Nintendo Switch has amassed a huge number of quality titles across almost every category since launching back in 2017, but that may be more true with RPGs than any other genre.
Switch RPG fans are spoilt for choice, with a veritable glut of retro re-releases and ports, indie gems, and the latest and greatest turn-based adventures. There’s something for everyone on this console, and we’ve compiled this list of the best Nintendo Switch RPGs to help everyone find that something.
This list only covers ‘traditional’ role-playing games with a heavy emphasis on menus. They’re not all turn-based, but many certainly are.
Without further ado (and in no particular order), let’s dive into our selection…
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (Switch)
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a massive, sprawling RPG built by Monolith Soft, who helped Nintendo design the world of Breath of the Wild, so there’s no doubting the pedigree. You’ll explore a massive open world made up of Titans – enormous living creatures that house entire civilisations on their bodies. Along the way, you’ll meet a wide variety of characters, solve a bunch of quests, and save the world. This is another Xenoblade gem, though, and a must-have on Switch.
The huge stand-alone DLC, Torna: The Golden Country, is also well worth playing through. It serves as a prequel to the events of 2, so you can play it before or after.
Look out for more Xenoblade further on…
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Undertale (Switch eShop)
Undertale is a brilliant and smartly designed game that understands well what makes a good RPG work; so much so that it can upend expectations and deliver something that’s almost a satire of the genre.
You fall into the underworld and explore a humour-tinged world full of fun things to do. You’ll date a skeleton, dance with a robot, and cook delicious dishes with a woman who’s part-fish. Or, you can do none of those things – Undertale delights in letting you decide what to do.
It manages to surprise you in so many unique ways, and even if it doesn’t look like much, Undertale has way more going for it under the surface. Do yourself a favour and give this one a download.
Final Fantasy VII (Switch eShop)
Final Fantasy VII is the sort of game that speaks for itself, a touchstone of game design that played a large role in setting the standard of RPGs for years to come. It goes without saying that you should give Final Fantasy VII a shot if you consider yourself to be a fan of RPGs, as this is an experience unlike any other in many ways.
With that being said, FF7 is a relic of its time, but that doesn’t mean it’s to be respected any less; if you can look past the obviously antiquated elements, this is a well-paced, engaging RPG that’s still fun to play today.
And if you’re not into Final Fantasy? Well, brace yourself for the rest of this list!…
South Park: The Fractured But Whole (Switch)
South Park: The Fractured But Whole is a direct sequel to The Stick of Truth, and once again places you in the shoes of the New Kid. You’ll fight alongside your favourite South Park characters in the superhero group Coon and Friends against the villainous Professor Chaos who is trying to eliminate them.
The humour — while hilarious — is offensive and adult in nature, as you’d expect/hope. You’ll create your own superhero, complete with costume, origin story, and superpowers as you explore South Park at night to save it from evil.
While it’s no great leap from the mechanics of the first game, it still offers an ideal introduction for players looking to try out a turn-based RPG and would make a worthy addition to any genre fan’s collection.
Child of Light: Ultimate Edition (Switch eShop)
Child of Light is an absolutely gorgeous RPG developed in the same UbiArt Framework that gifted us Rayman Origins and Legends. You play as Aurora, who’s on a quest to save her ill father and former kingdom. It also features co-op, with one player taking on the role of Igniculus, the shiny little ball of light.
Game mechanics that are usually reserved for massive RPGs have been consolidated in a concise package here, and it’s as beautifully refreshing as when it was first released. It’s a shame to see frame rate hitches — however occasional they may be — but they’re not enough to cast a shadow on this delightful adventure.
West of Loathing (Switch eShop)
West of Loathing is not your average RPG; we’d go so far as to say you’ve probably never played anything quite like it. Its combat won’t blow you away but don’t be lulled into believing that’s what this game is about, as really the whole thing is an adventure in exploration and interaction with a bit of fighting sprinkled in.
The humour is as wonderfully dry as the desert you’re traversing and the writing is some of the best you can find on the Switch. Unless you’ve not got a humorous bone in your body, this is one RPG you can’t risk skipping.
It should be noted that the controversy surrounding the designer, which includes historical allegations of abuse, may sour your opinion and influence a purchase decision. As always, it’s up to individuals to determine if they still wish to support a game, developer, publisher, or platform holder given the available information and wider context.
Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition (Switch eShop)
During the 60 to 70 hours it takes to make your way through the main story and DLC on offer in Pillars Of Eternity (much more should you choose, quite rightly, to meander), you’ll meet a cast of unforgettable travelling companions, fight your way through labyrinthian dungeons, explore deserted Dwarven fortresses, become Lord of your very own stronghold and undertake quests as varied as they are beautifully-written and acted.
Obsidian has created a heartfelt tribute to the classic Infinity Engine RPGs of old; one that takes the best of those games, delicately updates them, and, in the process, becomes something of a classic itself. For RPG fans, this is a must-buy.
Golf Story (Switch eShop)
Golf Story is a Switch-exclusive RPG that borrows liberally from Mario Golf on the Game Boy Color. It’s absolutely bonkers and you should be prepared to put your golf skills to use in a variety of contexts, including feeding hungry alligators and knocking things off high surfaces, plus winning the occasional round of pitch ‘n’ putt.
With a hilarious script and a wide variety of activities, it remains fresh throughout and will have you coming back for many hours in the Story mode alone; the multiplayer offers decent replayability, too. We would highly recommend Golf Story to anyone looking for something a little different.
Final Fantasy IX (Switch eShop)
Final Fantasy has been an institution in the JRPG genre for decades now, and Final Fantasy IX acts as a good reminder of why. Memorable characters, a wacky (if somewhat meandering) story, deep character customisation, and plenty of incredible environments certainly help make a case for why Final Fantasy IX deserves a spot on your Switch’s SD card, even if some elements of this game’s design haven’t aged too well.
If you’re a fan of RPGs and somehow haven’t played Final Fantasy IX yet, it’s certainly worth a download for the privilege of playing this classic on the go.
Battle Chasers: Nightwar (Switch)
Despite a title that suggests it came out of a name generator, Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a satisfying slice of JRPG with visuals inspired by the likes of World of Warcraft, Divinity: Original Sin, and classic Diablo adventures. It forges a confident, colourful character of its own from formulaic ingredients.
The approachable comic style, plus a couple of neat mechanics that encourage experimentation, give it a freshness that belies the age-old systems at its core, and it doesn’t waste your time with filler. Ultimately, it’s the same old story – numbers go up! – but it’s shot through with an infectious exuberance and attention to detail that reinvigorates old tropes.
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key (Switch)
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key ends Ryza’s three-game run on a high note (and the entire trilogy is worth your time), serving up a heady mix of exploration, crafting, and combat that benefits greatly from a narrative arc that’s had time to develop and grow.
The new mechanics add more depth to combat, synthesis, and exploration, the world is more seamless and diverse than ever before, and the whole thing comes together to form a satisfying end for this hugely popular protagonist.
We did have some issues with small text, no English dub, and a little fussiness in how information is relayed, but overall this is Gust’s finest adventure to date and a JRPG experience that long-term fans and newcomers alike will find plenty to delight in.
Gavin first wrote for Nintendo Life in 2018 before joining the site full-time the following year, rising through the ranks to become Editor. He can currently be found squashed beneath a Switch backlog the size of Normandy.
