The Best Anime Nintendo Switch Games

Nintendo’s anime style in its video games has remained steady throughout its history, from building on its classic titles like Fire Emblem to exclusives like the Pokemon series. This bond between Nintendo and anime has become a defining feature of the company’s identity, and the Nintendo Switch carries on this tradition.

Thanks to its design, the Nintendo Switch bridges the gap between handheld and traditional console gaming. This has enabled gamers to carry their gaming adventures wherever life takes them. Whether you’re on your way to work or simply enjoying the great outdoors, you can enjoy all these fantastic anime worlds.

Updated November 23, 2024 by Jacqueline Zalace: Anime games come in all shapes and sizes, and we know that. As such, we’ve added a few more anime games for the Nintendo Switch for you to check out. Additionally, each entry has some extra information for you to learn about each title.

15 The World Ends With You

First up, we have The World Ends With You. This game originally launched of the Nintendo DS, but has since spread to the Nintendo Switch. Here, you can play The World Ends With You: Final Remix, which is an enhanced version of the original game. You can even check out the sequel; Neo: The World Ends with You.

In this game, you’ll play as Neku in the streets of Shibuya. You’ll need to progress through a series of chapters and survive the Reapers’ Game. Overall, this is great game to play if you like both JRPGs and visual novels filled with a complex and interesting story.

14 Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy Of The Duelist: Link Evolution

For fans or newcomers to Yu-Gi-Oh!, Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution provides a realistic rendition of the trading card game. With over 10,000 cards to collect, you’ll be able to build whatever decks your heart desires and take down iconic Duelists that feature throughout the anime’s several series.

If defeating the show’s main protagonists and villains doesn’t satisfy your dueling desire, you can take on your friends online. You can battle it out to see which one of you has the best cards, or leave it up to pure luck and skill when competing in Sealed Pack play.

13 Fairy Tail

Placing you within the Grand Magic Games’ story arc, Fairy Tail is an adventure RPG that utilizes turn-based combat. If you’re a newcomer to the series, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by the extensive cast of characters and lore. However, the game provides helpful tips and encourages you to get involved in the Fairy Tail world.

The game gives you a good sense of control over the characters while, at the same time, the visuals make you feel like you’re watching the anime. Coupled with this is the thoughtful user experience. Fairy Tail acts as a faithful adaptation of the beloved anime as well as a user-friendly RPG experience that ensures you’ll enjoy your magical journey.

12 Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization

Taking place after the main story arcs of the Anime series, Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization places the lovable characters in a world bearing striking resemblances to Aincrad. The game takes on a more relaxed feel, and if you’re a fan of Sword Art’s storytelling, you will be heavily spoiled, considering the game is rich in fully voiced content.

Hollow Realization also introduces some smart and innovative mechanics into the Sword Art Online series. Despite being a one-button masher, you’ll need to time your attacks well to pull off combos, inflict increased damage, and execute counters. This will soon come naturally, however, as within the large combat zones are plenty of enemies for you to defeat and random events to conquer.

11 Danganronpa

Danganronpa is a widely popular franchise that consists of three main games that are all on the Nintendo Switch. The premise for the three games is similar; you are forcibly thrown into a killing game. After someone dies, you’ll need to use your deduction skills and find the killer.

What’s more, you’ll also need to compose your thoughts and present your case during a trial, which consists of your other classmates and Monokuma himself. These games really scratch the detective itch, and have a wonderful storyline.

10 Crystar

If you’re looking for a game with gorgeous visuals, a fully voice-acted cast, and a fantastic concept, Crystar might just be for you. It is a game heavily inspired by the anime genre and combines its stunning manga art style with even better storytelling.

The main story of the game showcases Rei, a schoolgirl who must fight through purgatory as an executor for the demons that oversee the world. The more you play, the more you will discover about all four playable characters’ tragic pasts. Please be warned that Crystar also uses its platform to tackle many sensitive topics, mostly those that revolve around mental health. However, it is perfect in the way it deals with this subject.

9 Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

Nintendo has acquired a lot of Dragon Ball Z titles in the past; however, none before have focused on the story over the gameplay quite like Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. Differing from its traditional style, it takes on an open-world action RPG approach rather than its typical fighting-based one.

That’s not to say you won’t get in plenty of fights, though, as you most certainly will. The battles you face are intense, with each character possessing their own special moves. The overall combat system will no doubt have you testing your reactions, pulling off your own combos, and, of course, going Super Saiyan.

