Summary

  • The Nintendo Switch has no shortage of outstanding RPG remasters, including legendary titles like Dark Souls and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
  • Additionally, the Switch has given a new life to many excellent hidden gems, such as The Last Remnant.

When it comes to Nintendo Switch games, there are a couple of areas where the library really thrives: RPGs and remasters. Though there are plenty of great new games, there is no shortage of notable revamps on the system, to be sure.

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The Switch's competent, unique hardware has allowed many of these already rich, appealing games to shine like never before. At the same time, a number of them have enjoyed increased exposure. Whether you're revisiting nostalgic classics or discovering them for the first time, there are many great role-playing remasters in which to immerse yourself.

Updated on March 28, 2025, by PJ Molloy: Even at the end of its life cycle, the Nintendo Switch is still delivering exceptional RPG remasters. We've updated the list with the very best ones that have launched over the past couple of years.

17 Tales Of Graces F Remastered

A Stunning Fantasy Adventure

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Tales of Graces f Remastered

Action RPG Adventure JRPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 82/100 Critics Rec: 81% Released January 17, 2025 ESRB T For Teen // Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Tose Publisher(s) Bandai Namco Entertainment Franchise Tales of Number of Players 1
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Platform(s) PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC Powered by Expand Collapse

Initially launched on PS3, Tales of Graces f follows swordsman Asbel Lhant, whose childhood friend, Sophie, returns after years of being presumed dead. Along with their buddy, Richard, they must defend their home in a bloody war and perhaps find the answers behind Sophie's baffling reappearance.

The fast-paced, real-time combat feels great, especially with the new gameplay adjustments. The Switch remaster also adds overhauled graphics, an auto-save feature, and many other enhancements. This is undoubtedly the best way to play this enthralling adventure.

16 Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

The Plumber's Greatest RPG

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Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2024)

RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 88/100 Critics Rec: 98% Released May 23, 2024 ESRB E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Nintendo Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine Origami King's engine Franchise Paper Mario
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Platform(s) Nintendo Switch Powered by Expand Collapse

Widely regarded as the best in its series, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door finally made it to Switch in 2024 with many exciting new tweaks. Take control of the famous plumber as he travels the world in search of the seven Crystal Stars, which are rumored to unlock the mysterious, centuries-old door underneath the city of Rogueport.

The battle system is famous for its use of action commands, which keep you engaged in combat even after your turn. The gameplay is even better in the remaster, thanks to the much-needed quality-of-life updates, such as a partner wheel, reduced backtracking, and a revamped fast-travel system.

15 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion

An Iconic Prequel

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Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion

Action RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 80/100 Critics Rec: 77% Released December 13, 2022 ESRB T for Teen due to Blood, Violence Developer(s) Square Enix, Tose Publisher(s) Square Enix Engine Unreal Engine 4 Franchise Final Fantasy
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A remake of the PSP action role-playing game, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion is a remastered prequel to the events of Final Fantasy 7. Zack Fair, a young recruit to SOLDIER, must investigate the disappearance of his mentor, Angeal — only to become swept up in a much bigger battle. 

Platform(s) Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One Powered by Expand Collapse

As a prequel to Final Fantasy 7, Crisis Core tells a captivating story of the events leading up to Cloud Strife's iconic adventure. When SOLDIER agents start to go missing, Zack Fair must set out to find them. Along the way, he encounters familiar faces, including Aerith and Sephiroth.

The real-time combat from the original Crisis Core is back and better than ever, enhanced with polished HD visuals, quality-of-life updates, and a newly arranged soundtrack. Overall, it's an excellent choice if you want to delve into the city of Midgar again.

14 Child Of Light: Ultimate Edition

A Stunning Side-Scroller

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Child of Light

RPG Systems 8.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 83/100 Critics Rec: 80% Released April 30, 2014 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco Developer(s) Ubisoft Montreal Publisher(s) Ubisoft Engine UbiArt Framework
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Platform(s) Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC, Stadia Powered by Expand Collapse

A rare shining light of the Wii U's barren eShop, this RPG grips with its graceful storybook visual style that rings like an interactive fairy tale. You take the role of a floating princess trying to find her way home as she traverses the lush lands of Lemuria.

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Ubisoft draws you in with a rich, lovely atmosphere but keeps you hooked with an accessible yet deep blend of RPG and side-scrolling gameplay. Child of Light also stands out when it comes to the fun, fluid combat, which uses an active-time battle system comparable to Grandia.

13 Baldur's Gate And Baldur's Gate 2 Enhanced

Revisit Two Legendary D&D Adventures

As part of the expansive D&D universe, this bundle of Overhaul's Baldur's Gate games instantly has much fantastical lore to draw upon. Both the original and its robust sequel bring cross-platform multiplayer to the fold, allowing mages, monks, thieves, and others to band together and fight through this massive, memorable campaign.

