Japanese Role Playing Games (JRPGs) excessively demand players’ time. Because of this, it makes sense that the Nintendo Switch is the best platform for these games as you can go about grinding levels or defeating monsters for their loot wherever you are.
Here are the top 12 JRPGs available on the Switch to sink your time into.
1. Final Fantasy VII
The seminal JRPG which introduced the JRPG to the masses, Final Fantasy VII, is the first recommended JRPG to play on the Switch. Unfortunately, the remake of this game is not available on the Switch. Nevertheless, the original game is still a great game regardless of its age.
There are lots of facets in this game that are dated, for example, the graphics. Here is this awkward art style employed by 3D games released on the PlayStation One. These graphics did not stand the test of time. Yet, they are not distracting. Your enjoyment of this game shall not be hampered due to its looks.
Of course, the aforementioned should only be a problem if you are a first-time player. For those who played and loved this game in the 90s will have a great time playing this on the Switch because of the quality-of-life addition. These modern enhancements include 3X speed mode, turning off the battle encounters, and in-game cheats like full HP or limit break meters.
If you are not familiar with the overarching story of the game, here is a non-spoiler introduction. In Final Fantasy VII, you control a rag-tag group of eco-terrorists led by a former supersoldier developed by the same megacorp which is destroying the planet. There is also this mercurial figure who sometimes aligns with your objectives but most of the time your outright nemesis.
Final Fantasy VII is an epic adventure full of twists and turns. It is a classic turn-based JRPG with an interesting story. It is also highly recommended to play this game first before the remake because the remake is just a portion of the game and the sequels are still in development. Final Fantasy VII of 1997 had wrapped up its narrative. True, there are some spin-offs and quasi-prequels and sequels, but they are not essential.
- Developer: Square
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release Date: March 26, 2019
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fans of the series already know what to expect from Fire Emblem titles. The standard set by these games in the tactical RPG sphere is already too high. Fire Emblem: Three Houses exceeded every expectation thrice over. This is one of the best tactical games ever made on par with Final Fantasy Tactics, no matter how blasphemous that may sound.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses bring the players to Fódlan, a continent divided into three large nations that have found peace after years of strife. The Garreg Mach Monastery, located in the heart of this realm, is where the most powerful families in each region send their children to learn and prepare to govern and reign in the future.
Like Fódlan before it, this Officers’ Academy is divided into three houses, each corresponding to factions. The player will then assume a mercenary who arrives at the mercenary as a teacher. A choice is then asked, what faction will you choose? Whatever you choose will give you a grand JRPG adventure where your decisions matter a lot.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses, for those who are uninitiated, does not play like a turn-based JRPG using a party. It is more of a tactical JRPG where you deploy numerous units on a battlefield.
- Developer: Intelligent Systems, Koei Tecmo (Kou Shibusawa)
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: July 26, 2019
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
3. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
This game is a mouthful in terms of its title. It is also bursting with content, as the original game is already a huge game, and the definitive edition has an expanded story. Aside from that, orchestrated music, dual audio, and the pixelated game mode where the game will look like a SNES game forms part of this edition.
The character-specific backstory (or side story) quests that this edition introduces do wonders to flesh out and strengthen your bond with your favorite characters. Because of the silent protagonist, Dragon Quest XI has always depended on its minor characters for charisma and personality. This is most prevalent in RPGs where the player-character is observant of what is happening in the story while other characters bounce off them. With the additional content focusing on the other characters, the game got better when it is already one of the best games no matter the genre.
Still, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition plays like a beautifully crafted ode to the genre of old-school Japanese role-playing games. Its exploration system, which has communities divided by beautiful countryside and monster-infested dungeons, is unapologetically traditional yet structurally ageless. Additionally, its straightforward turn-based fights are strengthened by amazing creature designs and compelling character development. A pure JRPG experience from beginning to end.
- Developer: Dennaton Games
- Publisher: Devolver Digital
- Release Date: August 19, 2019
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
4. YS VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA
The YS series is one of the best video game franchises ever. YS VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is not the best YS game per se, but it is the most JRPG among all of them.
The YS series follows the adventures of Adol Christin. In this game, he got involved in a shipwreck that washes into a deserted island. You control Adol as he wanders around the island and finds some of the survivors. You then establish a small community and start a quest of searching for the other survivors. While doing that, you are to face monsters and creatures and fend them off.
Enemies have unique attack patterns and vulnerabilities to specific sorts of damage, so you must pay special attention to them throughout fast-paced, action-heavy battles.
