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After going through the Best Action Games, it’s time to make a list of the Best RPG Games on the Nintendo Switch you can’t miss in 2025 and beyond.
The Nintendo Switch console offers an extensive library of RPG’s packed with epic adventures, diverse and intricate worlds, compelling characters, and soundtracks that I hum to this day. Whether you’re looking for traditional-turn based combat or action-oriented gameplay, this list has everything you need.
Without further ado, here’s my definitive list:
Note: This post features several affiliate links for Amazon purchases.
1. Xenoblade Chronicles Trilogy
I like to kick things off with what, I think, is the best RPG series you can play, and the Xenoblade Chronicles Trilogy is a great place to start.
Since I have over 300 hours in all games combined, I may be biased, but I truly believe these games offer everything you are looking for in the genre: an epic story, beautiful visuals, intricate and well-developed characters, a fantastic soundtrack, and a fun and addicting unique battle system you haven’t experienced before.
With Xenoblade X Chronicles on its way, this is the perfect time to hop on this franchise!
2. Legrand Legacy
You might be wondering what Legrand Legacy is. It’s an RPG from a smaller studio which I bought on a whim during a Spring Sale, and it ended up becoming one of my favorite games on the Switch.
It pays homage to the classic JRPGs of the PS1/PS2 era, and you can tell by its visuals and gameplay. The hand-drawn environments, turn-based combat, great characters, and a compelling story all come together to deliver a memorable experience.
My only criticism is that the final part of the game has a steep difficulty curve, and you might have to grind it a bit. And, while it might not have the same production value as some big-budget titles on this list, it definitely deserves more visibility.
3. Final Fantasy Series
You can’t make a Best RPGs on The Switch List without including the Final Fantasy games on the Nintendo Switch.
Want to play the classics? Buy Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, Final Fantasy VII/VIII Collection, and Final Fantasy IX.
Are you from the PS2 era? You’re in luck, since Final Fantasy X/X-2 and Final Fantasy XII are available for purchase. And, from the same era, there’s also Crisis Core, if you’re interested, although it’s a departure from the classic Turn-Based combat.
So, as you can see, there’s no shortage of Final Fantasy on the Switch, and if you’re new to the franchise I’d recommend Final Fantasy VII for how iconic it is to this day. While the graphics might be outdated, its gameplay, story, and message surely aren’t.
FF VII/FF VIII Remastered – Twin Pack: BUY NOW!
Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster: BUY NOW!
Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age: BUY NOW!
4. Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne & SMT V
If you’re a fan of darker RPG’s, then you can’t miss out on the Shin Megami Tensei games.
Nocturne is a remaster of the PS2 classic, which I’ve played more times than I can remember (and still haven’t beaten Lucifer). And SMT V, is the newest entry in the franchise, offering the best graphics and gameplay the franchise has ever seen.
Both feature a post-apocalyptic journey filled with demons, moral dilemmas, and unforgiving battles. And while you can’t go wrong with either, Nocturne can get annoying to get around with its random encounters and confusing dungeons. For these reasons, I’d suggest starting with SMT V.
I sincerely hope more people play this one because I really want an SMT 6!
SMT: Nocturne: BUY NOW!
SMT V: Vengeance: BUY NOW!
5. Tales of Vesperia & Tales of Symphonia
The Tales Of is a franchise I had known for years but never got around to playing any of its games, until Tales of Vesperia on the Nintendo Switch.
I considered it to be on my top games of 2020 for its heartfelt story, lovable cast of characters, and insane combat system that allows for so much creativity in your combos.
However, in your typical JRPG fashion, it takes a while for the plot to become interesting, and the first hours can be a slog.
Contrary to Tales of Symphonia, which picked my interest right from the get-go with its narrative and character. While the graphics aren’t the best, at least when compared with Vesperia, I can safely say that it still holds up.
So, whether you choose to play as a Rogue Knight fighting corruption or a Rowdy Teen trying to save the world, you can’t go wrong with either of these games.
Tales of Vesperia: BUY NOW!
Tales of Symphonia: BUY NOW!
6. Octopath Traveler I & II
Octopath Traveler is the natural evolution of 2D JRPGs, and Square Enix hit the nail on the visuals, soundtrack, and combat system.
Everything in this game is fun, and I love that, atypically, you’re not fighting for the greater good or trying to save the world. You’re just following these travelers who have their ambitions to achieve and personal struggles to overcome.
However, it’s not as accessible as other titles on this list, since it can be a bit grindy and difficult in your first few hours.
I still haven’t played Octopath Traveler 2 but from what I’ve seen it expands and addresses some issues I had with the first entry. So, I’m eager to find some time in 2025 to finally play it!
