The Nintendo Switch is an amazing console that allows you to play games on the go. Amongst the many games you can have on the Switch, JRPGs are plentiful.
JRPGs have varying different gameplay styles between games as one will most likely not be similar to the other. This list details the most popular and best JRPGs on the Nintendo Switch.
Pokémon Sword and Shield
Release Date: November 15, 2019
Sub-Genre: Adventure
Max Players: 4
Metacritic Rating: 80%
The Pokémon franchise has been alive and well for many years and with this installment of the franchise the players rushed to have this in their library from day one. It is easy to see why. Sword and Shield was the first real Pokémon game on the Switch and introduced a new style to the beloved franchise. Though there were a couple of issues that player’s noticed very early on, it is still a fun and cute game that Pokémon fans still love.
You play throughout the game collecting as many Pokémon as you can and formatting your own unique perfect team to defeat rivals and other Pokémon on this massive adventure. This installment of the Pokémon franchise has the starter Pokémon being the fire type, Scorbunny, the water type, Sobble, and the grass type, Grookey. Pokémon fans and JRPG fans that like cute Japanese games should play this game.
Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom – Prince’s Edition
Release Date: September 17, 2021
Sub-Genre: Adventure
Max Players: 1
Metacritic Rating: 80%
Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom – Prince’s Edition gives you more than you could have ever asked for when it comes to this game. Ni No Kuni is a popular set of games that has captured the hearts of many players. Though this game changed up a lot from the first game it still managed to keep the fanbase alive.
You join the young king, Evan, as he sets out on a quest to find a new kingdom and unite the world as well as save it. You go on an unforgettable adventure that is just as amazing as the previous game. This is a must play for JRPG players.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Release Date: September 27, 2019
Sub-Genre: Turn-based, Adventure
Max Players: 1
Metacritic Rating: 91%
Dragon Quest defines the JRPGs genre and is a beloved franchise that continues to be well received by players. It is a fantastic gaming experience that anyone who is a fan of JRPGs needs to play. This game is the enhanced version and due to it being on Nintendo Switch has a few minor things that differ. One thing that is notable about playing it on Nintendo Switch, means that your outfits may be different colors to the ones on other platforms. This is a cool detail that players may appreciate.
You play as the Hero or otherwise known as the Luminary. You have to try and save the world from a disastrous evil while trying to escape being imprisoned because of the false beliefs of the reason as to your existence. While traveling you will collect a merry band of friends who will help you in battle and throughout your journey. You can switch between 2D and 3D modes, depending on how you want to play the game. You can easily sink in hundreds of hours into this game.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Release Date: July 29, 2022
Sub-Genre: Action, Adventure
Max Players: 1
Metacritic Rating: 83%
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is one of the top JRPGs on the Switch with memorable characters and a fun, engaging story. Xenoblade Chronicles is a popular franchise of JRPGs on the Nintendo Systems and with the latest release being so well received that it was nominated for a couple of game awards, it is easy to see why it is one of the best JRPGs on Nintendo Switch.
You play as Noah and you go on an amazing adventure, getting new friends to help you along your journey and getting to know the characters on a deeper level. This game is a must-play for any Switch owner and Japanese RPG lovers.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Release Date: July 26, 2019
Sub-Genre: Strategy
Max Players: 1
Metacritic Rating: 89%
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a beloved JRPG that has captured the hearts of fans and brought new fans to the Fire Emblem series. You play as Byleth or whatever you name the main character as you become a teacher and lead students through battles and uncover a disastrous plot that threatens the peace of the world.
Fire Emblem has a unique aspect to it that gives the player lots of options right at the beginning. You pick between three houses in the school, The Golden Deers, The Blue Lions, and The Black Eagles. Depending on which one you pick, the story will change and you will experience things differently. You can also take students from other houses and put them in your class, this gives you a multitude of options in combat. This game is a must-buy for JRPG fans.
Persona 5 Royal
Release Date: October 21, 2022
Sub-Genre: Turn-based
Max Players: 1
Metacritic Rating: 94%
Persona 5 Royal is a popular JRPG that was recently released on platforms other than the PlayStation. It has drawn many players to become fans of the Persona franchise since the initial release of Persona 5 on PS4.
You play as Joker, a delinquent teen who recently moved to Tokyo on his year of probation. Very quickly you discover another world, the Metaverse, which allows you to go into the minds of the twisted in society to steal their hearts and make them confess their crimes.
This game has extra content that the previous game doesn’t have that fleshes out the world a lot more. It was ported to the Nintendo Switch and is a must-play for any JRPG fan as the Persona franchise is one of, if not THE best JRPG on Nintendo Switch. It is also possibly one of the best story games for switch.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
Release Date: April 16, 2019
Sub-Genre: Turn-based
Max Players: 1
Metacritic Rating: 85%
Final Fantasy is a popular JRPG franchise by Square Enix that has been going on for many years. Due to its popularity, it is only natural that the older games would be remastered for a modern audience. This means that Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster was bound to happen.
It makes the game look a bit better than its original counterpart but keeps the main core mechanics such as the turn-based battle system and story that made the games popular back in the day.
You play as Tidus who travels with Yuna on an epic adventure through the magical world of Spira. Your goal is to help stop the world from meeting its end due to a menace known as Sin. In Final Fantasy X-2 Remaster you go back into the world of Spira and you embark on an epic quest to be a sphere hunter. These games are classics and are must plays for Final Fantasy fans.
There are also other Final Fantasy games for the Nintendo Switch which are Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy IX, and Final Fantasy XII. All of these are amazing JRPGs so definitely check them out.
Monster Hunter Rise
Release Date: March 26, 2021
Sub-Genre: Action
Max Players: 4
Metacritic Rating: 88%
Monster Hunter Rise has a massive fanbase throughout the world due to the previous games and has recently come out with the Sunbreak DLC that gives the game more content and story. You can play this game with your friends (up to four people) or solo.
You play as your own character in this ninja-inspired land of Kamura Village, where you can explore the landscapes of different biomes and hunt and battle monsters to become the ultimate hunter. This game is fun and deeply immersive. Players love the game and play it religiously. The DLC just gives them more to do.
Octopath Traveler
Release Date: July 13, 2018
Sub-Genre: Adventure, Turn-based
Max Players: 1
Metacritic Rating: 83%
Octopath Traveler is a magnificent new JRPG with a gorgeous art style. It has a mix of 3D and 2D art styles. This game immediately captured audiences with its gameplay and story or said better as stories. The stories are rich and this is definitely one of the best JRPGs on Switch.
You pick between eight different characters to start off with, depending on which one you choose depending on what story you will see first. When playing the rest of the game you will experience the different stories as you add characters to your party and will end up helping them on their quests as well. The characters are diverse and interesting. This is a must-play for any fan of JRPGs.
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
Release Date: January 11, 2019
Sub-Genre: Adventure
Max Players: 4
Metacritic Rating: 83%
Tales of Vesperia was released on the 10th anniversary of the original Tales of Vesperia release. Players love this game as it is filled with fun and adventure. It has new HD graphics, new music tracks, excited mini-games and exciting boss fights.
You play through the story of two friends who go on separate adventures that intertwine in an adventure that threatens existence as it is. The world needs your help in trying to solve the issue that plagues the world. This game is a must-play for any Switch owners and JRPG lover.
