Best JRPGs on Nintendo Switch in 2023. Nintendo switch rpg exclusives • ROYAN-GLISSE.COM

Best Nintendo Switch Games in 2023

If 2023 proves to be the last year the Nintendo Switch dominates the market before its successor arrives, then it is going out with a bang. The hybrid portable console has surpassed the Playstation 4 and Game Boy to become the third best-selling console of all time with over 122.55 units sold, Nintendo Switch Online has added Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games, and Nintendo struck a 10-year deal with Microsoft to port Call of Duty to future Nintendo consoles if Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard gets approved. While Call of Duty fans wait for the first wave of ports, here are the 25 best Switch games you can play to hold you over.

This list was assembled by the entire IGN content team — including our resident Nintendo experts, the NVC podcast crew — and represents what we think are the best games to enjoy on the Switch right now, whether you’re picking one up for the first time or have been a platform enthusiast since day one. So without further ado, these are our picks for the 25 best Nintendo Switch games. You can also check out our list of the top free Switch games for additional picks.

Best of Nintendo Switch

The IGN Playlist team’s recommendations for the best games to play on Nintendo Switch right now. (Pokemon Sword and Shield counts as one game of 25.)

on the Best of Nintendo:

23. Link’s Awakening With its charming, toyetic visual style and bizarrely dark undertones, the vast island of Koholint in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening has never looked better than it does on Nintendo Switch. Link’s shipwrecked adventure on a mysterious island rife with eccentric characters and sprawling dungeons has always been one of the stranger Zelda stories, and this remake allows new audiences and aging fans alike to appreciate it on a modern system. It modernizes the classic beloved Zelda game with a shiny new coat of paint, some excellent quality of life improvements, and loads more hidden collectibles but, ultimately, its greatest accomplishment is retaining the weird, haunting, beautiful feeling of the original Game Boy game.” width=”” /

Ring Fit Adventure

Sure, exercising is good for you, but it’s got two pretty big drawbacks: one, it costs a lot of money to join a gym and, two, it’s kind of boring. Ring Fit Adventure fixes both of those problems by gamifying exercise and letting you work out from home while somehow making the entire experience feel like a fun, casual RPG.

By strapping the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con to your leg and with the strange, brilliant new Ring-Con peripheral, Ring Fit encourages you to use your whole body to battle monsters, collect coins, level up, and push past your personal bests — all while giving you a serious workout within the confines of your living room. It proves that exercising can be fun — especially whenF it’s thousands of dollars cheaper than hiring a personal trainer, too.

Ring Fit Adventure also made our list of the best Nintendo Switch exclusives.

Release Date: October 18, 2019 | Developer: Nintendo | Last position: 25 | IGN’s Ring Fit Adventure Video Review | IGN’s Ring Fit Adventure Wiki

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

Xenoblade Chronicles has a lot of history behind it. With a story from Xenogears director Tetsuya Takahashi and musical contributions from Yasunori Mitsuda, it forges a direct link to the days of classic PS1-era RPGs. Originally released on Wii in 2010, it received a comprehensive update in 2020 thanks to Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, which we called the “best version of Xenoblade Chronicles we’ve ever had.”

It remains the best entry in the series to date, featuring the strongest story without losing the sense of scope and freedom of the later games. Xenoblade Chronicles was a Smart, forward-thinking JRPG with a first-class battle system when it was released on Wii, and it remains one of the best RPGs on the Switch. If you’re choosing between Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition and its sequel, pick this one.

The series’ latest entry, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, is now available. IGN named it the Best RPG of 2022.

Release Date: May 29, 2020 | Developer: Monolith Soft | Last position: New! | IGN’s Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition Video Review | IGN’s Xenoblade Wiki Xenoblade 2 Wiki

Link’s Awakening

With its charming, toyetic visual style and bizarrely dark undertones, the vast island of Koholint in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening has never looked better than it does on Nintendo Switch. Link’s shipwrecked adventure on a mysterious island rife with eccentric characters and sprawling dungeons has always been one of the stranger Zelda stories, and this remake allows new audiences and aging fans alike to appreciate it on a modern system. It modernizes the classic beloved Zelda game with a shiny new coat of paint, some excellent quality of life improvements, and loads more hidden collectibles but, ultimately, its greatest accomplishment is retaining the weird, haunting, beautiful feeling of the original Game Boy game.

See our guide to the Legend of Zelda timeline to see how it fits into the series.

Chicory: A Colorful Tale

It’s rare and delightful to see a truly unique spin on a genre so familiar as the top-down adventure, but by transforming its world into a giant paint canvas that ties in painting with puzzle solving, Chicory: A Colorful Tale is a welcome surprise. While its clever hint system, beautiful score, cute characters, enticing collectibles, and fascinating paint mechanics would be enough to recommend it, what elevates Chicory further is its heartfelt and earnest storytelling.

It’s a game about imposter syndrome, mental health, and the struggles of being a creative, told with a grounded perspective blended with genuine hope and empathy, all of which is supported elegantly by its intense boss battles. It’s art about art, and beautiful indeed.

The Chicory team is now working on its next game, which appears to star an adorable two-legged creature.

Release Date: June 10, 2021 | Developer: Greg Lobanov | Last position: New! | IGN’s Chicory: A Colorful Tale Video Review | IGN’s Chicory: A Colorful Tale Wiki

SteamWorld Dig 2

SteamWorld Dig 2 is a textbook example of everything a sequel should be: bigger, smarter, and just straight up more fun. Guiding Dorothy through SWD 2’s labyrinthine caverns searching for loot and upgrades is a challenging and charming twist on the classic “Metroidvania” style and has a gameplay loop that will undoubtedly keep you up into the wee hours of the morning for “just one more run.”

Developer Thunderful has four new SteamWorld games in development, including co-op, third-person action-adventure SteamWorld Headhunter and city builder SteamWorld Build in 2023.

Splatoon 2 and 3

Splatoon 2 is one of those rare games you can play for more than a year and still not be tired of it. Many players hoped for a fast port to Switch to hit the ground running, but what we got was an impressive sequel with an all-new single-player campaign and plenty of incredible, and free, post-release content.

Switch owners can now get their hands on Splatoon 3. We awarded its single-player campaign a review score of 8 and its multiplayer component a 9.

Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle

Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle faced no shortage of skepticism before its launch. But Ubisoft Milan’s robust strategy game proved itself with some truly challenging levels and accessible but complex turn-based gameplay, while also finding a way of marrying the Rabbids and Mushroom Kingdom’s senses of humor into one, charming experience.

A “spiritual sequel” to Kingdom Battle, Mario Rabbids Sparks of Hope, is now available. It won Best Best SIM/Strategy Game at The Game Awards. The Tower of Doooom, the first expansion for Mario Rabbids Sparks of Hope, is available now.

Mario Party Superstars

While there is a limited number of Mario Party titles to choose from on the Nintendo Switch, Mario Party Superstars is the best option for all Switch owners. Unlike Super Mario Party, which is unplayable on the Switch Lite and does not support any controller outside of Joy-Cons, Superstars reverts back to the classic Mario Party formula fans know and love. While it is a collection of popular boards and mini-games from previous entries, Superstars does enough right to make it a worthwhile entry for old and newcomers of the series.

Release Date: October 29, 2021 | Developer: NDcube | Last position: New! | IGN’s Mario Party Superstars Video Review | IGN’s Mario Party Superstars Wiki

Paper Mario: The Origami King

Paper Mario: The Origami King may not a perfect game – or, in fact, not even the best entry in the Paper Mario series – but it is one of the most charming adventures on the Nintendo Switch. While most of the RPG trappings of the earliest entries of the franchise have been stripped away in Origami King, it’s more than made up for by an interesting new take on the battle system and one of the funniest, silliest stories in any game to date.

Pokemon Sword Shield

Pokemon Sword Shield finally brought mainline Pokemon games to home consoles. even if it’s only by default, since the Switch is both a handheld and home console. Beyond seeing hundreds of monsters in HD on your nice big TV, Sword Shield brought with it a slew of welcome changes, including several quality of life improvements, the removal of random encounters, and Gigantamaxing, which basically gave your favorite Pokemon the Stay Puft treatment.

It’s also the first game in the franchise to include post-launch expansion packs, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, which include both new and classic Pokemon to add to your collection.

The series’ latest mainline games, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, are now available. In her review, IGN’s Rebekah Valentine praised the games’ shift to an open world but couldn’t overlook the “numerous ways in which Scarlet and Violet feel deeply unfinished.”