You’ll swiftly swap between your party members to maximize the damage dealt and break an enemy’s guard, stun them, and render them helpless for a brief period. Characters each do a certain sort of damage depending on the weapons they employ. Up to four special attacks with unique special effects and damage attributes can be assigned to each member of your party.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is an RPG that requires a significant time commitment and while the narrative is not that elaborate compared to JRPG convention, the combat, the overarching plot, and character development make it a great choice for the Nintendo Switch.
- Developer: Nihon Falcom
- Publisher: NIS America
- Release Date: June 26, 2018
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
5. Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
The tales series screams JRPG and anime and not in a very flattering way. Hence, some may dismiss this series for being too gaudy and fan-servicey (which is actually where Fire Emblem is pivoting too, but everything is forgiven since it’s a Nintendo exclusive).
This particular Tales game is the one that most fans were looking after since it was only released on the Xbox 360 back in 2008. It never got translated and ported over to Western territories on other platforms.
The definitive edition adds more characters, and events, as well as other minor quality-of-life improvements like full voice acting as the original, have only select scenes with voice acting and replayable boss fights.
There is a lot of content also added in this edition like new story scenes, side quests, mini-games, artes and mystic artes, and post-game dungeons. There are lots of costumes added too, if that is your jam.
The Tales series’ main attraction is its very involved action-RPG combat. It is chaotic, yet fun. Sometimes you can’t see things anymore due to the animations and whatnot, but it is exceedingly rewarding as it really feels like you are the ones winning the battles.
- Developer: Namco Tales Studio
- Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
- Release Date: January 11, 2019
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
6. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of The White Witch
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a JRPG with dazzling art and animation thanks to Studio Ghibli being involved in its development. This game was initially released in 2013 and due to its standard JRPGness, it still is playable.
This game is heartbreaking though, a rarity among JRPGs which has eternal benevolence winning over malevolent forces at all times no matter how dire the circumstances. Oliver, the player-controllable protagonist, has just lost his mother. One of his toys, Drippy, was actually a fairy and reveals a new world. In this world, Oliver mends broken characters using other characters’ excesses.
Aside from party members, Ni No Kuni features familiars. These familiars are creatures that are used in battles in place of the party member. Familiars have different abilities than the replaced member as well as independent level.
Recruiting new familiars is accomplished through combat, where there is a chance that when a creature is vanquished, hearts will appear over their heads, enabling you to serenade them and persuade them to join your squad. You can maintain up to three familiars per party member and switch them out in particular areas.
The sequel of this game Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is also available on the Switch.
- Developer: Level-5
- Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
- Release Date: September 20, 2019
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
7. Shin Megami Tensei V
Shin Megami Tensei V is a massive, complex, multifaceted, and at times even inhomogeneous title. In this game, you are about to control the Nahobino, which not only represents a turning point in the destinies of men, gods, and demons but also the foundations of the Shin Megami Tensei universe.
Shin Megami Tensei V is set in modern-day Tokyo which is suffering from chaos and violence. The professors of Liceo Jouin advise students to return in groups to their respective dormitories. An earthquake then struck the protagonist’s way and then wakes up in a New Tokyo, where time has passed significantly. The city is deserted, there are no traces of men, and the demons have taken over.
Just as tradition, Shin Megami Tensei V is a difficult JRPG and not for those who just want to lay back and relax.
- Developer: Atlus
- Publisher: Sega
- Release Date: November 12, 2021
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
8. Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition
Chrono Trigger is the vastly superior game, unfortunately, it is not available on the Switch. The sequel Chrono Cross should suffice. But bear in mind, that this game is far different from Chrono Trigger. Fans of Chrono Trigger had found this game lacking and bloated at the same time, which is a valid criticism.
Chrono Cross is a great game on its own. It differentiated itself from most JRPGs at the time of its release with level caps, random stat-ups, and battlefield altering so that attacks and spells work better. There is also a huge number of recruitable (and missable) party members.
This game has the JRPGness in spades with its a complicated plot. Even if you played Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross will be hard to follow, even downright confusing. Good thing, the art style, and music are incredible.
Unfortunately, this remaster (even the ports to other gaming platforms) is marred with performance issues. Even if you toggle into the original art style, the issues remain rampant. It can be tolerated, but this should not be a problem anymore given the age of the game.
Just like the remasters of JRPGs of the past, Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition has quality-of-life additions like no encounters, speed boosts, and in-game cheats.
- Developer: Square
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release Date: April 7, 2022
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
9. Triangle Strategy
Triangle Strategy is an ode to the classic tactical games Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy Tactics, both not available on the Switch. Triangle Strategy is a great introduction to strategic JRPGs.
Be forewarned, Triangle Strategy has one of the slowest opening chapters in a video game. Just like its obvious inspirations, Triangle Strategy is teeming with political intrigue.
