Share This Article
It’s been a while since the Nintendo Switch has hit the market, and with it came brand new JRPGs and enhanced versions for fans like us to play.
Games are still being released, and I’ll be updating this list accordingly, but for now here are the best JRPG games on the Nintendo Switch 2 I could find, separated by New Releases and Enhanced Editions:
Enhanced Editions
First, we have the enhanced editions. Versions that should run, play, and feature more content than their Switch 1 counterpart. While also explaining how to upgrade your Switch 1 version if that possibility exists and if a physical edition exists. With this said, let’s start with the following:
Atelier Ryza DX 1, 2 & 3
I always wanted to get into the Atelier Ryza games but never got the chance. I’ve heard they are a pretty solid trilogy, especially the first 2 games, but I’ve also heard they do not look or run the prettiest on Switch 1. And I can totally believe that after struggling through Atelier Yumia…
But Atelier Ryza DX fixes this with updated resolution, visuals, and a steady 30 fps. It’s still a shame they couldn’t reach 60 fps, though, at least for the first title, which came out in 2019.
Still, a steady frame rate is better than nothing, and you can enjoy all the newly added content as well, such as new playable characters, quality of life changes, and even a new story.
If you have Atelier Ryza on Switch, there is no way to upgrade to the Switch 2 version, though, and you’ll need to purchase the game separately.
And if you wanted a physical copy, you’re out of luck too. The game is digital only, and you can purchase them all in one go to save some cash, since separately they cost €39.99 and €89.99 bundled.
Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven
Romancing Saga 2 is a full-on remake of the original release, and it was already a great game on the older console. It was also the first true JRPG to officially release on Switch 2 Edition, and a demo alongside it. I never had the chance to play this in the past, and experiencing it on my brand-new console was a memorable experience.
This Switch 2 Edition adds better resolution and visuals up to 1440p on TV and 1080p handheld and buttery smooth 60 FPS performance. Which is something I’m starting to get used to, and it’s slowly turning me into an FPS snob.
If you have the original game, you can access all of these features by paying 9.99 € for the upgrade pack, which is a bit steep if I’m honest.
Still, it’s one of the best JRPGs you can get right now and definitely the best glow-up we’ve seen so far in the genre.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
I wasn’t going to include these, but technically they are JRPGs, so I will mention them briefly.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet was a good game for Pokémon fans, but the performance issues and major bugs were inexcusable. Luckily, Nintendo finally decided to address all of this with a free 60 fps and performance boost patch update for anyone who owns the game and the Nintendo Switch 2. So you can see it’s the most expensive patch in history.
Then we have the new entry in the franchise, Pokémon Legends Z-A, released on both Switch 1 and Switch 2. I’ve been playing it a ton. I’m clocking in way over 100 hours, which is in line with most Pokémon games I own, given the online is fun and somewhat competitive.
On Switch 2 it runs at 60 fps, has better resolution and draw distance, and it’s definitely an experience I recommend to all Pokémon fans. And as a quick reminder, the last time we saw a mainline Pokémon game run at this frame rate was Pokémon Emerald on GBA.
Raidou: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
This game, alongside Nocturne, was my first Shin Megami Tensei game on the PS2, and playing them as a teen was mind-blowing. I had no idea JRPGs could have such dark tones and imagery.
I played it plenty already and was super excited to play it, but the Switch 2 edition is only a game key card.
You can purchase the Switch 1 physical game and take advantage of the new hardware to run the game at 60 FPS docked, but you’ll be stuck at 30 FPS in handheld. And unfortunately, there is no upgrade pack available.
Maybe one day I’ll accept Game Key Cards as part of this gaming era…
New Game Releases
Next up we have all the new game releases that you can only get on the Nintendo Switch 2:
Persona 3 Reload
The long-awaited Persona 3 remake, Persona 3 Reload, finally hit the Switch 2, and with it comes a new wave of emo kids, after being exposed to mid-2000s dread.
At launch it had a couple of issues regarding performance, but since then it has been patched to play at 60 FPS in performance mode and a steadier 30 FPS in docked.
Although I’ve watched my brother play it on multiple occasions growing up, I never got to play it myself. And this 60 FPS will eventually make me pull the trigger. The only thing left is another patch to replace that intro song with Burn My Dread.
Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter
Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter is a remake and the starting point for one of the longest-running RPG series out there, Legend of Heroes. It was developed by the veteran Nihon Falcom, who is responsible for games like YS: VIII Lacrimosa of Dana, also belonging to yet another franchise with dozens of games.
If you’ve never played a Legends of Heroes game, Trails in the Sky is definitely a great place to start without feeling overwhelmed by all the lore you are missing from previous games, since this is where it all began.
And, just like Persona 3 Reload, it got a new patch to fix performance issues and added a Performance Mode where you can run the game at somewhat consistently 60 fps.
Octopath 0 and Dragon Quest 1+2
Octopath 0 and Dragon Quest 1+2 are a delight to play on the Nintendo Switch 2. Finally, we can experience 2D HD games at a locked 60 fps, be it in dock mode or handheld. These should be your first pick if you’re looking for a modern take on the pure JRPG genre from the SNES era of games, especially Dragon Quest 1+2 Remake.
Octopath Traveler is also a great pick, but it introduces some light city-building mechanics that I didn’t enjoy as much when trying the demo.
I haven’t bought any of them yet, but I really want to one day. However, these are the types of games that I need to have physical. Both versions are only available as game key cards, which I’m still on the fence about, even after purchasing one in the form of Final Fantasy 7 Remake for the first time.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
I can’t believe it, a new Final Fantasy modern mainline game has come to a Nintendo console. Even though it was released 5 years ago on other platforms, this is still impressive considering the Switch 1 only got ports of older games and freaking Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade does look phenomenal on either handheld or docked. However, you won’t be getting more than 30 fps in either. It’s a shame, and I wish it could’ve been pushed to 30, but having played this as well on my Steam Deck, the compromise is worth it.
But there’s also one other compromise you need to consider, the file size. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade will take 99 GB of space on your 256 GB console. If you don’t have a Micro SD Express like me, this is a major blow.
Still, it’s the remake of one of the best JRPGs of all time and one of the best titles released this decade, so I think I can manage.
The Best JRPGs on the Nintendo Switch 2?
In my opinion, these are the best JRPGs available on the Nintendo Switch 2 right now, and the ones you need to have on your wish list. If you think I’ve missed any, please let me know!
And again, thanks for reading, and if everything goes well, I’ll be seeing you next time with brand new content.
