With a game library that seamlessly weaves together nostalgia and new ideas, the console continues to provide an excellent experience in every genre, be it an epic journey or a smart side-scrolling puzzle.
We begin with the RPGs that defined the Switch’s identity. One of the games long overdue to receive its due is Star Ocean: The Second Story R. A long-time favorite among a devoted subset, this reworked Square Enix game brings renewed life to an old cult favorite. The visuals of the game blend spectacularly well-produced 3D backgrounds with endearingly rendered sprite-based characters, presenting an appearance that is as distinctive as it is lovable. Its real-time combat system is fast, fluid, and strategic, making every battle feel engaging. And with a staggering 99 possible endings, there’s no shortage of reasons to dive back in—even as the story occasionally ventures into delightfully offbeat territory.
Another major highlight in the Switch’s RPG collection is Persona 5 Royal, often hailed as one of the greatest JRPGs of all time. It traces the path of a seemingly normal student turned Phantom Thief, chief Joker. Along with his friends, he stands up for justice against corruption within a dream world that exists behind the ordinary. The game is famous not only for its haunting story and rich character development, but also for its striking visual aesthetic and catchy soundtrack. Clocking in at approximately 100 hours per playthrough, Persona 5 Royal stays fresh with changing gameplay, clever writing, and a pace that never lingers for too long.
And then there’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, an open-world fantasy behemoth that pleasantly surprises on the Switch. That such an enormous, lavishly detailed RPG can maintain such poise in handheld mode is a technical achievement. With its branching narratives and heavy player decisions, The Witcher 3 presents a depth of storytelling that most games can’t hope to come close to. Sure, the docked mode doesn’t present the visuals in their purest form, but the freedom to explore Geralt’s adventure anywhere more than compensates for that.
On the platforming front, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is one of the most imaginative and ambitious games in the series. Here, Kirby is transported to a post-apocalyptic world that is somehow familiar—the abandoned malls, ruined highways, and forgotten cities provide the setting for this cute yet creepy adventure. Typical of the style, gameplay remains silky-smooth and sweet, with classic copy abilities augmented by new gameplay mechanics. The Ranger ability, for instance, gives Kirby an adorable oversized blunderbuss, introducing a wonderful range element into combat. And to challenge those who need it, late-game material, additions, and powerful boss battles provide tons of depth.
The experience gets even better with a premium version boost for the Switch 2 edition, with a new level pack and additional powers to learn, perfect for fans who need to carry on their journey.
What these games have in common is how bold they are. Whether by new combat mechanics, profoundly emotional narratives, or overhauled gameplay mechanics, these games show how the Switch still stretches the boundaries of what can be done with handheld gaming. It’s a console where RPG fantasies and platformer magic are made real, and there’s never been a better time to jump in.