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The Nintendo Switch is a beautiful little console, combining handheld portability with a home console’s power. It’s also got an ever-growing library of games and plenty of RPGs to choose from.
In this article, we’ll cover the best RPG titles for the Nintendo Switch. Let’s get started!
What is an RPG Game?
Role-playing games (RPGs) enable players to create their characters and assume the role of the character in a fictional world.
RPGs are typically open-world and a linear storyline isn’t followed, which is different from other games. Players can choose their next move or path, allowing them to explore the virtual world in the game and complete various side quests in between the missions of the main storyline.
Japanese companies like Square Enix and Atlus make the most popular RPGs. Still, Western studios like Bethesda develop many popular RPGs.
7 Best Nintendo Switch RPGs of All Time
There are plenty of great Nintendo Switch titles today, but here are some of the best RPGs you can find. This list is based on actual user ratings from Nintendo Life.
#7. emXenoblade Chronicles 3/em
emXenoblade Chronicles 3/em is an excellent game for RPG lovers who like action-packed games and sci-fi worlds.
You can explore the open world of Alrest and fight against monsters or other players.
The story is set in a distant future where humanity has faced extinction because of the war between two alien races, the Homs and the Nopon. Your mission is to find Elysium, which is believed to be a safe place for humans. You’ll meet new friends along the way, fight powerful enemies, and make decisions that affect the story’s outcome.
Check it out on Amazon here.
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Action, RPG |
| Release Date | July 29, 2022 |
#6. emXenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition/em
- Discover the origins of Shulk as he and his companions clash against a seemingly-unstoppable mechanical menace; wield a future-seeing blade, chain together attacks and carefully position your party...
- During an attack from the mechanical invaders known as the Mechon, Shulk discovers that he can tap into the full power of a mysterious blade known as the Monado; with the mighty Monado in hand, Shulk...
- In addition to the Mechon, you'll run into wildlife that ranges from docile to deadly; keep an eye on what attracts monsters' attention to avoid unwanted conflict...or try your hand at bringing down...
- Upgrade your party as you progress through the adventure by selecting equipment, enhancing weapon skills and using benefit-granting gems; put your dependable companions to work by filling the party...
emXenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition/em was developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo. It was released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on December 1st, 2018.
The game features an open world where you can explore, plus it has multiplayer components. You can customize your character with different weapons and accessories.
You can find it on Amazon here.
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Action, RPG |
| Release Date | May 29, 2020 |
#5. Bastion
Bastion is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game with a unique narrator. The player controls The Kid, who sets out on a journey to rebuild the Bastion, which was destroyed by the Calamity.
The game features a highly customizable combat system and includes a range of weapons and abilities for players to unlock as they progress through the game. The story is told using an innovative, dynamic narration system that changes based on player decisions, which has received praise for its originality and implementation.
Bastion has left its mark on the RPG genre with its compelling story about surviving the end of the world and rebuilding society from scratch. The game features a fantastic soundtrack that perfectly complements the beautiful visuals and gameplay, making it an unforgettable experience.
| Publisher | Super Giant Games |
| Developer | Super Giant Games |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Action, RPG |
| Release Date | September 13, 2018 |
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#4. emDragon Quest XI S Definitive Edition/em
- Perfectly balanced turn-based battles and an impressive scope of activities as you explore a massive, gorgeous world
- The option for fully orchestrated field and battle tunes, and the ability to change between HD and retro-inspired 16-bit visuals.
- Bonus characters stories included in the Definitive Edition
- Follow the elaborate tale of The Luminary branded as “Darkspawn” and assemble a charismatic cast of loyal companions whose designs are inspired by the famed Akira Toriyama
- Capture your favourite gameplay moments with Photo Mode
The latest entry in the long-running RPG series, emDragon Quest XI S Definitive Edition/em is a game you can sink hours into without realizing it. It has a beautiful art style and some of the best voice acting in gaming today.
The story is compelling and fun, and players can choose between three characters to play from the start (though only one character can be played per save file). Each character has unique story elements that players want to see to the end.