Super Mario 3D World Bowser’s Fury

Super Mario 3D World Bowser’s Fury offers two fantastic Mario experiences that compliment each other brilliantly. 3D World landed on the Wii U and gave fans a unique blend of 2D and 3D platforming, all of which could (optionally) be played with up to four players in a setup that worked better than the New Super Mario series accomplished. Inventive and just plain fun, it was too good of a game to keep stranded on the Wii U forever, and its port to Switch came with bonus online co-op capabilities, a photo mode feature, and more.

But the biggest draw for fans who had already played 3D World was Bowser’s Fury, a brand-new, open-world experience that lasts roughly 3 to 6 hours. Though only a small taste by series standards, this free-form experiment stands as a proof of concept that an open-world Mario game can be just as creative, exhilarating, and enjoyable as what we’ve seen in the franchise thus far. If this is the direction the next mainline Mario goes, it’s an exciting future indeed.

Release Date: February 12, 2021 | Developer: Nintendo | Last position: New! | IGN’s Super Mario 3D World Bowser’s Fury Video Review | IGN’s Super Mario 3D World Wiki Bowser’s Fury Wiki

Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise has changed the course of the series in a way it may never be able to reverse. Monster Hunter World already started that process by removing loading screens in its levels and generally increasing the scale of its hunts, but Rise builds on those innovations in a way that’s truly exciting to see.

The new wirebug mechanic is revelatory, adding extra mobility and speed to your hunting tool kit regardless of which weapon you pick, making Monster Hunter faster and more accessible than its ever been before. The hunts themselves are still a thrill and the gear grind is still endlessly compelling, but where World opened the door for Monster Hunter to have a wider appeal, Rise has taken a confident step through.

Release Date: March 26, 2021 | Developer: Capcom | Last position: New! | IGN’s Monster Hunter Rise Video Review | IGN’s Monster Hunter Rise Wiki

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a wonderfully open-ended farming SIM. You’ll forge your own country path with fishing, fighting, farming, and falling in love. Additionally, being able to take advantage of the Switch’s sleep mode helps take some of the pressure off of not being able to save in the middle of a day, even if a few other bugs in the port are still waiting to be squashed here.

Release Date: October 5, 2017 | Developer: ConcernedApe | Last position: 14 | IGN’s Stardew Valley Video Review | IGN’s Stardew Valley Wiki

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses takes the series to new heights, deftly blending grueling battles with an expansive social hub that allows for near limitless customization as you recruit, train, and bond with the memorable characters on your team. Its unique take on a three-pronged story ensures that no matter which house you choose, the engrossing plot that unfolds always leaves enough mystery to make multiple playthroughs incredibly hard to resist.

The series’ next mainline game, Fire Emblem Engage, is now available on Switch. IGN awarded it a review score of 9 and said Engage “proves itself worthy enough to be counted alongside the legacy it honors so well.”

Release Date: July 26, 2019 | Developer: Intelligent Systems | Last position: 5 | IGN’s Fire Emblem: Three Houses Video Review | IGN’s Fire Emblem: Three Houses Wiki

Slay the Spire

There’s something about Slay the Spire’s balance of strategy and randomness that makes it an endlessly replayable puzzle. Assembling that perfect combo of synergistic cards can feel incredible, but there’s also a joy in scraping your way to victory despite the odds never quite falling in your favor. With that potent package on the Switch’s mobile platform — with some fairly decent touch control options, we might add — it’s a miracle we’ve ever stopped playing it.

Slay the Spire made our updated list of the 10 best roguelikes.

Release Date: January 23, 2019 | Developer: MegaCrit LLC | Last position: 9 | IGN’s Slay the Spire Video Review

Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is one of the best modern MetroidVania’s available, using all the pieces that make the genre so great in the first place without feeling derivative of anything that came before it.

The expertly crafted map that is the kingdom of Hallownest has an absurd amount of paths to explore, bosses to fight, and secrets to uncover. That’s all drawn in a somber but expressive art style that gives the adorable bug people who live their lives, and stories, of their own. It can undoubtedly be a challenging and demanding game, but what you get out of will be a reward worth far more than you put in.

The sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, was supposed to be released in the first half of 2023, but Team Cherry delayed it further due to ongoing development.

Celeste

Celeste is a surprise masterpiece. Its 2D platforming is some of the best and toughest since Super Meat Boy, with levels that are as challenging to figure out as they are satisfying to complete. But the greatest triumph of Celeste is that its best-in-class jumping and dashing is blended beautifully with an important and sincere story and an incredible soundtrack that make it a genuinely emotional game, even when your feet are planted firmly on the ground.

The developer’s next game is Earthblade, a “2D explor-action game in a seamless pixel art world” due out in 2024.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8’s encore on Nintendo Switch didn’t just keep the online community alive and added returning favorites like Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast, we also got a brand-new “cops and robbers” team mode with Renegade Roundup, all of the great DLC stages, and even some guests from the Splatoon universe. It’s not a new game, but one so good, it deserved to reach a bigger audience on Switch right away.

It’s the best-selling Switch game to date with over 48 million copies sold, and there’s still more to come: The Mario Kart 8 Booster Course Pass will add 48 courses to the game by the end of 2023.

Hades

Roguelikes don’t always appeal to everyone, but Hades has somehow found a way to win over even those with a distaste for them. Fighting your way out of the Greek underworld is a ruthless and challenging affair, but every failure is rewarded in a way that somehow makes them exciting in their own right.

Instead of just notching up each loss and moving onto the next, the moments between each run push Hades’ excellent storytelling to the forefront, giving you opportunities to learn more about its charming characters and grow close to them – as well as improve the prince of the underworld’s abilities and weapons. It’s that meaningful mix of progression and infinitely repeatable escape attempts (coupled with genuinely fantastic writing, art, and action) that make Hades as delectable as Ambrosia itself.

Luigi’s Mansion 3

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is essentially a FrankenLuigistein’s monster of the first two games, a mashup of both that creates the perfect Luigi’s Mansion experience. Charming, clever, and absolutely gorgeous to look at, Luigi’s Mansion is 17 levels of pure ghost-hunting joy. Working your way through each of the haunted hotels may never extremely challenging, but the creative boss fights and deviously hidden collectibles will keep you busy for a dozen hours or more. The excitement of getting to a new level just to see its theme (TV Studio! Sewer Maze! Egypt!) is well worth the price of admission, plus the game opens with Toad driving a bus. Priceless.

Release Date: October 31, 2019 | Developer: Next Level Games | Last position: 6 | IGN’s Luigi’s Mansion 3 Video Review | IGN’s Luigi’s Mansion 3 Wiki

Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread had become a near-mythic game, a fabled DS entry that never saw the light of day by the time it was announced at E3 2021 as a Switch game. With nearly 20 years having passed since the last new 2D Metroid, expectations were sky high. Fortunately for fans, Dread met (and in many cases surpassed) expectations for what a modern 2D Metroid game could accomplish.

It’s easily the smoothest game in the series, running at a silky 60fps, and incorporates several new weapons and abilities the series now can’t live without.- the Flash Shift alone makes Dread feel entirely fresh. With high-production values, incredible game design that gently guides the player through ZDR’s labyrinthine corridors, and the most unflinching version of Samus we’ve seen yet, Mercury Steam hit Metroid Dread out of the stratosphere and brought the franchise back into Nintendo’s orbit.

Metroid Prime: Remastered, the upscaled port of the original 2002 Nintendo GameCube title, is available now.

Release Date: October 8, 2021 | Developer: Mercury Steam | Last position: New! | IGN’s Metroid Dread Video Review | IGN’s Metroid Dread Wiki

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Released on the doorstep of a global pandemic, Animal Crossing: New Horizons provided a much need escape to many, selling nearly 34 million copies to date. Routine and discovery play equally important roles as you plan the perfect layout for your island, make friends (or enemies) with all your villagers, and invite your friends to your own little utopia to trade items and swap secrets.

It’s brilliant in its simplicity and masterful in the way it encourages players to keep up with chores, redecorate and/or reshape entire plots of land, or burn dozens of hours trying to catch rare fish or find every last seasonal item. It certainly helps that all the writing is supremely funny and that, hundreds of hours in, you’re still able to chuckle at a random comment or find genuine inspiration in the places you’d least expect.

Taking a cue from many of Nintendo’s Switch editions of their long-running franchises, Animal Crossing New Horizons does little to completely reinvent the franchise, but it makes a great series even more accessible, more exciting, and more wonderful than it has ever been.

