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When you think of the Nintendo Switch, there are so many games to play on it. The team and I covered $10 or under Switch games as well as $20 or under Switch games. Well, today we will be tackling 15 Nintendo Switch RPGs. Let’s get to it.
Downs
Great RPGs to Play on Switch
RPGs are notorious for their long stories and even longer stretches between save points. One of the best ways to make them more manageable is to play on a system with a dependable sleep mode. In that regard, the Switch 1 and Switch 2 are ideal—they let you pause anywhere and pick up right where you left off.
Valkyria Chronicles Remastered
This remains one of my all‑time favorite games. (Paid link) Valkyria Chronicles blends turn‑based strategy with real‑time action as you command a small militia squad during a stylized, anime‑inspired version of WWII. It includes classic RPG elements like leveling, character traits with strengths and weaknesses, and a supernatural storyline centered on the mysterious Valkyria.
While it isn’t the easiest game to play in short bursts, the Switch’s portability makes it a perfect fit. Keep an eye out for sales—you can often grab this title bundled with its excellent sequel, (paid link) Valkyria Chronicles 4, for less than buying them separately.
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection
A childhood favorite of mine that still holds up brilliantly. If you enjoy fast, strategic gameplay, (paid link) Mega Man Battle Network is a standout. It mixes action and deck‑building as you assemble custom chip loadouts and battle enemies in real time on a 3×3 grid.
Set in a future where everything is connected to the internet, the story explores hackers, AI companions, and the consequences of digital threats spilling into the real world. Because the original games were designed for the GBA, they’re perfect for handheld play—quick battles, frequent save points, and quick pacing.
The Legacy Collection includes 10 games, each around 15–20 hours long, offering plenty of variety. If you end up loving the series, its spiritual successor (paid link) Mega Man Star Force is worth checking out too.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
As of now, this is my favorite game on the (paid link) Switch 2. It combines RPG mechanics with farming, life‑sim elements, and dungeon exploration. Your mission is to restore the gods of Azuma and push back the corruption spreading across the land.
The game is packed with content—easily over 100 hours—and its structure makes it great for both short sessions and long playthroughs. One helpful detail: the physical (paid link) Switch 2 version also works on (paid link) Switch 1. So if you’re still on the original system but planning to upgrade later, you can buy it once and play it on both.
I’ve written a full analysis of the game if you want a deeper look.
Persona 5 Royal
One of the most iconic JRPGs of the decade, (paid link) Persona 5 Royal blends life‑simulation elements with stylish dungeon crawling and turn‑based combat. While older Persona entries spark debates about which version is “best,” Royal is unquestionably the definitive edition of P5—expanded content, rebalanced combat, a new epilogue, and a runtime that easily surpasses 120 hours.
Because of its length, the Switch version is one of the most convenient ways to experience it.
Dark Souls Remastered
Famous for its difficulty but equally respected for its fairness, Dark Souls is a punishing yet unforgettable experience. You play as an undead warrior escaping imprisonment and facing terrifying bosses in a world on the brink of collapse.
It’s a landmark title that everyone should try at least once. The (paid link) Switch 1 version is an excellent entry point, especially if you want a portable way to explore Lordran or are curious about the series as a whole.
Andrew
Nexomon
I’m not sure how many times now I’ve talked about Nexomon but here we go again! Nexomon is a creature capturing game much like Pokemon. It offers a variety of monsters as well as very humorous dialogue. It’s like the characters are all one running joke but I love it. You can typically find this game and the sequel, Nexomon: Extinction on sale for a very good price. You can, also, buy a (paid link) physical combo pack if that’s more your style.
Mary Skelter
Mary Skelter has to be one of my favorite first person dungeon crawlers for it’s fairytale likeness, the fun gameplay and just how interesting the whole story is. You’ll be using a team of Blood Maidens and Jack, a Blood Youth, to explore different sections of the Jail. The Jail is basically the entire area, and try to find a way to defeat the Nightmares that roam each location.
The important part to note about this game though is you must also purchase Mary Skelter 2, as the first game is a free DLC for that game. It’s well worth the cost though and I see the second game on sale for $10 or so. Additionally, you can buy a (paid link) physical if that’s more your style.
Cat Quest
Although this may be the shortest game out of my bunch, it is packed full with fun, laughs and an interesting story. You play as a cat (obviously) who needs to rescue his sister after she was capnapped (see what I did there?) by Drakoth who is known to have brought dark times on the land. You have a variety of swords, spells, staffs and armor to equip to play in your own style. There is plenty of dungeons and quests to do to get you new equipment, EXP and more. The whole (paid link) triology is fun but I did do a review for the (paid link) first game, so check that out.
