Summary
- RPGs on the Nintendo Switch offer immersive storylines and engaging gameplay, making them a must-play for fans of story-based video games.
- From the action-oriented catching mechanics in Pokemon Legends: Arceus to the turn-based battles in Bravely Default 2, the Nintendo Switch offers a diverse range of RPG experiences.
If you love story-based video games, RPGs are likely your bread and butter. They combine everything there is to love about an immersive story with fun, engaging gameplay that keeps you returning to the game, even after tens, or even hundreds, of hours.
RelatedThe Best Nintendo Switch Games Of All Time
The Nintendo Switch has dominated since its launch in 2017, and now we have a vast selection of fantastic games to take on the go.
PostsThe Nintendo Switch is the perfect vessel for RPGs, allowing you to experience them on your TV, on the go, or while cozied up in bed (definitely that last one). If you’re on the hunt for more RPGs to play on your Nintendo Switch, here are the best ones you need to experience.
Updated on March 21, 2025 by Rebecca Phillips: If you're looking for another RPG to dive into and take over your life, we've added even more options for you to try on Nintendo Switch. There's everything from classic RPGs to modern takes, so there's something for everyone.
20 Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster Gate Rune And Dunan Unification Wars
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Like Follow FollowedSuikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars
JRPG Systems 8.7/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 83/100 Critics Rec: 87% Released March 6, 2025 ESRB T For Teen // Mild Blood, Suggestive Themes, Violence, Simulated Gambling, Language Developer(s) Konami Publisher(s) Konami Engine UnityWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALIf you've ever wanted to play two of Konami's best RPGs, now you can do so on Switch thanks to the Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars collection. It contains both of these iconic titles remastered in HD, with added quality-of-life features such as autosave and the ability to fast-forward through battles, which is always convenient.
Both games have strong stories to enjoy and classic turn-based combat, with the added strategy of positioning party members in the front or back. If you want a classic but refreshed RPG experience, Suikoden 1 and 2 are a great choice.
19 Final Fantasy 10
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LikeFinal Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
JRPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 83/100 Critics Rec: 87% Released March 18, 2014 ESRB T For Teen due to Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence Developer(s) Square Enix Publisher(s) Square Enix Engine PhyreEngine Franchise Final FantasyWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALThe Switch version of FF10 also comes with FF10-2, so you can jump into the sequel right after.
In Final Fantasy 10, Blitzball player Tidus is originally from Zanarkand, but he's taken to another world called Spira when a huge monster called Sin attacks. Once in Spira, Tidus meets Yuna, a summoner, and her Guardians, who swear to protect her on her pilgrimage to summon the Final Aeon needed to defeat Sin.
Final Fantasy 10's strengths lie in its characters and story (which isn't that unusual for an FF game), with Yuna easily being one of the best Final Fantasy characters ever. While FF10's turn-based combat system is fairly standard, its Sphere Grid mechanic is excellent, allowing you to unlock various skills for your party members and tailor their uses in battle to your liking.
18 Omori
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Horror RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 86/100 Critics Rec: 100% Released December 25, 2020 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) OMOCAT, LLC. Publisher(s) OMOCAT, LLC. Engine RPG Maker MVWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALOmori blends psychological horror with classic RPG elements to create something completely new. The game is split between two worlds: the real world, where Sunny must choose whether to stay at home or meet up with old friends after his sister's tragic death, and Headspace, where Sunny retreats to and relives childhood adventures with his friend group and late sister.
The game uses turn-based combat with an emotions system that affects how party members and enemies act and how effective attacks are; for example, sadness is strong against happiness, but weak to anger. The game initially presents itself like any other RPG, but you'll soon find that something darker is lingering just beneath the surface.
17 Eastward
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RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 80/100 Critics Rec: 75% Released September 16, 2021 ESRB T For Teen due to Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol Developer(s) Pixpil Publisher(s) Chucklefish Engine MoaiWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALEastward is a great modern pixel RPG that also draws inspiration from classic Zelda in its combat. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ruined by Miasma, the game follows John, a miner in Potcrock Isle, and Sam, a young girl he adopts. John and Sam's close father-daughter relationship is one of the highlights of the game and really makes you feel for these two characters.
After Sam is expelled from school, the pair leave town and head out on an adventure together to learn more about Sam's origins. While the game's story could have done with a little more polish, it's a fun pixel RPG nonetheless and it looks fantastic.