New Horizons is officially Japan’s best-selling game of all time. Animal Crossing players can get even more out of it with the Happy Home Paradise DLC. Our reviewer Taylor Lyles called the expansion “a must-have for base game owners.”

Super Mario Odyssey

A masterclass in 3D platforming, Super Mario Odyssey seamlessly blends the best elements from nearly every Mario game with an entire portfolio of new gameplay mechanics to create something both nostalgic and courageous. New players will adore stomping through the vivid and vast new worlds, while seasoned veterans will stick around after the credits to unlock the hundreds of challenges that await their skill and dexterity. To put it succinctly, Super Mario Odyssey is pure, sublime joy and one of the best Super Mario games ever made.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is in theaters now. The animated film produced by Nintendo and Illumination grossed over 1 billion worldwide, becoming the 10th biggest animated film to cross that threshold.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is exactly what its name implies: it’s the ultimate incarnation of Nintendo’s now 20-year-old brawler series. It’s a celebration of Smash Bros. as a whole, filled with more fighters and levels than ever before, and packed to the gills with over 1000 more characters from all across gaming. “Everyone is here!” may have started out as just another tagline, but it’s one that Nintendo has impressively backed up, and it’s made Ultimate the definitive Smash Bros. game for a long time to come. Add a 20 hour single-player mode with full-on boss fights and huge world maps and it’s easy to get lost in Ultimate. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate had a lot to live up to with that name, but it has undoubtedly done just that.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

And lastly, the ultimate Best Nintendo Switch game is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Let’s face it, the Zelda series was long overdue for a major change, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and scale in the palm of your hand. Now widely considered one of the best games of all time, Breath of the Wild tells an epic story, as you glide, cook, and battle your way across a beautifully ruined version of Hyrule. It helped reinvigorate The Legend of Zelda in a way that fans had only dreamt of, easily propelling it to the number one spot on our list and in our hearts.

Breath of the Wild also topped our updated list of the 100 best video games of all time. The highly anticipated sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, is out now.

Upcoming Switch Games

Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection, which contains HD remasters of the original trilogy, released on June 1. Sonic Origins Plus releases June 23.

Best JRPGs on Nintendo Switch in 2023

Get ready for some intense battles and insane story developments.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age. Definitive Edition
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Pokémon Sword and Shield
Octopath Traveler
Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends the Secret Fairy
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore
NEO: The World Ends With You
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny
Rune Factory 4 Special
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Monster Hunter Rise
Bravely Default 2

At the end of the day, I love to snuggle up with a blanket — my cat beside me — and dive into an intensive JRPG. Battling crazy monsters, adding new characters to my team, leveling up my skills, and managing items is so therapeutic, especially when enshrouded by glorious anime nonsense. So if you’re like me, someone who loves anime, grinding battles, and intensive plots or intensive mechanics, these Nintendo Switch JRPGs will be right up your alley.

Some of these games can be pretty big, so be sure you have enough room on your best microSD card before downloading any of them.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age. Definitive Edition

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age. Definitive Edition has you play as a young man who’s wrongly accused of being an evil force. It’s up to you to save the world while being hunted by powerful enemies and good people under their influence. You’ll meet a cast of colorful characters, some of which join your team and offer different skills in battle. The imagery changes up quite a bit as you travel to sea towns, explore caves, or enter forests along the way.

This game was already highly regarded as one of the best Nintendo Switch JRPGs out there, but the Definitive Edition takes things to new levels. The music has been enhanced with a real orchestra, and you can switch between retro 16-bit visuals or modern 3D graphics throughout the game. Battles are rewarding yet challenging, and there’s character oozing from every moment. Plus, you’ll easily get about 60 hours of playtime out of it, so it’s well worth your purchase.

Play this one to hold you over until the new Dragon Quest Treasures comes out on December 9, 2022!

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age. Definitive Edition

You are the Luminary destined to protect the world, but an evil power claims you are actually out to destroy everything. You and a growing cast of friends must travel around, fight enemies, and save the world as we know it.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Noah, Eunie, and Lanz are Keves soldiers who grow up in a world where children are taught to fight the rival faction, Agnus, from as far back as they can remember. Then one day, the trio meets a group of Agnus soldiers named Mio, Sena, and Taion and realize that they hold a mysterious power when working together. Suddenly, they are all outcasts from home colonies and must Band together to survive this cruel world and stop the bloodshed on both sides.

In Xenoblade Chronicles 3, players take charge of one teammate at a time as they travel through a vast fantasy world. Each character can level up and work on mastering new classes to make themselves even stronger. This is not a turn-based game as all characters (whether you’re controlling them or not) will have at the same time. Characters attack automatically, but you choose when they unleash their more powerful attacks.

This Nintendo Switch JRPG gives plenty of bang for your buck as it takes over 100 hours to beat. You’ll want to make sure your microSD card has enough room to hold the 15 GB game file. The plot is plenty interesting and the ability to level up and change classes will keep you entertained all the while.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Noah and his friends live in a world divided between two factions: Keves and Agnus. From the moment they come into this world, they’re taught to kill each other. But a mysterious power unites him with a group of soldiers from either side of the conflict and together they work to stop this horrible state of the world.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

Instead of being a hunter in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, you’re a Monster Rider out to raise Monsties and fight alongside them in battle. While there are popular monsters, weapons, and armor from the Monster Hunter series, this game has more in common with some of the best Pokémon games in many ways.

Battles basically follow rock, paper, scissors rules. Each monster has one of three preferred battle types that defeats one of the other battle types and gets beaten by the other. You’ll have to remember what each monster’s type is to effectively fight in turn-based battles. I love these fights as they require skill and strategy and introduce an element of luck to keep you on your toes. Your monster fights on its own accord, but you can typically guess what it will do. Plan your moves strategically to work with your monsters and deal devastating blows.

Unlike Pokémon, you can’t capture monsters in the wild. Instead, you’ll explore different locations, dive into monster dens and try to make it out safely with an egg. Near the start of the game, you’re given stewardship over a Rathalos egg that others are hunting down. It’s up to you to keep this red dragon safe and learn about its true destiny.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

Monsters all over the world are turning violent and wreaking havoc. It’s up to you, your Monsties, and your friends to find out what’s going on and save the world from destruction. Make sure to keep your Rathalos safe as people are out to take it from you.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

The Fire Emblem series has long been a bestseller in Japan but only reached popularity recently in the U.S. So whether you’re unfamiliar with the series or a longtime veteran, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the perfect game for you. Players take control of Byleth, a professor at the Garreg Mach Monstery. You decide whether to teach the Black Eagles, Blue Lions, or Golden Deer. Each house has unique students who affect the game’s plot.

Time spent at the academy helps you increase your student stats or acquire items. Then at the end of each week, you put your students to the test in battle. This requires strategic, tactician-level thinking as you need to keep the strengths and weaknesses of your allies in mind at all times. Battles are incredibly rewarding but can be very challenging. Yes, permadeath is optional for die-hard players, but Byleth also has the ability to turn back time if things don’t play out in your favor. These difficulty options make it a fun game for any player.

The best part about this game is that your battle choices and how you interact with your students while at the academy determine what happens in the overall story. Over time, the political backgrounds associated with the school’s students pull the classmates apart, and you’re forced to choose sides.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Lead your students in their studies and on the battlefield. Your choices determine whether they live or die and how the rest of the plot turns out.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

The Xenoblade Chronicles series has had several high points since the first game was released, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is one you really shouldn’t miss out on. In the world of Alrest, civilizations are built on the backs of giant creatures called titans. But hang on to your hats cause the plot is rather confusing.

You play as Rex, a scavenger who dives into the waters below the titans and collects things to sell. On one dive, he encounters a strange blade, which is actually a living weapon in the form of a red-haired woman named Pyra. The two work together to fight off enemies and unravel a mystery that impacts the entire world.

Along the way, Rex meets new travel companions who will fight alongside him in battle. Additionally, he acquires more blades which each have different fighting styles and vastly different appearances. The plot admittedly gets incredibly confusing, so much so that it’s hard for me to describe it succinctly. But in some ways, that’s what makes some Nintendo Switch JRPGs so great. All in all, it makes for a great adventure that you can sink 45 to 50 hours into.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Explore the titan-filled world of Alrest while wielding different living weapons called Blades. These weapons take on animal and humanoid forms and offer a wide range of attacks.

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Do you want to be the very best, like no one ever was? Well, then join the millions of players who’ve also become the very best in Game Freaks’ latest core Pokémon game. Seriously though, while Pokémon Sword and Shield don’t deviate too much from the standard Pokémon formula, it does provide several new elements to make this game thoroughly enjoyable.

