If you’re looking to cozy up with a narrative-rich or exciting combat turn-based RPG experience, look no further than theSwitch. The Nintendo Switch is, in a way, the perfect platform to experience a turn-based game with the portability and handheld format that feels both familiar and comfortable. Some of these games are even inspired by the old-school consoles like the SNES, or the Game Boy.
Maybe you’re a gamer seeking the nostalgia of video games of the past, or maybe you are looking for a modern turn-based experience. Either way, you will find the best turn-based RPGs that the Nintendo Switch has to offer here.
Updated on July 21, 2025, by Jouanna Bondakji:Turn-based RPGs have been around for decades, and they’re still alive and well today. The Nintendo Switch is the perfect system to play them on, since its handheld option makes playing (and grinding) a lot more convenient. Some of the great ones are even exclusive to it.
There are always new turn-based RPGs to try out on the console, and we’ve added some more of them to this list.
15Mario + Rabbids
The Mario + Rabbids games are proof that taking risks can pay off. It’s not the sort of crossover game anyone would have expected, butKingdom Battleturned out to be a solid game with enjoyable tactical gameplay and surprisingly funny interactions between theMariocharacters andRabbids.
The Rabbids have been unexpectedly thrust into the Mushroom Kingdom by a destructive vortex and are causing havoc. Luckily, not all of them are enemies. Some of them team up with iconic Mario characters to fix things and go back to their home. The sequel,Sparks of Hope, sees them in space on a mission to save Sparks.
There are different classes to pick from, and how you set each one up is key to winning your battles. If you like SPRGs, Mario + Rabbids is a must-play.
14Bravely Default 2
Bravely Defaultwas one of the most popular RPGs for the 3DS and is named after the Brave and Default moves you’re able to do during battle. These moves are, of course, also inBravelyDefault 2. But whatisdifferent is the entirely new cast of characters and story, as well as new jobs to give your Heroes of Light.
You can equip each character with a primary and secondary job, giving you a plethora of choices in how to build them. You don’t have to have played Bravely Default to understand this one, though you’ll definitely appreciate some of 2’s improved mechanics if you have.
13South Park: The Stick Of Truth
Games based on shows are a hit or miss. Luckily, South Park: The Stick of Truth is a big hit. You play as a new kid to South Park who finds themselves in the middle of a war between humans and elves for the Stick of Truth. It’s supposed to just be roleplay, but things get out of hand very quickly, and you’ll soon find yourself fighting against all kinds of real non-human entities.
The game is a full-fledged RPG: it’s got character customization, classes, side quests, and exploration. And it does those things pretty well. For a more humorous take on RPGs, this game is the one to play.
12Earthbound
When Ness goes to investigate a meteorite that has crashed in his hometown of Onette, he is instructed by Buzz-Buzz, an insect-like being from the future to record the Eight Melodies at the Sanctuary locations to stop the evil Giygas.
Earthbound’s turn-based battle system uses the series’ signature Rolling Meter, where characters’ HP won’t immediately deplete, giving you a chance to turn things around. Even with the world in peril, Earthbound manages to capture a childhood sense of adventure through its charming world. It’s available on theNintendo Switch Online SNES virtual console.
11Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
When it comes to turn-based RPGs, theDragon Questseries is what springs to most people’s minds. Taking place in a traditional fantasy setting and following a classic hero’s story,Dragon Quest 11matches the quality of its predecessors - though thankfully you don’t have to play all of them to enjoy this one.
It has an intuitive turn-based battle system that’s easy to get to grips with and keeps you engaged. The interactions between the characters are also a highlight, and its HD visuals are a delight, enhancing Akira Toriyama’s character and monster designs. If you’re feeling nostalgic for retro pixel games, you can also play the entire game in its 2D mode.
10Persona 5: Royal
Persona 5: Royalbalances Joker’s normal, day-to-day life with his role in the Phantom Thieves. Within its turn-based gameplay, you can use either Personas or weapons to attack, giving you a varied range of options.
The Royal edition is thedefinitive version to play, having lots of new content that expands the already extensive RPG even further. Alongside its engaging battle system, you may also spend time building Confidants with other characters, immersing you deeper into the game’s world. Its excellent soundtrack and stylized UI top it all off, too.
9Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
You simply can’t talk about turn-based games without mentioning the Pokemon franchise.Pokemon Scarlet & Violetis a new take on the series, offering the first truly open-world RPG experience.
Dash, swim, andclimb across Paldeaas you stumble into turn-based battles with Pokemon. The gotta catch ‘em all experience is never-ending in this title, which leans into the open-world premise, so you can take the gameplay as far as your heart desires. As always, you can customize your team, and there are over 400 Pokemon to choose from.
8Chained Echoes
Chained Echoesis a JRPG that feels like an instant classic with charming 16-bit pixel graphics and a soundtrack inspired by old-school RPGs. In the game, you’ll experience an engaging storyline that will keep you entertained across around 30 - 40 hours of content, providing you with plenty of mysteries to explore with your group of heroes.
If you’re a fan of JRPGs looking for a nostalgic experience, Chained Echoes will captivate you from the start. The combat is exciting, and will convince you that this is a modern classic.
7Triangle Strategy
Triangle Strategyis a rich experience that takes you across the war-torn continent of Norzelia. The game brings you to the battlefield where you will fight for the survival of the Glenbrook, and protect the people from the gruesome effects of war.
Are you ready to discover the challenges of war? Triangle Strategy will put your morality to the test as you are put into situationswhere your choices matter. The game undoubtedly puts an emphasis on story, so be prepared for plenty of narrative-rich cutscenes in between your strategic turn-based battles.
6Octopath Traveler 2
Octopath Traveler 2is the game that just keeps on giving. This JRPG is party-based, and gives you eight travelers to play as, each with a unique set of skills and a compelling story. No matter who you play at the beginning, you will meet the rest of the cast and form relationships with them as you set out on your journey.
Characters can develop jobs, and skills, to customizethe combat experience. Octopath Traveler 2 may be familiar to some because of the precedingOctopath Travelertitle, but fans agree that the second installment vastly improves on the first, and is an all around amazing experience.
