Action JRPGs that Run Well on the Nintendo Switch

Key Takeaways

• These JRPGs have great performance on the Switch.
• Rune Factory 4 Special allows players to balance various activities for optimal gameplay.
• Xenoblade Chronicles offers lore-heavy storytelling, engaging gameplay, and unique world settings.

Combing through all the various action JRPGs will lead players to discover a wondrous number of diverse looking titles. Many games will have a different experience depending on the platform they are played on, which is why almost all the titles on this list have a higher rating on the Switch than on other systems.

Games like NEO: The World Ends With You are still enjoyable on the Switch, but will see faster loading times and even better framerates when played on a PC. So some readers might not find their favorite titles listed. Instead, the games below are those that are best suited to the Switch as a console.

6 Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes

Nintendo Exclusive Hack-and-Slash JRPG

The entire Fire Emblem franchise is a Nintendo exclusive, and this means that long-time fans of past entries will feel this game is right at home on the Switch. A lot of players will have an affinity to a specific platform, which is why we see a console war for each generation. Exclusive titles can help give a device its own identity and make it feel special.

While the Fire Emblem games are synonymous with turn-based and tactical gameplay, this entry was developed by Koei Tecmo — the makers of Dynasty Warriors. This allows players to visit the Fire Emblem franchise in a whole new, action-packed way. It blends elements of many different feeling genres, including the action sub-genre known as hack-and-slash.

5 Rune Factory 4 Special

Numerous Synergizing Systems

In Rune Factory 4 Special, players will complete dungeon runs, help out NPCs, and tend to crops. Each of these elements is important, and should not be overlooked to focus on just one of them. Players will find dungeons far easier by playing a balanced game.

What makes this a great choice for Switch is that if players don’t have time to play through a dungeon, they can still turn the game on to play many of the other activities in the short time they have. Players can also use this time to interact with NPCs to see which ones are good marriage material.

4 CrossCode

Classic Handheld Experience

Many games explore and discover an all-new art direction, and this can lead to some stylish looking indie games. While one of the main driving forces behind getting a game on the Switch over other platforms is portability, there is another aspect to consider — the Switch offers the handheld gaming experience. CrossCode feels natural ona handheld system, and the Switch lets players have this experience playing it.

CrossCode feels right at home on the Switch, allowing players to enjoy a game the same way as if it were on the Game Boy Advanced, but with a lot of modern quality of life features. There are plenty of different enemies to test players’ reflexes, and many puzzles to test their minds. This is the perfect pickup for someone who wants something nostalgic, but modernized.

3 Xenoblade Chronicles 3

A Surreal Stylish Adventure

Xenoblade Chronicles is a series of engaging, lore-heavy JRPGs that utilize action combat systems. The characters are charming, the gameplay is fun, and the story is perfect for those that seek a unique and lore-heavy affair. It also features plenty of side activities, making sure players get their money’s worth in terms of playtime.

Just like with Final Fantasy games, the Xenoblade Chronicles games are self-contained stories, so players can dive right into the third title without needing to play any of the previous games. This is great for players that want the latest games without needing to play older titles. The games blend sci-fi, monsters, magic, and more into a unique world setting to captivate and engage players.

2 Star Ocean: The Second Story R

A Mixing Pot of Impressive Visuals

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is not a port or a remaster of Star Ocean: The Second Story, but a remake from the ground up. Not only will the game throw all manner of different-looking visuals and graphics at the players, but they overlap in such a way that sets it apart from every other action JRPG out there.

Everything about this game works well on the Switch while in handheld mode. The controls feel flawless, and the screen size feels as if it were made for the game. Players will want to lay back and spend hours on end playing this absolute treasure.

1 Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

Remasters For New Players

All of the Xenoblade Chronicles games could be placed on this list, but that would be an injustice to the other entries because of how much they would be overshadowed. The Xenoblade Chronicles games each offer the complete action JRPG package, and are worth getting into. Players can enjoy the Switch remaster of the first game before diving into the second and third mainline games, all on the same console.

The only game not available on Switch is Xenoblade Chronicles X, which is set to receive a remaster in 2025. This means players can enjoy the entire franchise, in any order they wish, with stunning visuals and on a single device — despite it all starting back in 2010.