You play Serenoa, heir to the throne of Glenbrook, as he and his allies attempt to broker peace between Norzelia’s three nations. Triangle Strategy is able to fully explore every aspect of Norzelia’s problems through lengthy conversations.
Although the campaign’s focus is firmly set on Serenoa and his allies, there’s plenty of opportunity to see the world through the eyes of others, with plenty of cutscenes and the occasional side mission focusing on the Norzelia’s other major players.
There are parts of the narrative that move at a glacial pace, some players might actually doze off playing this game. Nevertheless, the riveting storyline, the HD-2D art style, and the fun combat should offset the enormous speeches by the game characters. If you like the style of this game, Bravely Default, Octopath Traveler, and Live A Live are also available on the Switch.
- Developer: Square Enix / Artdink
- Publisher: Devolver Digital
- Release Date: August 19, 2019
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
10. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which dethroned Pokémon Sword and Shield as the highest-rated Pokémon game on Switch, demonstrates that the best Pokémon games don’t have to rely on gameplay features that debuted 25 years ago.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus replaces the classic-yet-restrictive form of old with a near-open world filled with the iconic Pokémon. A young character’s quest to become the best trainer or capture all Pokémon is replaced with a refreshing narrative centered on time travel, warring clans, and the creation of the first Pokédex.
Arceus takes the series on a very different path, and the moves the devs made may not be unanimously praised. Some will be irritated by the absence of gyms and the rather grindy nature of progression, but for others, the increased emphasis on capturing pokémon and filling the pokédex, although being structurally different from past Pokémon titles, has been done masterfully.
You can no longer complete a pokédex entry by catching a single unit of the species. Now you must catch a huge number of them, combat a great number of them, see them do specified maneuvers, and so forth.
The art style of Pokémon Legends: Arceus is just wonderful to look at on the Nintendo Switch. It may be the best-looking game of the series.
- Developer: Game Freak
- Publisher: Nintendo, The Pokémon Company
- Release Date: August 19, 2019
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
11. Xenoblade Chronicles 3
It is mandatory to play the first two games of the series in order to appreciate the third game. You can certainly play the third game without playing the first two as the games in this series are lengthy, but the experience is much better when you know the universe in Xenoblade by immersing in the older games.
The narrative in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is both a stand-alone and a direct sequel to the previous games. Xenoblade 3 is a sequel in a much more obvious way than Xenoblade 2 is to the first game. The world setting has many components that only make sense if you’ve played both games, and while the game tries to keep things independent of the two previous games, there are some significant references that provide life-altering impact.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 brings the players to Aionios, a country where two countries are continuously at odds: Keves and Agnus. Noah, Eunie, and Lanz dwell in the first, and Mio, Taion, and Sena live in the second. In these regions, people survive for just ten years, which means they devote their whole lives to military preparation and the ensuing war without mercy. Everything, in order to reap the benefits of the “homecoming” is a rite in which the souls of warriors who survive without dying in battle are to be sacrificed to the mysterious queens of both kingdoms.
- Developer: Monolith Soft
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: July 29, 2022
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
12. Digimon Survive
Reducing Digimon Survive as a tactical JRPG is a disservice to the merits of the game. There is a tactical battle system, but it is sandwiched between extended visual novel sections. This game is part JRPG, part visual novel, and it excels in both departments.
The storyline begins with a group of students on a school trip to a rural area of Japan. They discover an ancient and abandoned tunnel and, after going through it, find themselves in a whole different world. Unfortunately for them, it’s a dangerous world with monsters assaulting them.
Digimon Survive employs the classic turn-based combat, where the essence is not lost, but it is significantly slower than its peers. A Digimon only has two attacks, one basic and one special. You can command the Digimon to move or fight, although the option to speak has also been added, which is to encourage a teammate and thus have an attacking reinforcement, which will mean that on that Digimon’s turn it can hit harder.
Digimon Survive is lengthy in visual novel parts, so you have to have that in mind if you expect a full-on grindfest of a JRPG.
- Developer: Hyde
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Release Date: July 29, 2022
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
Conclusion
These are the top 12 JRPGs available on the Switch. You can play one each month and you will have a yearful of JRPGs.
There are other JRPGs that are also worth your time, like Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age if you find Final Fantasy VII to be too old. Other Pokemon, Tales, and Shin Megami Tensei titles are also well worth purchasing. They are not just included in the list except for their best representative otherwise the entire article will be full of the same games.
Another omission is The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV, which is available on Switch. Alone, it is a great game, but unlike Xenoblade, you really have to play the previous titles in order to have a grasp of the entire narrative. The first game of this incredibly long series is not available on Switch, sadly.
