competent port of an already fantastic handheld game. A well-written story, a smartly interwoven and complex system of gameplay mechanics, and a distinctive visual style makes this a no-brainer for anybody looking for a consistently high-quality RPG experience on their Switch.
It may feel a little simple, given its origins on the 3DS, but don’t make the mistake of passing up on The Alliance Alive HD Remastered, it’s well worth your time.
Rune Factory 4 Special (Switch)
There’s something here for everyone in Rune Factory 4 Special, but its greatest strength is how it ties together everything into one thoroughly enjoyable package. Varied gameplay, strong writing, and an emphasis on progressing at your own pace make this one of the best farm sims available on the Switch.
If you’ve played this on 3DS already, there’s not much new here, but on Rune Factory 4 Special proves itself to be a modern classic that melds farming and combat into a beautiful RPG experience.
Rune Factory fans should also seek out Rune Factory 3 Special, which set the standard for the series going forward and is a lovely experience all the same.
Moero Crystal H (Switch eShop)
Moero Crystal H is an outstanding (if saucy) dungeon crawler that combines the light-hearted, sexy, character-centric comedy of harem anime with deep combat and progression mechanics, plus a healthy dose of dating sim for good measure.
Unlike other games in the genre, it respects the player’s time with quality-of-life features. It’s beautifully presented, too, with delightful animated Live2D characters, gorgeous (if infrequent) event images and incredibly catchy music. Most importantly, though, it plays well – and provides enough content in both its main story and endgame to keep even the most avid RPG fan busy for hundreds of hours.
Bravely Default II (Switch)
In Bravely Default II, Square Enix has demonstrated once again that it understands exactly what ingredients are necessary to make a great RPG. The interesting, risk-based combat is supported by a diverse class system and a well-told story, which all combine to make for an experience that can be tough to put down.
This is a well-crafted and expertly-made RPG that is easily worth your time and money; we’d highly recommend that fans and newcomers alike look into picking this up.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (Switch eShop)
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is an absolute triumph. The narrative and dialogue, which is already wonderfully compelling on its own, has been given a massive boost thanks to the excellent voice acting introduced for the Final Cut.
The gameplay features a host of branching paths for you to explore, and while the slow, methodical approach may turn a few people off, this is nevertheless one of the most well-told stories in any medium from the last few years. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut stands as one of the best RPGs available on Switch.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (Switch)
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition brings an already excellent JRPG to Switch, improving it in every single way. On top of the fantastic story, enjoyable combat, and incredible world design, Monolith Soft has included an entirely new epilogue story arc.
It goes without saying that if you were ever a fan of the original or of RPGs in general you absolutely must get this game for your collection as soon as you reasonably can. This is the standard against which most RPGs should be judged.
Dungeon Encounters (Switch eShop)
Dungeon Encounters is a masterstroke of game design, character and narrative – it’s storytelling in the way only games can be. It teaches how scale is felt in a game, and it teaches, through their absence, the roles of rich visuals and verbose storytelling. Next time we play an RPG with baroque graphics and forests of text, we will understand a little more deeply where a game’s atmosphere really comes from.
For more minimalist RPG action from Square Enix, the Voice of Cards series is also well worth a look.
Jack Move (Switch eShop)
It may not last terribly long, but Jack Move manages to pack in all the important elements needed for an excellent cyberpunk JRPG adventure. The inventive battle system, enchanting world, and appealing graphics all come together to make for a perfectly paced, gripping, and memorable release.
It’s not often that you see a JRPG that leans so hard into science fiction tropes, and Jack Move makes the most of every minute of its runtime.
Ruined King: A League of Legends Story (Switch eShop)
Even if you don’t want anything to do with League, give Ruined King: A League of Legends Story a shot; this is a spectacular JRPG that consistently demonstrates mastery of all the ingredients needed to make a great entry in the genre.
The core campaign is just long enough to feel satisfying, there are dizzying amounts of character customization, and the combat system is one of the finest in the genre.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (Switch)
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a stellar example of an enhanced re-release done right – which is fortunate as the original version was delisted when this launched.
Vengeance’s comprehensive approach to improving the story and various gameplay systems of the original release makes for an experience that’s even more engrossing. Though we were disappointed by the lack of any performance gains here, but SMT V: Vengeance cleanly demonstrates that this old Atlus stalwart still has an abundance of fantastic gameplay and unique appeal.
Persona 4 Golden (Switch eShop)
Persona 4 Golden remains a thoroughly enjoyable and engrossing RPG that, for the most part, has stood the test of time. Although its visuals might be a bit dated, the gameplay and story presented here do more than enough to justify the purchase, while all the tweaks and additions that came with this ‘Golden’ edition round out most of the rougher edges from the initial PS2 release.
Still, this is one of the best RPGs of its era, and it still stands the test of time today. If you try and love Persona 5 Royal, you owe it to yourself to pick up Golden.
NEO: The World Ends With You (Switch)
NEO: The World Ends With You impresses in so many different ways, even where we were terrified it could fail. The game boasts an energetic soundtrack that feeds off the energy of the original, a deep and rewarding combat system that makes a successful leap to 3D, an inspiring cast of characters that stand tall on their own, and importantly, a world that begs you to come back even after you’ve finished the 40+ hour campaign.