If you’re looking for a great JRPG on Nintendo Switch, you can’t go wrong with emDragon Quest XI S Definitive Edition/em.
Check it out on Amazon here.
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Action, RPG |
| Release Date | September 27, 2019 |
#3. emUndertale/em
- Undertale for Nintendo Switch Standard Edition
- Physical
- Story Booklet Temmie Chang inside case
![Undertale Nintendo Switch Standard Edition [Physical]](https://history-computer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/41Dw1jNoVoL._SL500_.webp)
emUndertale/em is a role-playing game with an indie twist. The game was released in 2015 and quickly gained popularity among gamers.
emUndertale/em tells the story of a young human boy who falls into the underground world of monsters. You play as this boy, but you can also choose to play as any monster in the world. The goal is to find your way back home while slaying enemies and solving puzzles along the way.
The game has multiple endings that depend on how you interact with other characters throughout your journey. It’s also known for its unique combat system, which allows you to avoid fighting altogether by talking to enemies instead of fighting them head-on.
You can get your hands on your own copy of emUndertale/em on Amazon here.
| Publisher | 8-4 |
| Developer | 8-4 |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Action, RPG |
| Release Date | September 18, 2018 |
#2. emDivinity: Original Sin II - Definitive Edition/em
- Divinity Original Sin II physical cartridge on Nintendo Switch.
- Includes an in-depth 52-page full-color manual and a color interior print.
- Includes tons of DLC already on the cartridge (Beauty Salon, Song of Nature, Order & Magic, and many more).
Divinity: Original Sin II is one of the best RPGs on Nintendo Switch.
It’s a turn-based strategy game with a focus on cooperative multiplayer. You can play as any of the six origin characters or create your character and take part in epic quests. The game also has competitive multiplayer modes for up to four players.
The story takes place in the fantasy world of Rivellon, where you must find a way to save your homeland from an invading force led by the evil Archon trying to destroy what’s left of humanity.
The game offers players a lot of freedom in choosing how to play their character. Still, different pre-defined characters provide different experiences depending on what kind of player you are.
You can find it on Amazon here.
| Publisher | Larian Studios |
| Developer | Larian Studios |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Action, RPG |
| Release Date | September 4, 2019 |
#1. emPersona 5 Royal/em
- Prepare for the award-winning RPG experience in this definitive edition of Persona 5 Royal
- This title is packed with beloved characters, confidants, story depth, and plenty of locations to explore with many opportunities to strengthen your abilities in the metaverse and in your daily life
- Explore Tokyo, unlock Personas, customize your own personal Thieves Den, experience alternate endings, and more
- Become the ultimate Phantom Thief and defy conventions, discover the power within, and fight for justice in the definitive version of Personal 5 Royal
emPersona 5 Royal/em is a role-playing game developed by Atlus for the Nintendo Switch.
It is the enhanced version of Persona 5 and was released in Japan on October 31, 2019. The game features new content, including new characters and costumes, new scenarios, new episodes, and additional voices.
If you love the Persona series, you’ll love this game. It’s a port of the original game, with some new content and a few tweaks here and there. The graphics are sharper and more detailed, but the gameplay remains unchanged. This is an excellent game for people who want to try out the series but are still determining if they want to commit to playing through all the games in order.
Take it home from Amazon here.
| Publisher | SEGA |
| Developer | Atlus |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Genre | Action, RPG |
| Release Date | Ocotber 21, 2022 |
Where to Buy Nintendo Switch RPGs
The easiest way to get your hands on Nintendo Switch games is through the Nintendo eShop. You can purchase digital copies of games directly from the eShop on your Switch.
You can purchase physical copies of Nintendo Switch games at major retailers like Walmart, BestBuy, and GameStop. You can also find new and used copies on websites like Amazon and eBay — just be sure to check the seller’s feedback before buying from them.
Wrapping Up
The Nintendo Switch is an outstanding RPG console with a wide variety of options for players looking for something new. The platform has received some incredible titles in its short lifespan, like Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Dragon Quest XI.
If you’re looking for more RPG goodness on your Switch, we cover the best titles you can find today.
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