Since Nintendo is a Japanese brand, it would be heartbreaking if theirhandheld consoledidn’t have a lot of JRPGs. Fortunately, that isn’t the case as the system is jam-packed with entries from some of the longest-running franchises.
7 Best JRPGs On Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 had a massive library of games, but only a few JRPGs, of which these 7 were the best.
With the successor of theNintendo Switchnow in sight, it’s only a matter of time before this console stops production. Thankfully, these JRPGs on Nintendo Switch are guaranteed to keep players busy, and with the expected backward compatibility of the next console, investing in these games won’t lock players on the older system if they eventually move on to the new console when it comes out midway through a lengthy playthrough of these games.
10Pokemon Legends: Arceus
The Entry That Marked a Bold New Era for Pokemon
Pokémon Legends Arceus
Pokemon Legends: Arceustakes the series in a completely new direction, tweaking the traditional turn-based structure to a more open-ended one. Set in the ancient Hisui region, which would later become Sinnoh, the game places players in the middle of a wild, untamed land where Pokemon roam freely. Instead of the usual random encounters, creatures can be seen in the overworld, each behaving differently depending on the species, as some are docile, while others attack on sight.
The combat system retains turn-based battles but introduces a new Agile and Strong style mechanic that lets players modify their attack speed and power, making battles feel more dynamic. Unlike mainline entries, catching Pokemon is often done in real-time without engaging in battle, rewarding stealth and strategy. This fresh take on the Pokemon formula revitalized the franchise, and while not perfect, it proved that Game Freak could still innovate after decades of incremental changes.
9Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
A Masterclass in Animated Storytelling
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered
A game that blends the charm of Studio Ghibli’s animation with the depth of classic JRPG mechanics,Ni no Kuni: Wrathof the White Witch is as much a heartfelt journey as it is a mechanically rich RPG. Originally released on the PS3, this remastered version brings the tale of Oliver, a young boy who stumbles into a magical world, to the Nintendo Switch.
The game’s battle system is a mix of real-time movement and turn-based commands, with Oliver and his party commanding familiars, which are creatures that act as both allies and weapons. These companions evolve much like Pokemon, adding a layer of strategy to the team-building process. The hand-drawn cutscenes, crafted by Studio Ghibli themselves, elevate the storytelling to a level rarely seen in video games. While its combat mechanics may feel dated compared to modern RPGs, its storytelling, art, and music make it one of the most enchanting adventures available on the Switch.
8Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
A Paper-Thin Plumber With a Surprisingly In-Depth Story
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2024)
When it comes to blending RPG mechanics with classic Mario charm, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remains the gold standard. Originally released on the GameCube, this remaster brings back the beloved turn-based combat and witty writing that made it a fan favorite.
Paper Mario TTYD: 10 NPCs You Gotta Meet
Every character in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has a story to tell, and these characters have some of the most interesting ones.
Unlike traditional Mario games, this entry leans heavily into the narrative, featuring a world full of bizarre and memorable characters, including a no-nonsense Goomba, a cowardly Koopa, and a rebellious Yoshi. The combat system stands out due to its action-command mechanics, where timing button presses enhance attacks and block incoming damage. Outside of battles, Mario’s paper abilities allow for unique platforming and puzzle-solving.
Despite Nintendo’s later attempts to reinvent the Paper Mario formula, The Thousand-Year Door remains the pinnacle of the series, which was released on Nintendo Switch in 2024, polished the game with updated visuals to keep it in line with the current generation.
7Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance
The End of the World, Shin Megami Tensei Style
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
The Shin Megami Tensei series has always been known for its brutal difficulty, deep demon fusion system, and post-apocalyptic storytelling, andShin Megami Tensei V: Vengeancerefines all of those elements into one of the best RPGs on the Switch. This expanded version of SMT V doesn’t just add new content; it offers an alternate story route, balancing changes, and much-needed quality-of-life improvements.
Players take control of a high school student caught in a war between angels and demons in a ruined Tokyo. Unlike Persona, this game focuses more on turn-based strategy and resource management rather than social elements. Combat revolves around exploiting weaknesses with the Press Turn system, which rewards players for hitting enemy vulnerabilities but punishes them harshly for mistakes. This version finally smooths out some of the original game’s rough edges, making it the definitive way to experience SMT V.