The story takes place in the UK-inspired Galar region and has you travel around in the usual fare of battling Pokémon in gyms and earning badges. However, it also includes the Wild Area, sections of open land where you can plainly see Pokémon walking about. So naturally, the time of day, terrain, and weather determine which of the 400 Pokémon shows up as you explore. And, of course, you’ll need to trade with someone who has a different version than you to acquire them all, as some are version exclusives.

Pokémon follow a Type system in turn-based battles, with each type having strengths and weaknesses against others. For instance, Water beats Fire, Fire beats Grass, and Grass beats Water. Spend hours battling, collecting your favorite Pokémon, and diving into Max Raid Dens. If you beat the game, paying for the Expansion Pass gives you two new locations to explore and even more Pokémon to catch.

Explore the UK-inspired Galar region

Prove yourself to be the best trainer there ever was by collecting Pokémon, earning gym badges, and exploring the UK-inspired Galar region.

Octopath Traveler

Square Enix made something extraordinary with Octopath Traveler, which uses 16-bit figures in a 3D world. The art style is stunning, to say the least, invoking memories of retro Final Fantasy games while also providing something fresh.

The game follows eight different characters, each with their own lives and ambitions. Their unique skills and personalities allow them to defeat enemies and interact with the world in different ways. Play any character in any order and see how the wider world’s politics connects them all. Will you enjoy playing as the Dancer, the Warrior, or perhaps the Scholar most? You’ll just have to dive into each storyline and see which one you like the best.

Octopath Traveler

Take on the role of eight different characters and see where their stories lead you. This is a turn-based battle game that will have you exploring a fantasy world.

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster

I’ll start this one off with a warning. With Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster being a remastered game for Switch, there are elements to it that are a little outdated and hard for a newcomer to get into. However, if you’re already into the world of Shin Megami Tensei, it’s a game you should check out.

The story takes place in Tokyo just as an apocalypse unleashes itself on the world. Players control a young boy who receives power from none other than Lucifer himself. But, of course, it’s up to you to decide what to do with it. To become stronger, you’ll need to persuade demons to join your team and fight at your side. But not every demon will want to join you.

Will you be able to grow strong enough to take on evil forces while determining the fate of the world? Check out this punishing Nintendo Switch JRPG and find out for yourself.

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remastered

The world is plunged into chaos as a demonic apocalypse unfolds in Tokyo. Recruit demons to your side and see how you will determine the world’s fate.

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

In the world of Terca Lumireis, a mysterious ancient technology called blastia allows civilization to run as we know it, but the Empire controls all that power. Over time, political intrigue and warring factions fight over how to use these devices and the aer energy that fuels them.

You will command a group of allies as they maneuver through this world and encounter evil groups out to take control. There’s a dark secret at this game’s core, and it’s up to you to unravel it.

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

The planet of Terca Lumireis runs using ancient technology that’s controlled by the Empire. Behind that energy source lies a dark secret that you and your allies must uncover.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

Monolith Software released the first Xenoblade Chronicles game on the Wii, and it didn’t take long for it to become a cult classic. So much, so that copies of the original game are rare and sell for a pretty penny. Shulk even found his way into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Two additional games followed, with Xenoblade Chronicles 2 being the most financially successful one yet. With so much positive attention, it made sense for the original game to get ported to Nintendo Switch for more people to enjoy.

You play as Shulk, a young man who possesses a curious red blade called the Monado. He must use this weapon to take down Mechon, mechanical threats that pose a danger to life as we know it. You’ll need to acquire more allies, upgrade your skills, and travel worldwide to defeat various monsters. The battle system is unique and allows you to trigger Chain Attacks for a more efficient victory.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

Play as Shulk as he and his teammates travel worldwide, defeating monsters and saving the world. You’ll add more members to your team and take on massive bosses.

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster

Final Fantasy X/X-2 both made a huge impression when they were released and are often considered the best Final Fantasy games of all time. The cutscene graphics were incredibly advanced in 2001 and 2006, respectively, making a lasting impression on the video game industry.

The first game has you playing as Tidus, an athlete who somehow finds his way 1,000 years into the future after calamity strikes and destroys the world as he knew it. He must travel with a group of friends and try to defeat Sin, the destructive monster that haunted his world and threatens the one he’s now in. Along the way, he meets a girl named Yuna, and the two fall into a star-crossed love.

X-2 takes place two years following the events of the first game. This time, Yuna plays the narrator and talks as though she’s telling the story to Tidus. She and two other girls Rikku and Paine, work together to fight foes as a new weapon threatens to destroy Spira. The story takes players in very different directions from the first game while still feeling true to it.

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster

Enjoy two of the most influential Final Fantasy games of all time, playing as Tidus in the first game and then taking on the role of Yuna in the second one. There are monsters to fight, teammates to gather, and skills to level up.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

XII The Zodiac Age is the most popular Final Fantasy game following X and X-2 and is definitely worth your while. Players learn about Princess Ashe, a royal bent on revenging her fallen family, and Vaan, a young man who dreams about escaping the war-filled wasteland he grew up in. The two meet and go on an adventure against the militaristic empire that will determine the world’s future.

The Nintendo Switch version is an HD remaster, complete with several improvements and new elements like a Zodiac Job System that allows characters to continue to level up even when they aren’t in your party. In addition, there are plenty of fun sidequests and minigames to keep you entertained when you want a break from the main missions. Not to mention that this version features a fully re-orchestrated soundtrack.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age

Vaan and Princess Ashe have both grown up in a war-torn world. Their spirited desires and actions will have a lasting impact on nations in the Arcadian Empire.

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends the Secret Fairy

Three years after the first game’s events, Ryza receives a letter telling her about a strange stone located in some ruins. She determines to go after it assuming that it could be related to alchemy. As the journey unfolds, she acquires team members, attacks several monsters, and explores several locations.

This is a direct sequel to the previous game and is thus best enjoyed by people who have already played it. I’m happy to say KOEI TECMO’s creation builds upon the foundations of the first entry and improves the mechanics considerably for a thoroughly enjoyable game. In particular, the synthesizing elements menu is a lot easier to use, and the real-time combat gives you more strategies. Unfortunately, the voice acting is completely Japanese with subtitles, so you need to read to enjoy this game.

Ryza also has an apartment in the capital, which players can decorate with different furniture and items, including a pet. Ryza runs around the overworld and can ride an adorable squirrel-like creature to go faster. Since alchemy and synthesizing are a big part of the game, players spend several hours exploring the world and gathering items. All-in-all, it’s a bright and fascinating world for any anime lover to experience.

Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends the Secret Fairy

This game takes place three years after the events of the previous game. Ryza receives a letter informing her about a strange stone, so she sets off on a quest to look into it. Along the way, she’ll learn more about alchemy and will fight several monsters.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is kind of like what would happen if Fire Emblem got drunk and had a Persona baby with Shin Megami Tensei. It’s a mixture of games that really shouldn’t work together but somehow pulls it off. Players take on the role of a group of teenagers who run around Tokyo and become J-Pop stars to battle evil forces. Yeah, you read that right. Along the way, players encounter some of the most popular Fire Emblem characters and unveil a sinister plot to steal people’s talent.

The Fire Emblem weapon triangle from older games is present in battles, so you’ll need to remember each enemy’s weaknesses and strengths to battle effectively. Then, level up your team and trigger Sessions, as seen in Shin Megami Tensei, to take enemies down faster.

This game definitely isn’t for everyone. However, if you’re really into Japanese culture, love watching anime cutscenes, and are looking for a crazy take on the JRPG genre, you ought to check it out.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

Evil Mirages are out to steal talent from everyone in Tokyo. It’s up to a group of teenagers to become pop stars and fight them off.

NEO: The World Ends With You

NEO: The World Ends With You is the sequel to the original cult classic from the DS era. If the artwork looks familiar, that’s because it was done by Shiro Amano, the writer and artist behind the Kingdom Hearts manga. Like the original game, this one features teenagers who are pulled into the “Reaper’s Game” and are tasked with competing against other players. The catch is that the team with the lowest score at the end of each week gets eliminated from existence.

The only chance of escape is to become the best-scoring team and have your wish granted. It’s up to Rindo Kanade and his team of misfits to work together, battle monsters, complete puzzles, and explore the city of Shibuya. To fight, players must collect and equip pins that provide different attacks.

Each team member can be controlled in battle by pressing a specific button, dependent upon what pin they have equipped. If all of your player’s gauges are full, you can unleash a powerful attack that deals even more damage. It’s a great game for anyone who likes the original or who enjoys unique combat systems.

