10. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition
The Dragon Quest series helped to define the JRPG genre, and that old school pedigree can be found in the latest entry. With a beautiful open world to explore, exciting turn-based action and literally hundreds of hours of content (much of which is exclusive to this Switch package), this is a game that demands your time, and thankfully it repays it with a whole lot of fun. Without diving into spoilers, newcomers shouldn’t be put off by it being jumping into the series here; you’ll quickly become immersed in the world and its charming inhabitants.
5. Tales Of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
This port of the cult classic JRPG offers a fresh coat of paint to its original 360 and PS3 release, with the cell-shaded art style looking particularly gorgeous on the handheld console. What’s more, the Definitive Edition contains all previously available DLC features, including content that was once exclusive to Japan, making this the most complete version of the game to date.
8. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
The 15th entry in this long-running tactical RPG series returns to home consoles for the first time in over a decade as a Switch exclusive. Like most JRPGs, the lore is pretty deep, so we’ll sum it up by saying you spend the first half of the game in a school system, building relationships and currying favour with your chosen house. After that, there’s a significant time jump which leads to more battles and higher stakes. Gameplay-wise, expect all the usual turn-based fight mechanics set against a pretty anime backdrop.
7. The Legend of Heroes Trails of Cold Steel IV
The climactic end to the Trials of Cold Steel saga (part of the legendary JRPG Legend of Heroes series), this is how you go out with a bang. Following a class of elite students, you have to find your way in an expansive, fantastical empire. You’ll explore a vast, rich open world, interact with its charming inhabitants, and test your might in thrilling turn-based combat. And among all these world-ending stakes, your characters can even play a game of poker or two. Because why not?
6. Octopath Traveler
Somewhat of a love letter to the classic JPRGs of the 90s when role-playing meant role-playing, the game is split into 8 distinct stories (hence Octopath) in which you must complete quests, explore dungeons and beat big baddies. The gameplay is a tonne of fun enough and the musical score and visual presentation is nothing short of gorgeous. Definitely worth a playthrough if you’re a fan of the genre.
5. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings Of Ruin
Have you ever wanted to get into Monster Hunter but weren’t sure where to start? Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings Of Ruin might be just for you. Offering a standalone adventure that offers an alternative introduction into the series, you team with a gang of raiders who, instead of killing the monsters ravaging the land, decide to train and use them in combat. Think Pokémon, only everything’s much bigger and toothier! With a deep battle system, impressive depth and customisation, and an enjoyable story helped along by endearing characters, this isn’t one to miss.
4. Pokémon Sword / Shield
Arguably the most popular handheld RPG series ever, Pokemon Sword and Shield prove the franchise is as strong as it’s ever been. Taking the adventure to a pseudo-London setting, it’s one of, if not the prettiest Pokemon experiences ever. Couple this with a great soundtrack, as well as all the classic battles and exploration fun, and you’ve got one of the definitive Pokemon generations.
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
As the meme suggests, you can play Skyrim on everything, and the Switch is no exception. Porting the 2011 classic in all its glory, this Special Edition also includes motion controls, meaning if you’re playing with Joy-Cons, you can actually swing your character’s sword. It adds a new dimension to gameplay, meaning fans new and old will find something to enjoy.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
How they managed to fit a game the size of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - arguably one of the biggest and best games of this console generation - into a portable console is a minor miracle. Sure the textures might not pop like that do on a PC, but the entire game functions perfectly on the Switch, and the controls translate just as well to handheld mode. Long live the Switcher!
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - there aren’t enough superlatives to describe how good this game is. Never have we played an open-world game that’s so immersive, so deep and just so gosh darn fun to play. Every aspect of the game is flawless, and the fact it works on a tablet is nothing short of witchcraft. Trust us, it’s worth buying a Switch for this game alone.