8 Re:Zero – Starting Life In Another World: The Prophecy of the Throne

The Re:Zero series first started as a light Japanese novel series. To see it get its own anime show, only to then become a Visual Novel game, is a true full-circle moment. While the game is mostly interactive fiction and will have you either listening, similar to an Audiobook, or scrolling through text, it does well at breaking this up with choices that affect the story, as well as a few mini-games.

The cast is fully voice-acted, and if you can make it past the ever-so-corny main protagonist’s personality, you are in for a treat when it comes to storytelling. The rest of the characters all share their own charm and enhance the overall world of Re:Zero.

7 Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

In 2010, Ni no Kuni: Dominion of the Dark Djinn launched. Since then, the game was enhanced and updated to become Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. If the game looks nostalgic, it’s for a good reason! This game’s art was done by Studio Ghibli, with music by Joe Hisaishi.

Surrounded by beautiful graphics, you’ll make your way through this JRPG as Oliver, who was essentially isakai’d into the game’s world. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is cozy, immersive, and has a memorable story for you to play through.

6 Attack On Titan 2: Final Battle

While not necessarily a bad thing for fans of the anime, Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle involves a lot of fanservice. Within the game, you can assume the role of any character from the series, and the overall premise is designed to fully immerse you in the narrative of Attack on Titan.

As it’s a much-improved version of the first game, there’s a great amount of content on offer. From a lovely introduction to the narrative to a chance to take down humongous beasts with your friends, it does well to engage you within the lore of Attack on Titan.

5 Xenoblade Chronicles 2

The Nintendo Switch eventually became home to three out of four games in the Xenoblade Chronicles series (the lone holdout, Wii U non-numbered entry Xenoblade Chronicles X, is fast becoming something of a forgotten gem). While all three are excellent, it’s the first Switch-exclusive title, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, that’s stuck with us the longest.

An epic tale of love, loss, betrayal, and sacrifice, the game follows a young salvager named Rex and his mysterious companion, the kindhearted yet secretive Pyra. Many of creator Tetsuya Takahashi’s trademark Xeno touches are on display here, dating all the way back to 1998’s Squaresoft cult classic, Xenogears.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2’s battle system is infamously convoluted at first glance, owing in large part to less-than-stellar tutorials. But once you’ve come to grips with it, you’ll find fights bursting with engaging mechanics that turn challenging affairs into thoughtful blitzes through the battlefield.

4 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is an intelligently crafted turn-based strategy RPG. As you progress, you will no doubt get captivated by the deep narrative Three Houses has to offer. While the game essentially juggles two separate stories, it handles them and the broadcast of characters exceptionally well.

You are also more than spoiled for content. There are climatic battles, character growth, fishing, and side quests all at your disposal, with over 200 hours of content should you wish to complete everything. With how expansive and fantastic Three Houses is, it makes the 12-year wait for a new launch on traditional home consoles worth it.

3 Astral Chain

Astral Chain is an anime-inspired third-person adventure hack and slash set in a futuristic metropolis called The Ark. You will find yourself playing as a new recruit in the Neuron Police Unit, where your primary mission is to solve cases and investigate incidents within The Ark.

Throughout the game, you have the ability to summon Legions, which act as companions bound by a chain. These Legions come in various forms, each possessing their own unique abilities for both puzzle-solving and combat. With the additional option to be switched in battles, choosing which Legions you go with expands your strategic options and keeps you thinking about your next move.

2 Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age – Definitive Edition

Suitable for both newcomers and long-time fans, Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age places you on an extraordinary adventure. As you set out to save the world from an ominous threat, you’ll be joined by a charming cast of companions, from thieves to magical siblings and traveling performers, all willing to help your cause.

As you form your loyal band of adventurers to stand against the danger that threatens the land, you’ll partake in traditional RPG-style turn-based combat, crafting, and maybe even a round or two of Poker. Creating an experience of over 100 hours, Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age will no doubt capture your attention for a very long time.

1 Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is a JRPG and is an expanded version of the base game. Creating the foundation of a beautiful gaming experience, the narrative immerses you in high-school drama familiar with the Persona series. If the story alone isn’t enough for you, the vibrant setting of urban Tokyo will undoubtedly catch your eye as you explore.

Keeping quite traditional within the RPG genre, the combat system revolves around four characters engaged in turn-based action. The strategic gameplay will have you exploiting your enemy’s weaknesses, much like the mechanics found in Pokemon games. At your disposal, you have an array of options, including normal physical attacks, firearm skills, and tag-team finishing moves called Showtime Attacks.