NEO: The World Ends With You

Rindo Kanade and his best friend are unwillingly pulled into the “Reapers Game” and are forced to compete against other players to survive.

Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny

This story doesn’t take itself too seriously and encourages you to do the same. You play as Zed, a young boy who also happens to be a zombie. He doesn’t remember much about what life was like before, but he’ll stop at nothing to defeat the God of Destruction who’s terrorizing the netherworld. So with his zombie dog, Cerberus, in tow, he heads out on an adventure that will uncover his past and lead to a few surprises.

The battle system is streamlined from previous entries, and being a zombie has its advantages. As with most JRPGs, Zed starts relatively weak, but whenever he dies, he Super Reincarnates, coming back more powerful than before. Turn-based battles take place on a grid-based battlefield and require some strategy. However, the equipable gear and items you encounter keep the game lighthearted and silly. For example, a life jacket with the description “What’s the point of this? We’re nowhere near water!”

You’ll encounter whacky characters, including Prinnys, which are exploding penguins, and other over-the-top anime characters to keep you entertained the whole journey through.

Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny

A young zombie is on a quest with his zombie dog to defeat the God of Destruction. Along the way, he’ll discover his past and meet a colorful cast of characters.

Rune Factory 4 Special

Rune Factory 4 Special is one of those rare unicorns that is a farming simulator and RPG rolled into one. You get to choose how to spend your days. Will you spend your time tending your crops? Raise a wide range of monsters? Go fishing? Forge weapons? Go dungeon crawling? Or maybe find true love with one of the many villagers?

For those like myself who are more plot-focused, don’t worry as there is a small storyline. You travel to Selphia to make an offering to the local deity. However, your ship is attacked, and you become an amnesiac. After some rather hasty decisions, you somehow get put in charge of a small town and get to determine what happens to it.

Your character can level up as you venture into dungeons and defeat enemies. Just press buttons to defeat any monsters you see. You’ll unlock new abilities and magic powers as time progresses. Plus, your love interest can join your team and help you in battle. It’s an excellent game that scratches several different itches.

Rune Factory 4 Special

You get put in charge of a small town, and it’s up to you to decide what you will do there. You can battle and raise monsters, grow crops, go fishing, dive into dungeons, or try to find your true love.

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

As you can plainly see, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch was created by the charming Studio Ghibli and shares a very similar art style to classic movies from the animation company. Therefore, the game plays out much like one of these films and captured the attention of several players when it was first released in the U.S. back in 2013.

The story follows Oliver, a young boy who quickly discovers that he is a wizard with the power to control Familiars in battle. Upon finding himself in a magical world, he quickly starts making friends and journeys to save his mother. This is accomplished by fighting monsters and serving others.

The gorgeous cell shading art style makes the gameplay look just like the beautiful anime cutscenes. Gameplay centers around capturing Familiars and then having them fight for you in battle. Each member on your team can have three different Familiars at a time. In many ways, battles feel as if they were influenced by Pokémon while still being unique in their own right. What really sets this game apart from other JRPGs is Oliver’s good nature and the heartwarming story he creates.

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Oliver discovers he’s a wizard with the power to command Familiars in battle. Going into a magical world gives him opportunities to help others and learn more about himself.

Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise surprised just about everyone with how well it took off in the U.S. upon release. While it’s the sixth main installment in the series, the franchise has mostly been big in Japan up until now. Rise streamlined some of the gameplay elements and provided a new Wirebug device making it possible to ride and defeat monsters in new ways.

So what is Rise about anyway? Unfortunately, there isn’t much of a storyline. Players live in Kamura Village and are aware that a catastrophic event is heading their way, triggered by violent monsters. To prevent this apocalypse from happening, players must run out, battle massive beasts, and return home with their spoils. Loot and monster parts can then be fashioned into weapons and armor, allowing hunters to take on more ferocious monsters.

What really pulled me in was being able to fight alongside my own Palico and Palamute, basically a cat and a dog with armor and weapons. While players can enjoy battles on their own, a whole game section is basically only beatable if you join other players. There are 14 weapons to choose from, and each takes hours to master. So each player can come to the game with their preferred battle style.

Monster Hunter Rise

Take on massive monsters and become more powerful as you prevent the calamity from destroying your village. You’ll be able to forge strong armor and weapons as you defeat more and more beasts.

Bravely Default 2

Bravely Default 2 might employ that cute chibi art style, but the gameplay is anything but. Characters each have their own complicated skill tree, and the combat system will require your full attention to get far. Characters can either adopt a Brave or Default stance in battle, and players need to know when to build up to Brave points and when to attack in full.

Despite the name, Bravely Default 2 takes place in a different setting and has a different cast than the first two Bravely Default games. So while the battle system does have a bit of a learning curve, anyone who hasn’t checked out the previous games before should be able to jump into the story, no problem.

There are four characters, each with their own background: The shipwrecked Seth, Princess Gloria, the scholar Elvis, and the mercenary Adelle. It’s up to you to travel the land, collect the elemental crystals, and stop an evil power from destroying the world.

Bravely Default 2

Four characters with very different backstories Band together to collect elemental crystals. Along the way, they will fight plenty of enemies and have the chance to become stronger.

Back to the grind

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There’s something absolutely calming about games that let you travel around fantasy worlds, battle monsters, and work on skill trees. Whether you’re looking for turn-based combat or prefer more action-focused gameplay, these JRPGs will do the trick. However, if you’re only going to play one, I highly suggest it be Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age. It’s a highly polished remaster that you can play with either 16-bit visuals or in glorious 3D. The story takes you to several magical locations and lets you learn about each of the characters in your party.

Another game I highly recommend is Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Playing the part of a tactician feels really cool, and I love how much the story changes based on the decisions you make along the way. If you’re looking for a hardcore experience, just make sure permadeath is turned on, and you’ll have quite a challenge.

Lastly, if you haven’t checked out Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin yet, I highly recommend you do so. It’s a creature collection game with familiar Monster Hunter elements laced throughout. The triangle combat system is easy enough to understand, but then the actions of your enemies and your own Monster provide enough luck to keep you on your toes. An enjoyable experience through and through.

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Best Nintendo Exclusives 2023

Want to get the most out of your Switch? Check out this list of the best Nintendo exclusives that belong in every player’s collection!

best, jrpgs, nintendo, switch, 2023, exclusives

Any Switch owner looking to justify their investment in the platform is welcome to check out the best Nintendo exclusives of 2023.

This includes the usual slew of first-party platformers and RPGs, as well as some surprising games you wouldn’t expect to see on the Switch.

In this list, we’ll showcase the best Nintendo exclusives worth adding to your Switch’s library in 2023.

Make sure to check back in the future for new Nintendo exclusives and recommendations!

Fire Emblem Engage

First up on our list of the best Nintendo exclusives is Fire Emblem Engage, the latest installment in the tactical RPG series developed by Intelligent Systems

Set in the continent of Elyos, the story sees you teaming up with past Fire Emblem heroes to defeat the powerful Fell Dragon.

This requires your character to gather the Emblem Rings scattered across Elyos while fighting their way through tactical turn-based battles.

The new “Engage” mechanic will let your character merge appearances with heroes to unlock new weapons, skills, and more.

Metroid Prime Remastered

Categories: Metroidvania, FPS

Our next suggestion for the best Nintendo exclusives is Metroid Prime Remastered, an enhanced port of the GameCube classic FPS title.

Upgraded for the Switch, this version of the game includes new visuals, control schemes, and unlockable art.

However, at its core Metroid Prime’s gameplay is largely the same, casting you as Samus Aran on a new sci-fi adventure.

Whether you’re a fan of the Metroid series or want to learn more about Nintendo’s history, this is one of the better remasters released in recent years.

Splatoon 3

Categories: Shooter, Colorful

The Switch is home to a number of the best Nintendo exclusives that offer family-friendly gameplay and eye-catching visuals.

One of the best is Splatoon, a series of third-person shooters spanning three games where you play as fashion-forward squid kids waging war with each other.

Splatoon 3 is the latest entry and introduces a host of new weapons, maps, and clothing to keep your Inkling looking fresh.

What’s more, the game has been well-supported since its launch, with new seasonal and Expansion Pass content on the horizon.

Super Mario 3D World Bowser’s Fury

Categories: Action, Platforming

Nintendo’s been spending a lot of time porting Wii U and 3DS games over to the Switch, and their latest effort is Super Mario 3D World Bowser’s Fury.