16 Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance
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JRPG Systems 4.5/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 89/100 Critics Rec: 97% Released June 14, 2024 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) Atlus Publisher(s) Atlus, SEGA Engine Unreal Engine 4WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALShin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance is the definitive way to play this excellent RPG. This edition brings a new storyline in Canon of Vengeance, so even if you've played the original version, there's something new for you to experience here. Alongside the new scenario, its gameplay has been tightened across the board, giving SMT 5 a new lease of life.
You play as Nahobino, a human and demon hybrid, as you explore Da'at. You'll come across plenty of other demons, which you can either defeat or recruit for your party. If you like classic turn-based RPG gameplay, stylish graphics, and a great story, you'll enjoy SMT 5: Vengeance.
15 Super Mario RPG
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RPG Systems 4.5/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 84/100 Critics Rec: 94% Released November 17, 2023 ESRB E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Nintendo Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine unityWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALCheck out our 4.5 / 5 review of Super Mario RPG!
Do you like RPGs? Do you like Mario? Then Super Mario RPG is the perfect game for you. A remake of the beloved original game for the SNES, Super Mario RPG is a lighthearted and funny RPG with all the charm you'd expect from the Mario series. Meeting various party members along the way, you play as Mario as he travels across the Mushroom Kingdom to rebuild Star Road.
The game uses classic turn-based combat, which may be a change if you're diving into this as a Mario fan, but any seasoned RPG players will be right at home here. If you're looking for a humorous adventure with some familar faces along the way, this is the Switch RPG to choose.
14 Sea Of Stars
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RPG Systems 4.0/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 89/100 Critics Rec: 97% Released August 29, 2023 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language Developer(s) Sabotage Publisher(s) Sabotage Engine UnityWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONCheck out our 4 / 5 review of Sea of Stars!
One of the first things that drew many people into Sea of Stars is its inspirations, which it wears proudly through its pixelated art style and turn-based battle system. Battles aren't completely traditional turn-based, though, as you also have the option to time your button presses to increase the power of your attack and decrease the damage you receive.
Sea of Stars' story follows the Children of the Solstice, who are able to perform Eclipse Magic together in the hopes of ending the tyranny of The Fleshmancer. Its heartfelt story and familiar-yet-new mechanics ooze nostalgia while still offering a fresh RPG experience.
13 Live A Live
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JRPG Systems 4.0/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 82/100 Critics Rec: 88% Released April 27, 2023 ESRB T For Teen Due To Blood, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Language, Suggestive Themes Publisher(s) Square Enix, Nintendo Engine Unreal Engine 4WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALCheck out our 4 / 5 review of Live A Live!
Live A Live finally came to the West in 2022, and what an excellent title it is. The 1994 game has been reimagined with HD-2D graphics, which only enhances this already excellent title. You can decide which order to take on the stories of the seven heroes, which will see you exploring various eras of time, from prehistory all the way to the distant future.
The heroes' stories will each take you around a few hours to complete, and every one is just as exciting as the last. Once you complete them all, you'll be in for one last surprise before the end. On the whole, Live A Live is beautiful remake with all the charm of the original.
12 Pokemon Legends: Arceus
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RPG Action Systems 3.5/5 8.8/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 83/100 Critics Rec: 86% Released January 28, 2022 ESRB E for Everyone: Mild Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Game Freak Publisher(s) Nintendo, The Pokemon Company Engine Proprietary EngineWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALCheck out our 3.5 / 5 review of Pokemon Legends: Arceus!
Most Pokemon games see you setting out on an adventure from your hometown with the goal of becoming the Champion, but things are quite different in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Your character is catapulted back in time to the Hisui region (which becomes the Sinnoh region in the future) where Pokemon are much more dangerous than they are in the present.
After assimilating into Jubilife Village, you'll be tasked with researching Pokemon, as well as investigating the strange rifts appearing across the region. Even if you're not a Pokemon fan, Legends: Arceus is a fun RPG, especially thanks to the action-oriented catching mechanics that add a whole new dimension to catching them all.
11 Bravely Default 2
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Like Follow FollowedBravely Default 2
JRPG Systems 3.0/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 77/100 Critics Rec: 69% Released February 26, 2021 ESRB T for Teen: Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence Developer(s) Claytechworks Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine Unreal Engine 4WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALThough it's part of the Bravely Default series, you can head into this one without any prior knowledge, as Bravely Default 2 is set in a brand-new world and follows four new Heroes of Light — Seth, a sailor; Gloria, the princess of Musa; Adelle, a mercenary; and Elvis, a traveling scholar.
The Bravely Default series is named after its Brave and Default battle system, which naturally returns here. During turn-based battles, you'll need to manage Brave Points by switching between the Brave and Default modes. While the battle system can be a little challenging to get used to for newcomers, it's rewarding once you get the hang of it.
