The 15 Best JRPGs on Nintendo Switch: Top Picks for RPG Fans

Nintendo Switch has cemented its position as a premier destination for fans of Japanese role-playing games, or JRPGs.

With its expansive and diverse library, the platform offers an array of options spanning beloved franchises, innovative remakes, and hidden gems.

Since its launch in 2017, Nintendo Switch has welcomed contributions from leading developers such as Square Enix, Atlus, Capcom, and Game Freak, creating a vibrant landscape for both newcomers and seasoned JRPG enthusiasts.

Here, we spotlight 15 of the best JRPGs you can currently play on Nintendo Switch. 1.

Octopath Traveler Square Enix’s Octopath Traveler (2018) pioneered the now-iconic HD-2D visual style, combining nostalgic pixel art with modern graphical effects.

The game features eight characters, each embarking on unique yet interconnected journeys, offering a deep turn-based combat system and impressive presentation.

As one of the first Switch JRPG hits, it set a high standard for quality on the platform. 2.

Final Fantasy I-VI Pixel Remasters The Final Fantasy I-VI Pixel Remaster collection brings together six of the genre’s foundational titles, updated with refined visuals and audio.

Available as a bundle on Switch since April 2023, these classic games introduce versatile mechanics like the job system and legendary soundtracks while providing newcomers and veterans with quality-of-life improvements. 3.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition Dragon Quest XI S (2019) from Square Enix is a shining example of classic JRPG design enhanced for a new era.

Its mix of timeless turn-based combat and modern storytelling, alongside features like the 2D mode, make it a must-play for genre purists and series newcomers alike. 4.

Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition Monolith Soft’s Xenoblade Chronicles series saw a robust Switch presence, with Xenoblade Chronicles X offering epic open-world exploration and a self-contained story.

It reintroduces players to a universe where survival on a hostile planet means mastering unique tactical battles and navigating awe-inspiring environments. 5.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R Star Ocean: The Second Story R (2023) revitalizes one of the most beloved sci-fi JRPGs.

Square Enix introduced new visuals, substantial quality-of-life enhancements, and retained the original’s compelling dual-narrative structure, cementing its status as the definitive way to experience this classic. 6.

Persona 5 Royal Atlus answered fan requests by bringing Persona 5 Royal to Nintendo Switch in 2022.

The critically acclaimed title showcases the Phantom Thieves challenging societal norms with a rich, stylish presentation, deep turn-based combat, and a memorable soundtrack, significantly broadening the game’s Western audience. 7.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and The Envisioned Land Gust’s Atelier series pushed boundaries with Atelier Yumia, introducing a larger world and deeper narrative.

While maintaining the core alchemy and questing mechanics, this installment added action elements without sacrificing the distinct charm the series is known for. 8.

Live A Live Square Enix’s Live A Live remake in 2022 finally brought this Super Famicom cult favorite to a worldwide audience, utilizing the HD-2D engine.

The game features multiple protagonists and interconnected stories, delivering an innovative narrative structure rarely seen in the genre. 9.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus Game Freak broke new ground in early 2022 with Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Departing from series conventions, it introduced real-time exploration and dynamic battles, all set in the unique Hisui region.

The game has been praised for its fresh approach and notable technical polish. 10.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Atlus continued its tradition of atmospheric, challenging JRPGs with Shin Megami Tensei V and its enhanced Vengeance edition.

Released in 2024, the game blends familiar demon-negotiation mechanics and branching narratives with a massive post-apocalyptic world to explore. 11.

Super Mario RPG Nintendo revived a classic with the Super Mario RPG remake (2023).

Faithful to the original, it boasts upgraded visuals, an optional new score, streamlined mechanics, and introduced new Triple Attacks and tough postgame content. 12.

Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition Square Enix’s ambitious Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition (2022) bundles a remastered version of the divisive yet compelling PS1 sequel with the previously Japan-exclusive Radical Dreamers text adventure, inviting series fans to re-experience an evocative story and memorable soundtrack. 13.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero (2022) offers Switch users a strong entry point into Falcom’s renowned, narrative-rich Trails series.

Its urban setting and traditional turn-based combat make it an inviting starting point for newcomers. 14.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin Capcom’s Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (2021) presents a monster-collecting JRPG set in the popular Monster Hunter universe, merging approachable mechanics with satisfying strategic depth, perfect for those wanting a different RPG experience on Switch. 15.

Lunar Remastered Collection Game Arts’ beloved Lunar series, often cited as highlights of classic JRPG storytelling and music, returned to prominence in the Lunar Remastered Collection.

This bundle updates the PlayStation versions with improved features and modern accessibility, ensuring a new generation can appreciate these timeless adventures. In summary, the Nintendo Switch is home to a remarkable array of JRPGs, spanning remasters, reimaginings, innovative sequels, and new classics.

These 15 titles reflect both the depth and diversity of the genre available on Nintendo’s flagship platform.

As the Switch continues to grow its library, it remains an essential system for any JRPG enthusiast.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo JRPG Switch Xbox Series X|S Dragon Quest Dragon Quest XI S Octopath Traveler Persona Persona 5 Dragon Quest XI Square Enix Atlus Game Freak Capcom Game Arts Monolith Soft Atelier Yumia Persona 5 Royal Star Ocean The Second Story R Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters Live A Live Pokemon Legends Arceus Shin Megami Tensei V Vengeance Super Mario RPG Chrono Cross The Radical Dreamers Edition Trails from Zero Monster Hunter Stories 2 Lunar Remastered Collection S