This modern rendition polishes up the presentation, including widescreen and higher resolution. With countless quests and customization, over 300 spells, and added content, the bundle exposes the advanced-level RPG to a new audience in a grand fashion. Collectively, this package can comprise hundreds of hours of fantasy-based fun, which is almost unheard of on Switch.

12 Rune Factory 4 Special

RPG Meets Life Simulation

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Rune Factory 4 Special

Action RPG JRPG Simulation Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 82/100 Critics Rec: 88% Released February 25, 2020 ESRB T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol Developer(s) Marvelous Publisher(s) XSEED Games, Marvelous Franchise Rune Factory Steam Deck Compatibility Playable
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Platform(s) Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Powered by Expand Collapse

Marvelous Inc. and XSEED's Rune Factory series has largely been considered a more stylistic, anime-themed Harvest Moon alternative, and there is some truth to this notion. However, the series—and particularly this detailed sequel—also stresses other elements that are closer to an RPG than a sim.

These include a story-driven plot, human relationships, dungeon crawling, and rewarding combat. You can easily become immersed in the vibrant world of Selphia and make the experience your own, as you can craft customizable gear, marry, and even construct 'Orders' to instruct your town.

The Special rendition adds to the already dense experience, bringing added content, anime cutscenes, voice lines, and a new difficulty mode.

11 Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Revisit The Sinnoh Region

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Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 74/100 Critics Rec: 52% Released November 19, 2021 ESRB e Developer(s) ILCA Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine Unity Multiplayer Online Multiplayer
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After the lukewarm Sword & Shield, fans were looking forward to this revamp of the DS classics Pokemon Diamond & Pearl...to equally mixed results. Still, there are plenty of trappings of that fan-favorite adventure, and new Pokemon devs ILCA do a fine job translating the content for Nintendo's hybrid console.

Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl host a random slew of Pokemon from past generations, giving team compositions a strategic angle. This, along with gameplay and progression that's tougher than most of its ilk, adds some depth and intrigue when traversing the Japanese-themed Sinnoh.

Being more remake than remaster, the gameplay tweaks and additions are fairly limited. Still, it's cool to see this game come to vibrant life in 3D (isometric) form on the Switch's superior hardware.

10 The Last Remnant Remastered

A Must-Play Hidden Gem

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The Last Remnant Remastered

JRPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 69/100 Critics Rec: 33% Released November 20, 2008 ESRB m Developer(s) Square Enix Publisher(s) Square Enix Engine unreal engine 3, unreal engine 4
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This game from Square Enix is still fairly obscure despite finding its way onto several consoles in over a decade. With a tinge of Western influence and a deep interface, this gritty RPG is something of a departure from the more typical JRPG. The story follows Rush Sykes, the son of prominent scientists, who finds his way through a chaotic war.

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For those who can deal with a fairly steep learning curve, The Last Remnant entices with lush worlds and a deep, structured battle system that fuses action with strategy. The polish of this remaster suits this epic with its grand, realistic feel. It also bumps up the performance with an upgrade from Unreal 3 to Unreal Engine 4.

9 The World Ends With You: Final Remix

Fast-Paced, Flashy Fun

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The World Ends With You

Action RPG Systems Released July 27, 2007 ESRB T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Square Enix Publisher(s) Square Enix Engine Unity Multiplayer Local Co-Op
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Platform(s) Nintendo DS, Switch, Android, iOS Powered by Expand Collapse

Successfully porting a DS RPG can be tricky, given the distinct features of the hardware. But if there's any console well-suited to translate a title from this handheld, it's the Switch. This stylized action romp proves a great fit and thrives even more with the console's larger, crisper screen. This makes it easier to decipher all the action and flashy effects.

Rather than using major fantasy tropes like many JRPGs, this cult hit from Square Enix takes a more grounded approach with its urban, semi-real-world themes. While the premise intrigues, it's the exciting combat that really shines, with its inventive touch-screen commands and frantic pacing.

The World Ends with You: Final Remix brings a few new baddies, abilities, and a post-game chapter. There's also motion control support — which adds a fun new dynamic to the gameplay.

8 Final Fantasy 8 Remastered

An Underrated Gem In The Series

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Final Fantasy 8

JRPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 81/100 Critics Rec: 77% Released February 11, 1999 ESRB T for Teen: Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence Developer(s) Square Enix Publisher(s) Square Enix Engine luminous engine Franchise Final Fantasy
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Platform(s) PlayStation (Original), PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One, iOS, Android Powered by Expand Collapse

This game has remained one of the more polarizing entries in the esteemed Final Fantasy series. This can largely be attributed to its unique plot and odd quirks. There's also its distinct battle system, which hinges on summoned monsters known as Guardian Forces. These "GF" serve as alternate moves to bust out beyond basic attacks and help break the monotony of grindy battles.

With its uniquely dark vibe and dynamic characters, FF8 still captivates on Switch. The remastered version not only polishes the low-poly PS1 visuals but also tosses in quality-of-life improvements and adds a bit of content.