Octopath Traveler: BUY NOW!
Octopath Traveler 2: BUY NOW!
7. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
I could not believe my eyes when I saw Ni No Kuni being announced for the Nintendo Switch. As a monster-taming fan, I knew about it for years but never got around to playing it.
The strongest point of this game has to be its amazing Studio Ghibli art style, that immediately sets the tone of the heartwarming adventure that’s about to unfold. You’ll explore a world that seems innocent, but you’ll quickly be met with themes of loss and distress.
While the real-time combat is simple, you’ll be scratching your head at how difficult some encounters can be. There are plenty of familiars with unique abilities to collect, and knowing which to use in each boss is key.
The combination of these elements makes for an interesting RPG worthy of being on this list.
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch : BUY NOW!
8. Sea of Stars
For years, fans have been begging for a true sequel to Chrono Trigger, or some sort of remake. And, since Square Enix doesn’t seem interested in it, Sea of Stars was born.
It features a fun combat system clearly inspired by Chrono Trigger, and it’s a great example of how 16-bit RPGs can still find relevance today and look gorgeous, without the 2D-HD style.
From its intricate puzzles to its dynamic battles, Sea of Stars is a love letter to the golden age of RPGs. It’s perfect for players looking for a nostalgic yet modern experience on the Switch.
Sea of Starts: BUY NOW!
9. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake & Dragon Quest XI S
Just like Final Fantasy, it’s impossible to make a list of the Best Nintendo Switch RPGs without featuring Dragon Quest.
The Dragon Quest series is iconic in this genre, and the best option you have right now are Dragon Quest III HD-2D and Dragon Quest XI S.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D is a faithful remake of the original, with updated graphics, a remastered soundtrack, and new mechanics. Currently, it’s the best way to experience this classic, and it’s been announced that both Dragon Quest 1 and 2 will have the same treatment, which I’m looking forward to.
Then we have Dragon Quest XI S, which is not just one of the best RPGs on the Switch, but also one of the best games overall. It excels in every aspect, from its magnificent plot, engaging characters, and beautiful orchestrated soundtrack.
In an age where turn-based combat seems to be losing ground to action-oriented systems, this game is a testament to how engaging and timeless traditional JRPG gameplay can be when executed perfectly.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake: BUY NOW!
Dragon Quest XI S: BUY NOW!
10. YS VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
There was a time when there weren’t that many RPGs to play on the Nintendo Switch, believe it or not. After the release of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, there wasn’t much to look forward to, except for YS VIII.
It features a fast-paced combat action system that is actually fun to play, unlike similar games such as Shining Resonance.
This, combined with an interesting story following Adol as he explores a mysterious island after a shipwreck, makes for a very compelling RPG. And it’s the perfect place for beginners to be introduced to this long-running franchise, despite the VIII in its title.
My only problem with it was not being able to find a physical copy for a reasonable price, since it’s become a collector’s item of sorts…
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana: BUY NOW!
11. .hack//G.U. Last Recode
Before Sword Art Online, there was the .hack series on the PS2. A series of Action RPGs where you play as a character playing an MMORPG.
.hack//G.U. Last Recode is a port of the original 3 games of the G.U. series, and I had to include it. For how nostalgic they are for me, I couldn’t leave them out of this list.
I played them immensely when I was a young teen after watching my brother, and I couldn’t think of a better way to replay them than on the Nintendo Switch.
The combat is still fun and engaging, the plot is great, and Haseo is as edgy as I remember him. So, if you’re looking for something different and packed with action, don’t miss out on this one!
12. Super Mario RPG
To close this list, we have the only Nintendo Switch game featuring RPG in the title, Super Mario RPG.
Out of all the games mentioned, this is the most accessible, and the one I would recommend parents purchase for their kids. The mechanics are very simplified, and it’s mostly lighthearted, apart from a creepy boss or two.
Super Mario RPG is a remake of the original game, and it doesn’t do much to make it feel fresh, but since the SNES was a great game, it was almost impossible for this to not be as well.
With quirky humor, memorable characters, and fun turn-based combat, it’s definitely an RPG worth your time.
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THE BEST RPGs on Nintendo Switch?
Even after all these years, the Nintendo Switch still has one of the most impressive libraries when it comes to RPG games.
The Nintendo Switch has cemented itself as a go-to platform for RPG fans, offering a mix of beloved classics and innovative modern titles, that you can play on the go. Whether you’re a fan of grand adventures, heartfelt stories, or intense battles, there’s something for everyone on this list of the Best RPGs on Nintendo Switch.