If you’re looking for more musical modern-day RPG action, then The World Ends With You: Final Remix is a solid port of the DS cult classic, and unmissable if you love the sequel.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero (Switch)
In a series renowned for its stellar writing, twisting plots, and wonderful characters, The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero is a stand-out RPG. Narrowing the focus of its story to one state, and honing in on a smaller cast of characters, makes for a fantastic and engrossing adventure that is about both intimate relationships and huge, secretive scandals.
If you love Zero, then we absolutely recommend picking up the sequel — Trails to Azure. This follow-up amps up the stakes while adding an emotional core that makes it one of the best entries in this long-running series. The Trails series, in general, is fantastic and worth diving into.
Chained Echoes (Switch eShop)
Chained Echoes is a wonderful mash-up of ’90s JRPG tropes, masterfully woven together to produce an experience that feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. A well-paced story, unconventional progression system, tactical combat system, and expansive world all come together to make for a game that is shockingly one of the best indie RPGs we’ve played.
Really, there’s no place where it feels like Chained Echoes drops the ball, which is all the more impressive when you consider that the vast majority of it was put together by one person. This game stands as a shining example of everything that makes RPGs great.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (Switch)
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a genuine masterpiece and the highlight of Monolith Soft’s superb series. There’s an emotionally charged and surprisingly edgy epic to get stuck into here, a sprawling and hugely engaging narrative populated by a cast of unforgettable characters, all backed up by some of the best combat we’ve had the pleasure of getting to grips with in the genre. It more than delivers every bit of the adventure, emotion, and action that the series promises. Aionios awaits, it’s time to seize the future.
Don’t forget that Expansion Pass, which contains the outstanding story DLC Future Redeemed, either. If you’re a series fan, this one’s unmissable.
Octopath Traveler II (Switch)
Octopath Traveler II is a triumphant and confident follow-up to its predecessor — which is also well worth picking up on the Switch — building on the established foundation with welcome new ideas and tweaks that make for an overall excellent experience.
A strategic combat system, open-ended character progression, well-written stories, gorgeous visuals, and an incredible soundtrack all coalesce into one of the finest RPGs available on Switch. Though it may be more of the same, Team Asano demonstrates mastery of its craft at every turn here.
Sea of Stars (Switch eShop)
Sea of Stars is a sensational achievement for Sabotage. The studio is two for two in providing impressively designed and genuinely innovative takes on classic genres. Some pacing issues aside, the complex narrative, deep and strategic combat, thoughtful level design, and fantastic visuals and music all combine to make this one of the best indie RPGs on the system.
There are few games that would be a better introduction and representation of what makes JRPGs great. Sea of Stars is an instant classic and a new high-water mark for modern retro-styled indies, and you really shouldn’t miss out.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R (Switch)
This revival of a PlayStation classic does a thorough job of mixing modern game design and artistic elements with old-school sensibilities to make for one of the most impressive RPG releases of 2023. Star Ocean: The Second Story R is comfortably the best entry in this series.
A lengthy, player-driven story, thrilling combat system, gorgeous new visual style, and remixed soundtrack all come together to create a fantastic RPG, and this ]remake is the best way to play the game.
Beyond Galaxyland (Switch eShop)
Beyond Galaxyland is a well-written, artistically diverse space adventure which mixes several different flavours of RPG with puzzling and semi-open exploration. The story is filled with well-rounded characters and emotional narrative payoffs and, as much as Enright’s galactic adventure is a collection of stylistic and mechanical homages, it doesn’t feel like a patchwork of fan service.
For all its influences and adherence to specific genre execution, Doug’s journey through multiple worlds is still very much its own thing.
Bloomtown: A Different Story (Switch eShop)
Despite a few minor issues, Bloomtown: A Different Story is a game that’ll stick with you long after you put it down. The blend of comforting and creepy is masterful, and the game presents a surprising amount of challenge in places.
With everything from boss fights and puzzles to intricate crafting and skill-building, there’s a lot to get excited about here. Bloomtown was clearly made with a lot of love and attention to detail, and it’s the perfect pick for anyone who enjoys rich stories paired with riddles and tricky, turn-based combat.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Switch)
For years, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has been held as the best Mario RPG of all time, and the Switch remake proves it has earned that title.
This is a fantastic RPG adventure, whether you’re a Mario fan or not, with some best-in-class combat and brilliant writing. A fresh new localisation, beautifully enhanced visuals, and new quality-of-life features help iron out a few little creases to make this the definitive way to play a GameCube classic.
Don’t forget you can also get the Super Mario RPG remake on Switch too, alongside a brand new Mario & Luigi title in Brothership. If you love Mario RPGs, you’re spoilt for choice on Switch
As you can see, Switch really is an RPG monster! Good work getting through all those.
Here are some common questions readers often ask about Switch RPGs.
There’s a small selection of retro RPGs available to play if you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, too, including:
The following games require a Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscription.
If you have a Japanese Nintendo Account, you’ll also be able to access the following (unlocalised) games:
There is also a good selection of Zelda games, although then you get into the question of whether or not Zelda games are RPGs, and most people think not.