Updated Aug 15, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT
Ben Brosofsky has been writing for Screen Rant since 2022 and editing since 2024. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor's in Cinema & Media Arts. Writing serves as a much-needed distraction from tackling a backlog of Steam games that will never be surmounted.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is still in the process of building its library, but the system already has a great assortment of RPGs. In addition to the full slate of backward-compatible games released for the original Switch, a selection of upgraded or exclusive titles is a particular treat for Switch 2 owners.
Switch 2 RPGs still tend to be available on other platforms in some form or another, but as time goes on, games like Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave will start to change this. Some iconic Switch RPGs have also received distinct Switch 2 upgrades, like the Xenoblade Chronicles series. For now, there are still good reasons to opt for the Switch 2 versions of the system's best RPGs.
Raidou Remastered: The Mystery Of The Soulless Army
Getting into the Shin Megami Tensei series can be overwhelming, but Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is as good an entry point as any. As part of the Devil Summoner spin-off series, it's not particularly reflective of the mainline SMT experience. With Persona-like visuals and action combat, though, it might be easier to pick up and play than something like Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne.
Raidou Remastered is available on both Switch 1 and 2, but there isn't much comparison between the versions. On Switch 2, Raidou Remastered features a much clearer image and more stable 60 FPS performance, even if it's still possible to run into a frame drop or two.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy Remaster
Square EnixBravely Default originally made waves as a 3DS release, hearkening back to the glory days of Square Enix RPGs with an interesting job system and some memorable narrative twists. While Bravely Default 2 leapt to the Switch, the original game didn't return until the dawn of the Switch 2.
As a remaster of a 3DS game, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy Remaster isn't the greatest example of the system's capabilities. It does have the rare honor of being a launch title, however, and the core experience is as good as it ever was. With a number of miscellaneous improvements added into the mix, the Switch 2 release will be the best option for most players interested in trying Bravely Default today.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered comes with some graphical compromises on Switch 2, and it would be nice to have a port of the original Oblivion as an alternative to a downscaled remaster. Even so, Bethesda made some extra optimization improvements for the Switch 2 release compared to prior console versions, resulting in a surprisingly decent result.
As a game, Oblivion speaks for itself, offering a compelling adventure and plenty of freedom in a world full of memorably bizarre NPCs. As a game that wasn't available on the original Switch in any form, it's an appreciable addition to the Switch 2 library.
Rune Factory: Guardians Of Azuma
Every Rune Factory game is a blend of farm life simulation with RPG action, but Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is still a notable departure from previous games. Embracing a Japan-inspired setting and a Genshin Impact-style anime aesthetic, it doesn't look anything like the Western-influenced fantasy of previous installments.
Luckily for Switch 2 owners, Guardians of Azuma managed to garner strong reviews, with most critics and fans willingly embracing the shake-up. It's far from the only farming game on Switch 2, but it's a much better way to scratch the RPG itch than most.
The Pokémon series has struggled to land a true hit in recent years, and the divisive audience reception for Pokémon Legends: Z-A proves that it's no exception. It's hard to talk about RPGs on a Nintendo platform without at least bringing up Pokémon, though, and this game benefits significantly from its Switch 2 presentation.
Playing Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the original Switch highlights all the same problems that have plagued Pokémon Switch games, with compromises to both graphics and performance that raise questions about Game Freak's optimization capabilities. On Switch 2, the game looks and runs acceptably, making it easier to enjoy the new take on Lumiose City and the Pokémon battles within.
Persona 3 Reload
Oddly enough, there are two ways to play Persona 3 on the Switch 2. First, you can opt for the straightforward remaster of Persona 3 Portable, which commands an appreciably low price of $19.99. For the deluxe experience, however, there's also Persona 3 Reload, a more comprehensive remake that takes advantage of the Switch 2's hardware (and charges $59.99 for the favor).
Most aficionados are likely to recommend splurging on Reload, which features some quality-of-life updates along with the enhanced graphical presentation. Either way, you'll get to experience an iconic RPG in portable form, making the lengthy journey easier to squeeze into your schedule.
Skyrim's Switch port was a great way to play the game on the go, but it features some obvious graphical limitations compared to the modern versions of the game on competing consoles and PC. The Switch 2 release of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Anniversary Edition takes care of that issue, although not without a few bumps along the way.
Upon release, the Switch 2 version of Skyrim featured notable input lag, making it less fun to play than its preceding version. Luckily, updates since launch have alleviated the issue, so the Switch 2 release is now a viable option for the culturally titanic RPG.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time takes a more relaxed approach to the RPG experience, settling into a cutesy world that mixes a healthy dose of life simulation into the adventure. This follow-up to the 3DS hit Fantasy Life expands on all its predecessor's strengths, with no shortage of fun activities like fishing, cooking, and fighting.
Unlike the first game, Fantasy Life i is on every major platform, but the Switch 2 is probably the best bet. The casual gameplay loop is best suited for portable play, and with a separate Switch 2 version/upgrade, the experience is definitely better than on the original Switch.
Trails In The Sky 1st Chapter
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a dramatic remake of the original Trails in the Sky, turning an isometric RPG into a full-fledged 3D experience. As such, it's no surprise that the Switch 2 version is dramatically superior to the Switch 1 release, with a 60 FPS performance target and an uptick in detail all-around.
Even better, the paid upgrade is only nominal. If you grab a copy of the game for the original Switch, turning it into the Switch 2 version only costs a dollar. It's not quite as good as a free upgrade, but it's pretty close.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Despite originally releasing on the Nintendo Wii, the Definitive Edition of Xenoblade Chronicles still has some compromises on the Switch 2. The expansive RPG features huge open-world vistas, and the Switch port upgrades it to the engine basis of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, which limited the resolution and framerate to attain stable performance on the system. It was still worth playing, however, as Xenoblade Chronicles boasts a gripping story, fun battle system, and memorable exploration.
After finally receiving a Switch 2 upgrade this year, however, Xenoblade Chronicles is in its best form yet. With 4K resolution and a 60 FPS target, this blows previous releases away, and it even comes with new voice acting for Heart-to-Heart conversations. The Switch 2 edition retails for $69.99, and those who already own a Switch copy of the game can upgrade for $9.99.
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