Summary

  • Dive into the world of JRPGs with Nintendo Switch, with a plethora of games to choose from for beginners.
  • Rune Factory 5 offers farming, monster collecting, and even a dating mechanic for a relaxing experience.
  • Experience classic turn-based battles and deep stories with titles like Super Mario RPG on Switch.

Whether you're on the go or at home, the Nintendo Switch has you covered. With a large library of games at your disposal, this little handheld has a plethora of games to choose from to occupy your time, especially if you're a newcomer to the JRPG genre and are in the market to try them out.

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Being a niche within the larger RPG genre, JRPGs tend to focus on any combination of deep battle systems, complex party dynamics, crunchy numbers and stats, and usually have an anime-like aesthetic. Even if you are a beginner at JRPGs, the Switch has plenty of options for you to try out, whether you like to play handheld or docked.

Updated on May 30, 2024: Looking to get into the vast world of JRPGs but they look a little intimidating? Luckily, there are plenty of beginner-friendly games to try out on the Nintendo Switch, and we've added our video for you to take a closer look!

8 Rune Factory 5

Farming, Ranching, And Adventuring

Rune Factory 5

JRPG Simulation Released March 22, 2022 Developer(s) Marvelous Powered by Expand Collapse

If you're looking for a relaxing JRPG to play and you like games with farming and monster collecting, then Rune Factory 5 is a game worth considering. While raising crops and animals, you will find yourself embroiled in a plot that threatens the very world you live in.

The game also features a dating mechanic, where you can pick one of multiple characters to date and then eventually get married. If you enjoy games like this, make sure to also check out Rune Factory 3 and Rune Factory 4, also available on the Switch.

7 Super Mario RPG

The Classic Mario RPG

via Nintendo

Super Mario RPG

RPG Released November 17, 2023 Developer(s) Nintendo Powered by Expand Collapse

Speak to any RPG veteran, and they will tell you the joy they felt while playing through Super Mario RPG for the first time back in the day. Now everyone has the chance to relive this classic in the modern era with its remake that can only be found on the Nintendo Switch.

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Super Mario RPG: Complete Guide And Walkthrough

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This game would be one of the first in series history to see Mario team up with arch-nemesis Bowser in a world-trotting adventure to save the Mushroom Kingdom from a more terrifying threat. Other fan favorite characters, such as Mallow and Geno, were also introduced in this classic adventure.

6 Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age - Definitive Edition

The JRPG Of JRPGs

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age

JRPG Released September 4, 2018 Developer(s) Square Enix Powered by Expand Collapse

If any game screams JRPG, it's Dragon Quest 11. This is a game from the long-running Dragon Quest series, which is one of the oldest JRPG series to date. These games put the genre on the map according to some.

Featuring a classic turn-based battle system and a colorful cast of characters that join your party as members, this game has all the hallmarks of a true JRPG gem. It promises to be an adventure of a lifetime should you decide to delve into it.

5 Xenoblade Chronicles

A Trilogy Of Fantastic Games

Xenoblade Chronicles

Released July 29, 2022 Powered by Expand Collapse

The entirety of the Xenoblade Chronicles trilogy is playable on the Switch, and each entry is a fantastic game for any newcomer to the genre. They all feature a deep action combat system, where you select skills in real time as they come off cooldown to deal large amounts of damage to enemies.

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Every Game In The Xenoblade Series, Ranked

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While each game is a good game on its own merits, to truly appreciate the depth and scope the series has to offer, it is recommended to start from the first one in the series. If, for some reason, the story isn't a concern for you, then any entry is a fun romp through an open world with plenty of quests to do and monsters to kill.

4 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Lead Your House To Victory

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Strategy RPG Released July 26, 2019 Developer(s) Intelligent Systems Powered by Expand Collapse

Taking a step away from turn-based combat, we have Fire Emblem: Three Houses, a JRPG for people who love in-depth social dynamic systems and tactical combat. The game is very beginner-friendly, helping you understand the systems well before throwing you into the deep end.

You will assume the role of a teacher of a particular house at a military academy, leading them into battle and making impactful decisions on the field that will result in either victory or defeat. Defeat also carries risks, as units can potentially die permanently, if you choose the appropriate difficulty.

3 Persona 5 Royal

The Phantom Thieves Will Steal Your Heart

Persona 5 Royal

JRPG Released March 31, 2020 Developer(s) Atlus, P-Studio Powered by Expand Collapse

Persona 5 Royal is part of the storied Persona series and is a fantastic first JRPG for anyone. It features classic turn-based battles with a twist: the One More system. With every enemy weakness that gets exploited, characters get to act again, or baton pass to another ally and have them move instead.

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While the combat is very deep and robust, Persona 5 Royal is also very well known for its social sim and daily life sim features as well. You will manage your time at school, hanging out with friends, dating, and dungeon crawling in this expansive JRPG.

2 Octopath Traveler

2.5D Masterpieces

Octopath Traveler

JRPG Released July 13, 2018 Developer(s) Square Enix Powered by Expand Collapse

Octopath Traveler and its sequel, Octopath Traveler 2, are gorgeously designed 2.5D JRPGs that take a classic turn-based battle system and give it a fresh coat of paint. Its boost system will allow you to stack up to four attacks in a row with one character, allowing you to completely decimate the target in front of you.

Each game follows the story of eight different protagonists, all brought together for varying reasons, each one specializing in a different job that you can customize and change later on. They also have phenomenal soundtracks, so music lovers will especially like these games.

1 The Pokemon Series

Gotta Catch Them All!

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

RPG Released November 18, 2022 Developer(s) Game Freak Powered by Expand Collapse

The most valuable media franchise in the world is also home to some of the best beginner JRPGs on the market. Pokemon is very easy to get into and easy to understand, but offers an in-depth battle system and competitive scene with more than 1,000 Pokemon to build teams out of.

Any entry in the series is a good place to start for a beginner to JRPGs, but Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are an excellent starting point. Grab your Switch, pick out your favorite Pokemon, and start battling today.

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10 Best JRPGs On PS5

JRPGs are a staple for PlayStation 5 fans, and we gathered some of the very best games you can play right now.

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