The original Wii U title saw Mario and friends attempting to rescue cute fairy-like creatures from the clutches of Bowser after he invades the Sprixie Kingdom.

Gameplay is similar to previous Mario games with the addition of a character selector and new Super Bell power-up.

The Switch version includes the base game along with a new standalone story in which Mario and Bowser Jr. team up to defeat Fury Bowser and save Lake Lapcat.

Mario Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Categories: Strategy, Action-adventure

Moving along, Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle was a sleeper hit for the Switch library that was recently followed up by an even better sequel.

In Mario Rabbids Sparks of Hope, we catch up with the Mushroom Kingdom crew and their new Rabbid family.

Joining the fight are new Rabbid versions of both Rosalina and Bowser as well as a new character named Edge.

Together, they’ll set out to rescue the Sparks throughout the Mario Galaxy while navigating open environments with turn-based battles.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Categories: Social SIM, Crafting

While Animal Crossing has been around for years, Nintendo really hit it out of the park with the latest installment, Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

The series has always focused on personalization, whether decorating towns or populating them with a cast of eccentric animals.

New Horizons takes the formula to new heights by introducing crafting mechanics, terraforming, and more customization tools.

While there are also many new items to catalog, animals to befriend, and loans to pay off, you’re encouraged to take things one day at a time.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is another modified port with roots from the Wii U that offers additional content bundled in.

The original roster has been expanded to include Bowser Jr., Dry Bones, King Boo, Gold Mario, and male/female Inklings from Splatoon.

Additionally, Boo and Super Mario Kart Feathers return as items, and the Battle Mode has been reworked following criticism of how it played in the original.

As such, the Switch version is a much more accessible version with all-around improvements that only gets better with each Booster Course wave.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Categories: Fighting, Party

Despite Nintendo’s rocky relationship with the Smash community, the company made sure to pull out all the stops with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

The end result is an action-packed arena fighter with an extensive roster that serves as a “who’s who” of Nintendo first-party mascots as well as some guest characters.

One of the game’s biggest strengths is its flexible ruleset, allowing you to adjust the level of challenge based on who’s playing.

You could have a go at chaotic 4-player battles with environmental hazards, game-breaking items, and power-ups, or battle to the death in competitive matches.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Categories: Action-adventure, RPG

Breath of the Wild is without a doubt one of the best Nintendo exclusives that’s gone on to sell more units than the system itself.

The option to play handheld combined with the game’s old-school Zelda serve as great justifiers for picking up this magnificent game.

Furthermore, new series mechanics like cooking and weapon durability are welcome additions that provide an extra layer of challenge and strategy.

Lastly, BOTW features the largest, most detailed world of any other game in the series, with tons of hidden secrets and locations to discover.

Super Mario Odyssey

Categories: Action, Platforming

Super Mario Odyssey is everything you could ever want in a 3D Mario game spanning 16 worlds with coins and collectibles, and costumes to track down.

It all feels like a throwback to Super Mario 64, with Mario able to perform a wide range of jumps and tricks that lead to incredible platforming challenges.

On top of this, Cappy gives Mario access to new powers, such as the ability to possess other creatures and objects.

This adds an extra layer of strategy when traversing environments, defeating enemies, and solving puzzles throughout Odyssey’s worlds.

Yoshi’s Crafted World

Categories: Platforming, Casual

Nintendo likes to play favorites with their various mascots by giving them their own standalone games, with Yoshi being among the most coveted.

There are numerous puzzle-platformer games starring the friendly green dinosaur, but the one we’ve chosen to highlight here is Yoshi’s Crafted World.

It builds off of the tactile nature of Kirby’s Epic Yarn and Woolly World while introducing a new switch mechanic that shifts perspectives to reveal hidden objects.

We really want to praise the game for its unique visuals and level variety while pointing out issues regarding its lack of difficulty and messy co-op controls.

WarioWare: Get It Together!

Categories: Party, Platforming

The WarioWare games are great for some bite-sized mini-game fun and Get It Together throws co-op in the mix to make things even more exciting.

In this game, Wario and his friends get transported inside his latest gaming device, forcing them to work together to try and escape.

This is depicted in-game as various “microgames”, in which players have to complete a certain goal with just a few seconds to spare.

Similar to previous entries, Get It Together’s microgames are designed to be simple and straightforward while being infinitely replayable and fun.

Super Mario Maker 2

Categories: Game Creation, Platforming

Super Mario Maker 2 builds off of its predecessor’s success while introducing a host of new features and quality of life improvements.

This time around, players are given more creative freedom when designing levels, thanks to the new slope and scrolling tools.

Additionally, the sequel sports many new block types and themes, namely the option to create levels inspired by Super Mario 3D World.

Whether you fancy yourself a self-proclaimed “Maker” or someone who enjoys checking out others’ creations, SMM2 has something to offer to every Mario fan.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Categories: Platforming, Action

Much like Yoshi, Donkey Kong is no stranger to standalone releases, namely the DK Country subseries of side-scrolling platformers.

Many regard these games as the best platformers Nintendo’s ever made, and the latest entry is very much a return to form for the series.

Tropical Freeze sees the banana-loving, tie-wearing ape battling a Band of arctic-inspired villains that plan to turn his tropical paradise into an icy tundra.

The Switch version includes some neat bonuses, such as extra collectibles for dedicated players to track down and an optional Funky Mode.

Luigi’s Mansion 3

Categories: Action-adventure, Puzzle

Luigi’s Mansion 3 sees Mario’s lanky and neurotic younger brother exploring a haunted hotel after each of his friends goes missing.

To assist him in his ghostly affairs, Luigi dons his Poltergust device yet again, which has since been upgraded courtesy of Professor E. Gadd.

This reveals new ghost-catching techniques such as Gooigi, an ectoplasmic doppelganger of Luigi that can slip between metal bars and dissolve in water.

The addition of local co-op and online multiplayer modes are welcome surprises that go a long way towards boosting replayability beyond the main story.

Paper Mario: The Origami King

Categories: Action-adventure, RPG

The Paper Mario RPG subseries has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years but made a comeback in 2020 with the release of The Origami King for the Switch.

The story follows a paper-fied Mario tasked with preventing a wicked king from turning the Mushroom Kingdom into origami.

Gameplay introduces several new innovations for the series, including a revamped combat system that involves rotating rings on a radial battlefield.

The Origami King has been well-received by critics and quickly became the fastest-selling entry in the series.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Categories: Action-adventure, Dungeon Crawler

We’ve decided to include the remake of Link’s Awakening over the original Game Boy version due to its better graphics, controls, and accessibility.

It’s also incredibly unique as far as Zelda games are concerned, with a story set beyond the confines of Hyrule.

The remake retains the top-down perspective, gameplay, and story in which Link sets out to wake the legendary Wind Fish by gathering eight magical instruments.

While retro fans may be adverse to the remake’s shiny, plasticine look, the addition of a new in-game dungeon creator is worth checking out for any Zelda die-hard.

SteamWorld Quest

Categories: Deck Builder, RPG

Right up there with Supergiant Games, Swedish indie developer Image Form continues to impress us with every new game they put out.

They’re most well-known for the SteamWorld series of action-platformers and turn-based RPGs, including their most recent title, SteamWorld Quest.

It sees you guiding a party of courageous heroes through a hand-drawn world and battling enemies using personalized decks of 100 character-related cards.

There’s a tremendous amount of depth to card battles, with players able to carve out strategies while exploring a fantasy steampunk world.

Best RPGs Available On Nintendo Switch

From first-party titles like LoZ: BotW to ports of previous hits like P5R, the Nintendo Switch has an excellent catalog of RPGs to play.

The Nintendo Switch has an impressive library of games in all genres, with RPGs being one of the standouts. It helps that the genre itself is impressively flexible, ranging from turn-based JRPGs to open-world action RPGs and everything in between.

Nintendo’s console/handheld hybrid also allows players great freedom in how they want to experience these major time investments. Ranging from first-party titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildto well-made third-party ports like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, RPGs are healthily represented on the Switch.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

CD Projekt Red has arguably yet to top their efforts with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This open-world action RPG follows the titular monster hunter Geralt of Rivia as he treks across The Continent searching for his prophetic surrogate daughter.

Saber Interactive handled the Switch version of the game, and considering how demanding a title it was in 2015, this is a thoroughly impressive port. There are obvious technical concessions to be made, but it won’t stop players from getting immersed in one of the best-written games ever. The open world is stunning and rewards exploration, an improved combat system, and a wealth of side quests to tackle.

Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 was already a juggernaut when it launched worldwide in 2017, and its expanded version only makes it stronger. Atlus’ Persona 5 Royal keeps the core story and mechanics as the vanilla version of the game while adding even more story content to play through.

Following the stylish and acid-jazz-inspired vigilante exploits of the Phantom Thieves has never been better, with new characters and storylines to pad out an already meaty experience. Likewise, quality-of-life improvements to gameplay make dungeon crawling even more streamlined. With this, Persona 5 Royal is among the series’ best and the definitive way to play P5.

Monster Hunter Rise

The Monster Hunter franchise, while still having several great entries, was relatively niche in the grand scheme of things. And when Capcom turned it into a global behemoth with World, the studio successfully followed up on that acclaim with Monster Hunter Rise.

Rise makes the exhilarating combat and addictive gameplay loop of the franchise even more accessible than World but doesn’t sacrifice depth. It’s a delicate balance that Capcom achieved masterfully, on top of giving the game’s environments a new sense of verticality and exciting new monsters.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Even though it’s become a running joke in the gaming medium, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the most timeless RPGs. Bethesda’s open-world action RPG lets players curate their Dragonborn as they travel across the land to prevent Alduin’s dragon apocalypse.

Skyrim was an easy candidate for a Nintendo Switch port, as the PS3/Xbox 360 title is old enough to run smoothly on the console. Likewise, players can find immense replay value in Skyrim, as its fluid character progression system allows various combinations of combat styles. By including its even more engrossing side quests and DLC expansions, it makes its case for another playthrough on Switch.

The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

While the vast majority of The Legend of Zelda games aren’t RPGs, Breath of the Wild has enough mechanics to qualify as such. Breath of the Wild sees Link try to rescue Princess Zelda while stopping Calamity Ganon from annihilating Hyrule.

The game launched in 2017 to widespread critical acclaim, effectively raising the bar for open-world game design. Its gameplay loop is non-linear, encouraging players to tackle Hyrule’s challenges as they see fit. Other lauded aspects of the game were the physics of its world as well as its dynamic systems including weather, day/night cycle, etc.

Final Fantasy IX

Final Fantasy is a tentpole of its subgenre, with millions of dedicated fans with opinions on which entry is the best. And while that’s constantly up for debate, Final Fantasy IX frequently finds itself in the conversation of the best of the best.

In addition to its captivating story, Final Fantasy IX was partly praised for being a welcome return to its roots as a high-fantasy adventure. The series’ previous endeavors in sci-fi and steampunk were also well-regarded, but this was a high point. And to make the story as superb as it is, IX also includes an equally emotional cast of characters worth investing in.

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

Square Enix is unsurprisingly best known for Final Fantasy, but the Dragon Quest franchise is another historic JRPG series. The latest mainline entry, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age follows the Luminary as he embarks on a quest to save the world from an invading evil.

The game is rewarding for both longtime fans and newcomers, as its gameplay mechanics are classic yet approachable. Equally important in the subgenre is that its story and vibrant cast of endearing characters keep players hooked on this long journey.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon has seen rather mixed results in terms of innovation on Switch, but Legends: Arceus was a welcome shakeup. Adopting a semi-open-world structure akin to Monster Hunter, Pokémon Legends: Arceus takes players to feudal Sinnoh (called Hisui) to explore its lands.

The game received the strongest critical reception of any mainline installment on the console thanks to changing up the gameplay loop. Legends: Arceus combines action-RPG elements for catching Pokémon while retaining the classic turn-based combat. It even threw in new Regional Forms and wholly original species, with the pacing of its catching and combat mechanics being brisk and fun.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Though not on the same level of prominence as action RPGs, strategy RPGs have seen a resurgence. The Nintendo Switch also has one of the best contemporary titles in the subgenre in the form of Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Fire Emblem has come a long way since Intelligent Systems’ Awakening on the 3DS rejuvenated the franchise, with Three Houses going a few steps further.

Three Houses maintains its strategic combat with rock-paper-scissors-like class matchups and grid-based maps while adding social-simulator elements. And by giving players the choice of House alignment, there is deep replay value and several ways to see out this investing high-fantasy tale.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Monolith Soft has done an excellent job of shaping Xenoblade Chronicles as a JRPG staple for Nintendo alongside Fire Emblem. Last year’s Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was released to strong critical reception, expanding the series’ strengths with an ambitious new story.

This trilogy-closer earned high marks for being an excellent blend of grandiose storytelling with the series’ high-octane action. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 did well to juggle six main characters while giving them their time to shine. At the same time, this fed into the real-time combat since the feature letting players combine character abilities added to the visual spectacle and tensions.

Guillermo Kurten is a journalism major at the University of Houston. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, he now resides in Houston. He is a fan of pretty much anything involving nerd culture. Video games, comics, movies, TV, anime, manga, you name it. He also has experience writing about soccer, specifically, the German team Bayern Munich.

The 13 best RPGs on the Nintendo Switch, from Persona 5 Royal to Undertale

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The Nintendo Switch is a go-to console for great role-playing games (RPGs), both new and old.
The best RPGs on the Switch include recent hits like Persona 5 Royal and classics like Xenoblade Chronicles.
Here are our 13 favorite RPGs on the Nintendo Switch, all of which are available right now.

There are few video game genres with more history — and more classic games — than the role-playing game genre. And over the past few years, the Nintendo Switch has staked its claim on being one of the best systems around for great RPGs.

If you’re looking for a new favorite game that balances fun gameplay with an engaging story, we’ve put together a list of the 13 best RPGs on the Switch.

Persona 5 Royal

Since its original release in 2016, Persona 5 has been called one of the greatest role-playing games ever. Persona 5 Royal, released in 2019, is a remastered version of the original game. It contains all the original content, but also adds multiple new storylines, a new playable character, new minigames and side quests, and more. It’s the definitive version of what was already a monumental RPG.

In Persona 5 Royal, you play as a teenager who transfers to a new school after being framed for assault. Once there, you and a classmate accidentally stumble into another world called the Metaverse, where all of humanity’s subconscious desires are made real and demons lurk around every corner.

Over the course of the game’s typical 100-hour playtime, you’ll explore the Metaverse to “steal the hearts” of criminals and make them reform their ways, all the while recruiting new teammates to join your squad of “Phantom Thieves.” You’ll also have to balance your crime-fighting career with the usual pitfalls of teenage life: School, romance, hobbies, you name it.

Persona 5 received critical acclaim for its story, gameplay, artstyle, characters, and music — I still get chills whenever I hear “Rivers in the Desert.” There’s no better RPG on the Nintendo Switch right now.

NieR: Automata. The End of YoRHa Edition

If you’re looking for something more dynamic, check out NieR: Automata. This surreal open-world RPG takes place in the distant future, after Earth has been conquered by an army of alien machines. The game puts you in control of the human-made combat androids 2B and 9S, who are sent to fight the alien threat.

Like other games in the series, NieR: Automata blends frenetic action with experimental storytelling. As 2B, you’ll cut through the machines with giant swords and lasers; as 9S, you’ll hack into the machines and defeat them from the inside. And all the while, you’ll be treated to a fantastic story and even better music.

Many reviewers called the Switch version of Automata — titled The End of YoRHa Edition — a “miracle” because of how well it runs on the relatively weak console. Definitely consider picking it up.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

If you’re one of the few Nintendo Switch owners who hasn’t played The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, do yourself a favor and go buy it right now. This Switch launch title completely overhauled the open world RPG genre, putting a much bigger FOCUS on exploration than linear progression.

In Breath of the Wild you play as Link, a warrior who wakes up 100 years after losing a battle with the evil Calamity Ganon that nearly ended the world. You’re tasked with rescuing Princess Zelda, who’s spent the last century trapped in her castle holding Ganon at bay.

But the path you take to save Zelda and beat Ganon is entirely up to you. If you want, you can explore the kingdom of Hyrule first, slowly getting stronger and defeating Ganon’s minions. Or you can sprint straight to Hyrule Castle and take on Ganon with whatever scraps you pick up along the way.

Depending on how you play, a Breath of the Wild run can take 100 hours or 30 minutes. Whichever way you do it, you’re sure to have an unforgettable journey. And playing it now will get you ready for its sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which releases in March 2023.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

It’s been nearly thirty years since Game Freak released the first Pokémon game, and most entries in the series are pretty similar. But Pokémon Legends: Arceus throws almost everything you know about Pokémon out the window.

At the start of the game, your player character is thrown hundreds of years back in time, to an era before any of the other Pokémon games take place. Using the primitive technology available, you’ll have to quest through the undeveloped wilderness and catch Pokémon before they can catch you.

