The best RPGs for the Nintendo Switch

By Jon Bitner and Jesse Lennox Updated February 22, 2025

Most people think of adventure games or platformers when coming up with the best Switch games, but this machine is also an RPG fan’s dream console. Thanks to its portable nature, it has never been easier to do some grinding, exploring, or party management any time the mood strikes you. RPGs tend to lend themselves better to on-the-go gaming than the best multiplayer games on the Switch, too. But there are a ton of different ones out there, and the RPG genre itself is rather broad, making it hard to know which ones to go back to. And that’s not even considering all the upcoming Switch games. Whether you’re looking for a turn-based classic or something new with a massive open world, the portable console has it all. Here are the best role-playing games on Nintendo Switch.

If you are craving a game that lets you and a friend play together, however, you should check out our list of the best co-op games on Nintendo Switch.

As great as the Fire Emblem games are, Unicorn Overlord scratches a very distinct itch in how it approaches a tactics RPG. Besides having the amazing Vinillaware art going for it, this game lets you micromanage your units to the most granular level before sending them to battle. You don’t control anyone directly, but instead program in what actions they should take, when, and on who, based on various conditions. It is a little overwhelming at first, but the game eases you into it and you will start to feel the satisfaction of perfectly organizing and directing your armies to crush the enemy forces.

Even though it was a spinoff, most people are more familiar with the Persona series than Shin Megami Tensei, which is where it all began. Shin Megami Tensei V is similar, yet also quite different from its sister series. For one, this is a hardcore JRPG. Expect every single fight to push you to your limits. Gameplay will feel very familiar to Persona fans, as will the demonic cast of monsters you will summon in battle, however, the social aspects are not as prominent. The story is still good, and the characters are likable and interesting, but don’t come in expecting the life-sim elements of a Persona. Regardless, SMT V is well worth sinking dozens of hours into.