TOP 10 Nintendo Switch RPG Games

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.

TOP 10 Nintendo Switch Kids Games

10. Splatoon 2

A multiplayer FPS game that’s suitable for kids and not insufferable like Fortnite - whodathunkit?
Splatoon 2 definitely fits the bill, replacing blood and gore with vibrant paint without scrimping on the excitement and addictive gameplay. It takes the formula of its predecessor and builds on it with the inclusion of a single-player campaign as well as a smorgasbord of new multiplayer modes. Whether your flying solo or squadding up, you’re bound to have a good time!

9. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The most complete, immersive and downright best Animal Crossing game to date, playing New Horizons is a joyous experience. There’s so much to see, do and explore as you help build your new home town, and it’s easy to lose several blissful hours doing jobs that would seem mundane in the real world. But such is the magic of Animal Crossing, even the every day is made to feel pleasant. 

8. New Pokémon Snap

After a 22-year gap, New Pokémon Snap brings the cult series back in grand fashion. The on-rails nature photography game will have you squealing with glee, as you capture shots of everyone’s favourite pocket monsters in their natural environment. Seeing everything at ground level and in first person is an absolute delight, and with a greater emphasis on narrative this time around, it’s easy to lose hours in this enchanting world. 

7. Pokémon Let’s GO

The latest entry in the much-loved franchise takes us back to where it all started, yes that’s right the mean streets of the Kanto Region, where you can now retread the maps of Pokémon Red and Blue in glorious high definition. All of the original 150 odd Pokémon can be found in Let’s GO, as well as their thousands of moves, their stats and their evolutions. 

6. Pikmin 3 Deluxe

The third entry in the delightfully quirky series, Pikmin 3 Deluxe is an RTS, in which you control three interplanetary explorers looking for food to sustain their starving world. They, in turn, control plant-like beings called Pikmin, who help you as you search for items and avoid being eaten by native beasties. The deluxe edition adds some equally fantastic content and small quality of life updates to ensure there’s enough to please new and old fans alike. If you’re looking for the perfect balance between action, strategy, pressure and fun, look no further.

5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The king of the kart racers, nothing comes close to Mario Kart on the Switch. With the near-perfect balance between pick-up-and-playability and challenge, MK8D truly does cater for everyone. Whether entertaining your grandparents or duking it out with the best online, you’ll find a satisfying experience no matter what you’re looking for. 

4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Nintendo has been perfecting their Smash Bros series for the past 2 decades, an effort that culminates with the near-obnoxiously good Super Smash Bros Ultimate. The fighting/party game boasts one of the best rosters of characters found in any game ever, ranging from Pikachu to Solid Snake to Sonic and even the Wii Fit Trainer (because why not?), and each character feels unique, with a deep move set and individual play style.

3. Mario Odyssey

Mario Odyssey is a belter! Rather than resting on its laurels, Nintendo takes their moustachioed mascot and freshens him up in a new direction; new worlds, new mechanics and new challenges make playing it an absolute delight and a testament to the company’s expertise in game design.  

2. Super Mario Maker 2

The perfect game for inquisitive young minds, Super Mario Maker 2 blends entertaining gameplay while encouraging boundless creativity. This iteration doesn’t change the winning formula of its predecessor too much, after all, there’s a certain satisfaction achieved from building your dream level that can’t be replicated by any other type of game.

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.