5 Must-Play JRPGs On The Nintendo Switch

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The Nintendo Switch and its newer model have a huge collection of fantastic Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) that are great for both longtime fans and newcomers. Over the years, JRPGs have gotten much better, and the best ones often appear on the Switch, either as games you can only play there or as excellent versions that are just as good as on other consoles. If you want to start playing JRPGs or are looking for a deeply moving, large-scale adventure, the Nintendo Switch is a perfect place to find it.

There are so many JRPGs available on the Nintendo Switch that it’s impossible to list them all! To keep things manageable, I’ve focused on what I consider the very best. If these suggestions don’t appeal to you, don’t worry – there are tons of other fantastic options. You can find excellent indie JRPGs like Bloomtown: A Different Story, CrossCode, Chained Echoes, and Sea of Stars, alongside bigger titles like Monster Hunter Stories 2, Persona 5, and Dragon Quest XI. I could go on and on, but the point is, there’s a JRPG out there for everyone. These are just a few must-play games to get you started.

5. Atelier Ryza

Some might be surprised to see Atelier Ryza on this list, but I think it offers something unique in the JRPG world. Many JRPGs focus on huge, world-threatening conflicts and spectacular battles, which are fun, but sometimes you just want a relaxing experience with simpler goals. Atelier Ryza delivers that – it’s a charming coming-of-age story about the main character and her friends, and it’s much more laid-back and cozy than most games in the genre.

The story in Atelier Ryza is truly beautiful, often touching, and consistently enjoyable, and the combat is incredibly rewarding with plenty of strategic options – enough to carry you through all three games. Each installment feels like a natural progression, expanding on existing characters and ideas while also adding fresh elements to the core gameplay of gathering and crafting. The Atelier Ryza trilogy isn’t like most JRPGs – and like the rest of the Atelier series, it marches to the beat of its own drum. But that’s a good thing, and it’s definitely worth checking out, especially if you’ve enjoyed other games on this list.

4. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom

I have a soft spot for Ni no Kuni 2 – it was one of the first things I wrote about when I started my career! But honestly, it’s just a perfect game for me. It combines everything I love: a huge, emotional story with characters you really connect with, all wrapped up in that beautiful Studio Ghibli art style. The game is gorgeous, the cutscenes are stunning, the music is incredible, and the dialogue instantly made me fall in love with everyone in it.

While Ni no Kuni 2 isn’t perfect – some aspects could be more polished and detailed – its wonderful atmosphere and overall feeling are so captivating that any small flaws are easily forgiven. Fans of the first game will find it familiar, though the combat is now more action-oriented and has moved away from the Pokémonstyle collecting. However, you don’t need to have played the original Ni no Kuni to enjoy this game, as it works perfectly well as a standalone story. Ultimately, Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom* is a truly excellent JRPG, boasting one of the most beautiful and inviting worlds in the genre.

3. Octopath Traveler II

While I love the original Octopath Traveler, especially its music, Octopath Traveler 2 is the better game. Square Enix significantly improved the gameplay and fixed many of the issues present in the first title. Octopath Traveler 2 is a fantastic JRPG on its own, so you don’t need to play the original first. If you have around 100 hours to dedicate to a game, I highly recommend playing Octopath Traveler 2; it’s a truly excellent experience from beginning to end.

While the way Octopath Traveler 2 tells its story might not appeal to all players, the individual character narratives and the charming interactions between party members are exceptional—easily ranking among the best in JRPG history. Combined with exciting, strategic battles, a fantastic soundtrack, and the beautiful 2.5D visual style that made the first game so popular, Octopath Traveler 2 is a truly remarkable game that deserves to be played.

2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

A few years ago, I would have been surprised to see Fire Emblem: Three Houses on any recommended list. While I consider Fire Emblem one of the best JRPG series ever made, I initially had trouble getting into Three Houses, mostly because of the story. The game has three different storylines, each with unique characters and endings, so I thought maybe I’d just chosen a less engaging path. I can’t say for sure if my first playthrough was the problem, but after playing as the Blue Lions, the game finally clicked with me in a way I didn’t expect.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a fantastic game with a memorable cast of characters you genuinely connect with. It features a brilliant tactical combat system, an incredible soundtrack, and surprisingly engaging school simulation elements that enhance the gameplay. I’ve been so deeply impacted by Three Houses that I’ve played it three times, enjoyed its spin-off and DLC, and still find myself wanting to return to it years later – which, for me, is the mark of a truly special game.

1. Xenoblade Chronicles 2

I definitely recommend trying any of the Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) on the Nintendo Switch listed here, but if you only have time for one, I wholeheartedly suggest Xenoblade Chronicles 2. While opinions on the best game in the series vary, and all three main titles are excellent, I consider Xenoblade Chronicles 2 to be not just the best game on the Switch, but one of the greatest games of all time. Its vast and gorgeous worlds are a delight to explore, filled with stunning visuals, hidden secrets, and challenging enemies. The music is incredibly moving, and the story is both heartbreaking and funny, with surprisingly complex characters and a deeply satisfying conclusion that’s sure to leave you emotional.

When I think about the best JRPGs, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 immediately comes to mind. It really captures everything that makes the genre special – the grand scope, exciting moments, over-the-top battles, and a compelling story that balances huge conflicts with intimate character moments. Plus, the game is visually stunning and features wonderfully unique character designs. I actually bought a Nintendo Switch just to play it, and it’s a big reason why I continue to be a Nintendo fan. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has everything you could ask for in a JRPG, and that’s what makes it such a standout title on the Switch.

What JRPG on the Nintendo Switch are you planning to play? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-15 19:20