Unlike past games in the series, Pokémon Legends: Arceus features an open world. And Pokémon are just as dangerous as they look in this game — get one of them angry, and it’ll come after you like a rabid animal.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus totally reinvents the typical Pokémon formula, making it a must-play whether you’re a fan of the series or not.

LIVE A LIVE

If you’re an older gamer who loves classic NES- and SNES-era RPGs, check out LIVE A LIVE. This is a remake of the original cult classic, which was released exclusively in Japan in 1994.

LIVE A LIVE is a turn-based RPG that follows eight separate protagonists throughout history as they fight a recurring enemy named Odio. You’ll start your quest in prehistoric caveman tribes, and eventually fight your way through Edo Japan, the Wild West, the distant future, and more.

The Nintendo Switch’s LIVE A LIVE remake features a remastered soundtrack and stylish “HD-2D” graphics, which place traditional 2D sprites on a 3D background. It’s an amazing throwback to the Golden Age of Japanese RPGs.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

There are few games with more replay value than the tactical RPG Fire Emblem: Three Houses. As you play through the game, you’ll make multiple choices that completely change where the story leads. The game has four distinct endings, each of which has its own twists and turns.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses gives you control of Byleth, a mercenary-turned-professor at the prestigious Garreg Mach Officers Academy. As soon as you begin, you’ll choose one of three houses (get it?) to lead: The Black Eagles, the Blue Lions, or the Golden Deer.

And once you’ve picked, you’ll have to get to work training your lovable students into an army of brave knights, deadly snipers, and clever sorcerers. Every turn-based battle takes careful planning and brainpower to get through successfully. This means that each fight is a learning experience — but also a risk. If you’re playing in Classic Mode, when one of your students is killed in battle, they’re gone forever. No respawns.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is addicting and devastating at the same time. Consider playing in Casual Mode for your first playthrough; in this mode, your students will recover even after being defeated.

Undertale

Even if you’ve never played Undertale, chances are you’ve heard about it — or heard its music. This quirky RPG originally came out in 2015, and since then has become a worldwide viral sensation for its characters, soundtrack, and gameplay.

In Undertale you play as a young child who accidentally falls into the “Underground.” It’s a magical realm beneath the Earth’s surface that’s filled with monsters, talking animals, and walking skeletons — like Sans, the game’s most recognizable character.

Although the game has a battle system that’s inspired by “Bullet Hell” games like Touhou, you can make it through every fight by just talking with your enemies. Depending on which foes you kill and which ones you spare, the story branches off into all sorts of different directions.

Accompanied by hilarious writing and a banger soundtrack — you’ll have “Hopes and Dreams” stuck in your head for weeks — Undertale is easily one of the best indie RPGs of all time. And once you finish Undertale, check out its spiritual successor Deltarune, which features many of the same characters in a different universe and story.

Sentinels: Aegis Rim

If you’re looking for a game that’s unlike any RPG you’ve played before, consider 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. This experimental title combines both visual novel and real-time-strategy elements into one fantastic package.

The story starts in a fictionalized version of 1980s Japan, and follows a group of high school students who are forced to fight in a war against giant monsters, or Kaijus. As the game goes on, you’ll jump between time periods, skipping back to World War II and far forward to the year 2105. This non-linear story can be confusing at first, but the in-game codex keeps constant track of every character you meet and plotline you start.

About half of the game is side-scrolling exploration, while the other half is made up of RTS combat between the Kaijus and your mechs. All of this is accompanied by a relentless musical score and some of the best voice acting in any game.

13 Sentinels is a modern cult classic, a love letter to the sci-fi genre, and one of the most underrated games on the Switch.

The World Ends With You: Final Remix

One of the best written RPGs ever, The World Ends With You follows an introverted teenager named Neku Sakuraba, who’s forced to compete in an event called the Reaper’s Game. Along with his teammate Shiki, he’ll have to complete a new task every day — failing even one quest means death.

The World Ends With You originally debuted on the Nintendo DS in 2007, and immediately made waves with its unique gameplay, thrilling story, and catchy soundtrack. You can play through this remastered port by yourself, or team up with a friend to battle monsters and Reapers.

As you play, you’ll gradually unlock new powers and partners, each of which has its own playstyle. You’ll also get to experience the sights and sounds of Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s trendiest real-life neighborhoods — and uncover a hidden plot to erase it from existence.

And once you’re done, check out its sequel NEO: The World Ends With You, which takes place 14 years later. It’s available on the Nintendo Switch too.

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

If you’re a Dungeons Dragons fan who prefers RPGs with thick stories and lots of decisions to make, check out Disco Elysium. This title puts you in control of a detective suffering from amnesia, and tasks you with investigating and solving a complex murder mystery.

Compared to other RPGs, Disco Elysium is pretty unique. Instead of leveling up stats like Strength or Speed, you’ll improve your ability to tell lies and withstand drug addiction. And instead of fighting monsters, you’ll be fighting against your reputation as an obnoxious psychopath. Every conversation has dozens of branching paths, all based on what you say and whether people trust you.

Disco Elysium won a ton of awards when it first came out, including Best Narrative and Best RPG from the Game Awards. Combine an inventive story with distinctive oil-painted graphics, and you have one of the most memorable RPGs on the Switch.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age. Definitive Edition

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is the latest entry in the historic Dragon Quest series, and is pretty much the quintessential JRPG experience. In it you play as the Luminary, a Hero chosen by destiny to save the land of Erdrea from evil. On your quest you’ll partner up with magicians and warriors, all working together to save the world.

If Dragon Quest is famous for anything, it’s the characters designed by Akira Toriyama, the legendary mangaka who made Dragon Ball. You’ll fight dragons of course, but also evil cucumbers, scheming devils, and living balls of slime. There are dozens of unique enemies and bosses, each one charmingly designed and animated.

If you’re looking for a classic no-frills RPG, check out Dragon Quest XI. The Switch version is a “Definitive” port of the 2017 original, featuring new music and an expanded plot. As a bonus in the Switch version, you can even choose whether to play the game with 3D or retro 2D graphics.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

Xenoblade Chronicles originally came out on the Wii in 2010, and has since become the basis for one of the most popular RPG series ever. Between its memorable characters and breathtaking open world, it’s not hard to understand how it got so popular.

In Xenoblade Chronicles you play as Shulk, a scientist-turned-warrior who wields a legendary sword called the Monado. After being attacked by a race of robotic monsters called the Mechon, Shulk goes on a quest of revenge against one of their leaders, Metal Face. As you progress through the game, you’ll gradually learn new abilities, and unlock new storylines by building connections with your teammates.

Xenoblade is also famous for its “real-time” battle system, which combines complex combos with button mashing to power up your moves. By the time you end the game, every battle will be a storm of particle effects, damage counters, and anime characters screaming.

Once you finish Xenoblade Chronicles, feel free to move onto its sequels, 2017’s Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and 2022’s Xenoblade Chronicles 3. You can play any of them by itself, but together they form a great trilogy.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

It’s the highest rated game of all time on Metacritic. Legendary gaming magazine Famitsu gave it the first perfect score in the publication’s history. And any list of Nintendo RPGs would be incomplete without it.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time came out in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, and was the first 3D Legend of Zelda game. In the years since, it’s been hailed as a nigh-perfect combination of exciting gameplay and captivating story. In it you play as Link, a young “fairy boy” who’s tasked with defeating the tyrant Ganondorf before he can conquer the world.

The game is best known for its time travel mechanic, which lets you freely travel from the present to seven years in the future, where Ganondorf has already won and rules with an iron fist. You’ll have to find allies, solve puzzles, and slay monsters in both time periods to save Hyrule.

Ocarina of Time is an iconic game that any RPG fan needs to play at least once. It’s currently available as part of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack program, which costs 49.99 per year.

Also available through the Expansion Pack is The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, a direct sequel to Ocarina of Time. It’s probably the hardest (and most bizarre) 3D Zelda game, and definitely worth a look too.

William Antonelli (he/she/they) is a writer, editor, and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped grow Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month. Outside of Insider, his writing has appeared in publications like Polygon, The Outline, Kotaku, and more. He’s also a go-to source for tech analysis on channels like Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation. You can find him on @DubsRewatcher, or reach him by email at wantonelli@insider.com.

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https://www.ign.com/articles/best-nintendo-switch-games-2
https://www.imore.com/best-jrpgs-nintendo-switch
https://www.gamingscan.com/best-nintendo-exclusives/
https://www.cbr.com/nintendo-switch-best-rpgs/
https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/best-rpgs-on-switch?amp