Between 2017 and 2025, the Switch had many good JRPGs on the console. Some of them were exclusive, sort of Xenoblade Chronicles 2and some of them were ports that worked surprisingly well, like Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE. For all types of JRPG fans, from turn-based to action to strategy, there was something for everyone.
8 Forgotten JRPGs that deserve to be rediscovered
These more obscure JRPGs are in dire need of players rediscovering their charm.
So far, there aren't that many new JRPGs on the Switch 2, but it's nice that players can enjoy practically all Switch games on the new hardware. It may not be enough for some players. Perhaps these JRPGs deserve more attention on the Switch 2, which didn't quite get the love they originally deserved. For various reasons, 2025 is a good time for players or companies to revisit them.
Dragon Quest Builders
A spinoff based on a bad ending
Switch and Switch 2 players got Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remakea collection of the first two Dragon Quest game in the series. The plot of Dragon Quest features the nameless hero battling an entity known as the Dragon Lord, and without spoiling the details, there are two endings to the game, which was also true in the original NES version. If fans want to play a game that ties into the bad ending, then they should Dragon Quest Buildersbecause it's based on that idea, but as an action RPG with a Minecraft-like world with crafting.
Super Mario RPG
Mario's first RPG
2025 will be 40 years ago Super Mario Bros. hits the NES, which Nintendo recognizes as Mario's big debut overall. They announced a slew of new titles and tie-ins to celebrate Mario in 2026, and some in 2025 as well, including Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2which combines two of Mario's best 3D platformers. As a way for gamers to continue the Mario celebration on their Switch 2 in 2025, they should check out Mario's first RPG, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Starswhich was remade in 2023 for Switch as only Super Mario RPGwhich featured a new active turn-based battle system unlike anything else on the SNES.
Fate/Samurai Remnant
A great history lesson
Ghost of Yotei is one of the biggest games of 2025, featuring open world and samurai action, all exclusive to PS5. If Switch 2 fans want a good samurai game to play on their console as an alternative, then they should check it out Fate/Samurai Remnant. It's not an expansive world, but the fantastic action is strong, along with the interactive world map, which bridges areas of Japan. Plus, there's some Japanese history to learn, albeit through an anime lens.
Tactics Ogre: Reborn
Before Final Fantasy there was…
Final Fantasy fans finally got what they wanted: a remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics via Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicleswhich was released on Switch and Switch 2. It's a long campaign that should have lasted upwards of sixty hours, easy.
6 Best JRPGs Available for Free on Steam
Search for these free-to-play RPGs on Steam, some of which work on the Steam deck.
If fans have finished it and are looking for a more obscure tactical RPG to check out next, this should be it Tactics Ogre: Rebornwhich was released for Switch in 2022. The original version, Tactic Ogre: Let's stick togetherpreceded Final Fantasy Tactics by several years, which serves as the foundation, as the game has similar gameplay mechanics to grid-based battles. Also, with branching choices, players can keep players for weeks.
Persona 5 Striker
A direct sequel to A Brilliant JRPG
RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army was released this year on Switch and Switch 2, as one of the more obscure entries in the Shin Megami Tensei series. It featured action-based battles, which are not common in the series, so if fans want a little something extra, they should check it out Persona 5 Striker next. It is a complete sequel to Persona 5with the Phantom Thieves going on summer vacation only to be drawn into another dungeon crawling adventure, but this time with smart action combat.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings Of Ruin
Get ready for three
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection coming out in 2026 for Switch 2, so if Monster Hunter fans want to get ready, then they should check out Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. The games are not affiliated, but it might be a good idea for fans to immerse themselves in this different style of play than the main action-based entries. Players will build a party of human and monster characters, engage in turn-based battles, and explore a semi-open world similar to 90s JRPGs.
Snack World: The Dungeon Crawl – Gold
Level-5's Other Action Fantasy
Level-5 had a big hit on their hands this year too Fantasy Life in: The Girl Who Steals Time on Switch and Switch 2. Anyone looking for another action-based dungeon crawler from Level 5 should also check out Snack World: The Dungeon Crawl – Gold. Snack World, as a franchise, was a bit bigger in Japan than in North America, with this game as the flagship. It has less customization options and the world is smaller than Fantasy Life in: The Girl Who Steals Timebut it's not bad because it's still a serviceable action JRPG.
Bravely Default 2
From the remaster to the sequel
Switch 2 launched with Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remastera remaster of a 3DS game, which was like a love letter to old-school Final Fantasy game. There was a 3DS sequel, followed by a third major entry on the Switch simply called Bravely Default 2.
7 of the hardest Open-World RPGs by Japanese developers
While not impossible to beat, these RPG games are some of the hardest games in their genre. The fact that they are open world only adds to the difficulty
As Final Fantasy game, each entry is unconnected except that crystals play a big role in it, along with turn-based battles. With the four playable heroes, players can switch between jobs and build their strategies in battle, and overall it is considered by some fans to be the best entry in the series.
Yo-kai Watch 4
Ghost fans await
Yo-kai Watch 4 was released in Japan in 2019 on Switch, and in the same year North America received Yo-kai Watch 3 on 3DS, which seems a bit confusing. It's the last main entry to be released in North America, which is sad considering Japan has a handful of exclusive titles. Even though things are wrapping up in 2025, it's not too late for Level-5 to drop a surprise digital release of Yo-Kai Watch 4 on the e-shop. It will be a good alternative to Pokemon Legends: ZAwhich it contains Pokémon-like fighting and gathering, but with ghosts instead.
Mother 3
Is it time yet?
Fans in North America have been waiting patiently Mother 3 ever since its release in 2006 on the Game Boy Advance. Japan got the game digitally last year in 2024 on the Nintendo Online service, while Japanese Wii U players got it in 2015. Nintendo usually releases new retro games with little to no fanfare days before release, so Mother 3 would still be possible to see in English for the first time, officially, in 2025, so turn-based JRPG fans can finally get a taste.
We celebrate gaming history with the 10 oldest official Nintendo games
After decades of dominance in the video game scene, Nintendo has become an old brand, and their history began with these old games.