6Octopath Traveler 2
The True Retro-Modern JRPG
Octopath Traveler 2
Building upon its predecessor’s foundation, Octopath Traveler 2 refines the HD-2D aesthetic, offering one of the most visually striking RPGs in recent years. The game continues the unique structure of the eight protagonists, each with their own stories, but this time, their narratives intertwine more meaningfully.
The turn-based combat retains the Break and Boost system, rewarding careful planning and strategy, while new mechanics like Latent Powers provide even more tactical depth. Each character has distinct Path Actions that change depending on the time of day, adding more variety to exploration and interactions. While its non-linear storytelling may not appeal to everyone, Octopath Traveler 2 is a love letter to classic RPGs wrapped in modern innovations.
5Nier: Automata - The End Of YoRHa Edition
A Hauntingly Beautiful Post-Apocalyptic Tale
NieR: Automata
For a game that was never supposed to exist, Nier: Automata - The End of Yorha Edition delivers one of the most unique RPG experiences on the Switch. Created by the partnership of Yoko Taro and Platinum Games, the game blends hack-and-slash combat with deep philosophical storytelling, following the androids 2B and 9S as they fight against machines in a war they barely understand.
Unlike traditional JRPGs, the game shifts between different gameplay styles, seamlessly transitioning from action RPG combat to side-scrolling platforming and bullet hell shooting segments. The game’s multiple endings, each revealing new layers of its story, encourage multiple playthroughs. Despite some visual downgrades on the Switch, Nier: Automata is a must-play for JRPG fans, offering a blend of fast-paced action, existential storytelling, and one of the best soundtracks in gaming.
4Sea of Stars
A Homage to the Classics, a Modern Masterpiece
Sea of Stars
Sea of Starsdoesn’t just take inspiration from classic RPGs, it perfects them. Developed by Sabotage Studio, this game blends turn-based combat reminiscent of Chrono Trigger with vibrant pixel art that feels straight out of the 16-bit era.
The game ditches random encounters in favor of seamless, tactical battles, where timing-based inputs enhance attacks and reduce damage taken. Storytelling takes a more straightforward approach, avoiding the excessive exposition common in modern RPGs. While it wears its inspirations on its sleeve, Sea of Stars stands out as its own experience, proving that traditional RPG mechanics still have a place in today’s gaming landscape.
3Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age
The Definitive Dragon Quest Experience
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age is one of the finest examples of classic JRPG storytelling, featuring an old-school turn-based battle system polished to perfection. This enhanced version includes fully orchestrated music, expanded story content, and the option to play in retro-inspired 2D mode.
The story follows the Luminary, a prophesied hero framed as a villain by a paranoid kingdom, leading to an epic journey filled with twists, emotional moments, and memorable companions. With its charming art style designed by Akira Toriyama, smooth combat mechanics, and deep endgame content, Dragon Quest 11 S is one of the most complete RPGs on the Switch.
2Xenoblade Chronicles 3
A Grand Finale to an Epic Saga
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
WithXenoblade Chronicles 3, Monolith Soft delivers a sweeping RPG filled with massive open environments, emotional storytelling, and one of the most refined combat systems in the series. The game’s world, torn between two warring factions, sets the stage for a deeply personal journey where characters must confront their own mortality.
The real-time combat blends MMO-style auto-attacks with a deep class system, allowing for dynamic party customization. The game also excels in side content, featuring extensive world-building and some of thebest side questsin the series.
1Persona 5 Royal
The Phantom Thieves Strike Again
Persona 5 Royal
It’s no surprise that Persona 5 Royal takes the top spot. This Royal version ofPersona 5adds new characters, story arcs, and gameplay improvements, making an already great RPG even better.
The turn-based combat is stylish yet strategic, rewarding careful planning with its Baton Pass and One More mechanics. Social elements play just as big a role, as managing daily life and forming relationships directly impact combat effectiveness. With its striking art direction, incredible soundtrack, and one of the most engaging stories in modern JRPGs, Persona 5 Royal remains an unmatched RPG experience on the Switch.
10 Longest JRPGs To Play
From Persona 5 to Rune Factory Frontier and Genshin Impact, these are some of the longest and most content-laden JRPGs ever.