Crystar
While I won’t say this title is one that has been completely overlooked, I do feel as if it may have fallen off the wayside. Crystar is a action RPG about Rei going into Purgatory to rescue her sister Mirai. It features maze like dungeons with enemies you slay and collect their souls to upgrade your stats, equipment, etc. You gain EXP, go after some big bosses and explore with a colorful cast of characters. You can still find a (paid link) physical copy still for about $40-50.
Tokyo Xanadu eX+
Tokyo Xanadu is developed by Falcom, the same people behind the Ys series and it shows. It originally was released for the PS Vita and then later put on the Switch. The story revolves around Kou Tokisaka who after a freak encounter, finds himself involved in the world of Eclipse. He’ll meet new friends, allies, as he fights his way through new dungeons and tries to help others in need. You can buy it digitally or buy a (paid link) physical for a decent price.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
My first entry into the Ys series and probably a lot of others as well. This is what brought more light to the games in America and allowed us to continue getting more of them such as (paid link) Ys IX Monstrum Nox, as well as the recent (paid link) Ys Revelations in Celceta. Ys is a 3D action RPG that centers around the adventures of Adol Christian. He is the main character in (nearly) every title and they all have a story that connects in some way but you also can play them in any order you please.
The story of (paid link) Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana involves Adol and other ship wrecked survivors on the island of Seiren. They must work together to find a way off the island by exploring it, finding resources and more.
Charle
Top 5 RPGs
Intro:
In the vast category of RPG games, a couple of them come to mind that outshine the rest. This ranking doesn’t mean I like one more than the other, but it is to list which ones deserve recognition, as well as need to be experienced once if you have access to it. The list I present are my top 5 RPG games that you must play.
Sea of Stars
What is it?
Set in the world of (paid link) The Messenger, this prequel follows a group of heroes as they confront a global threat and fight to protect everything they hold dear. With its music, visuals, and overall feel, it shares a lot of DNA with one of my all-time favorite RPGs, (paid link) Chrono Trigger, and captures everything that makes a classic RPG great.
Why did I pick it?
This game is as close as you are going to get to a spiritual predecessor to Chrono Trigger, as well as taking in the 16-bit glory of its visuals. The combat system, memorable story, and iconic characters make this a (paid link) game to add to your video game library.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3
What is it?
It’s a top-down action RPG game that has a massive cast of classic characters from the Marvel universe, as well as some new faces joining the team that have never been playable before. With a streamlined storyline, as well as the solid foundation of the first two games, (paid link) Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 is a game to be played with friends but can also be enjoyed in a solo run. The incentive of dungeon crawling with superheroes is a great combo.
Why did I pick it?
As a fan of the first two Marvel Ultimate Alliance games, this one was a special pick on my list. I loved the combat system, the combination of different characters, as well as the many storylines you got wrapped up in while progressing through the story. The many unlockable outfits and characters added more ability to replay, as well as combo attacks kept gameplay fresh.
Eastward
What is it?
Eastward (paid link) is an interesting and colorful action RPG. It is a nice love letter to anime and games of the 90s. You play as either John or Sam, a Dad-daughter duo. Sam has psychic powers to fight and solve puzzles. John is the all around gadgeteer and also uses guns. Together, they explore the post apocalyptic wasteland on their terms. The gameplay is classic dungeon crawling, reminiscent of the older Legend of Zelda games.
Why did I pick it?
Right off the bat, the publisher of this game has good credibility to make smooth pixel art design, but gripping stories and gameplay. The best example is one of my all time favorites, Commander Keen. I wanted to give this Chucklefish production a try and I wasn’t let down. I hope to explore more of this world in the DLC that came out a while back, as well as finding all the mini games tucked away in this world.
Fire Emblem: Engage
What is it?
A tactical RPG strategy game that continues the story of the Fire Emblem games. With memorable characters and polished combat, this makes the game a great addition to anyone’s collection. I got this game because I loved Fire Emblem from the first time I played (paid link) Shadow Dragon on the DS.
Why did I pick it?
This was one of my first Fire Emblem games on the Switch that I picked up. I didn’t know where to start, because I got a Switch later in its lifecycle, but this one seemed easy enough to pick up and play. The best feature of this particular game was the Engage mode that let you merge yourself with past heroes of other games. The combat draws you in, but the experience of processing the story and summoning different heroes is what makes you stay. Fire Emblem Engage (paid link) deserves a play in your Switch library.
Conclusion
There you have it. There are 15 Switch RPGs that you can go and play right this second. If you enjoyed this list, make sure to check out our Switch 2 anniversary as well. Stay tuned for more upcoming articles. Until next time, happy gaming!
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