The Nintendo Switch is a lot of things: portable, charming, and fun. However, the console is not really known for being cheap, at least when it comes to non-indie releases. Nintendo's first-party games are barely ever discounted; for example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey are still priced the same as when they launched in 2017. Although third-party titles are more likely to go on sale on occasion, physical copies of Switch games tend to still be a bit more expensive than their PS4 or Xbox One counterparts.
This extends to JRPGs. If someone wants to own Shin Megami Tensei 5, Dragon Quest 11 S, or Xenoblade Chronicles 2, they should be prepared to spend over $40. For those shopping on a budget, they need to take a look at the used games scene, as there are a couple of second-hand JRPG Switch games that are great and (relatively) cheap.
Currently, these Switch games are available for roughly $25, although their prices fluctuate all the time. Also, HowLongToBeat.com was used to estimate each game's average length.
Akiba's Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed
Developer | Acquire |
|---|---|
Release Date | July 20, 2021 (Switch) |
Subgenre | Action |
How Long to Beat (Main Story) | 10 Hours |
The definition of an acquired taste, Akiba's Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed is a game that caters to the tiniest of niche audiences. Set in Akihabara, players control a recently-turned vampire who goes around exposing other non-humans to protect the streets, and "exposing" is meant to be taken literally. Yes, the battle system involves removing people's clothes.
An HD port of a PSP game, Akiba's Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed does not look particularly great on the Nintendo Switch, and its hack and slash gameplay still leaves something to be desired. Despite all that, the story is quite decent, and the same can be said for the game's characters.
Sakuna: Of Rice And Ruin
Developer | Edelweiss |
|---|---|
Release Date | November 10, 2020 |
Subgenre | Action, Simulation |
How Long to Beat (Main Story) | 30 Hours |
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin blends 2.5D side-scrolling action with a rice farming sim, and the combination works shockingly well. The simulation aspect is more than just a side dish to the dungeon crawling; it is enjoyable, reasonably complex, and relaxing. It might be the best part of the game.
When not growing rice, players guide Princess Sakuna through levels filled with monsters, utilizing a hack and slash combat system that is satisfying, albeit repetitive.
Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition
Developer | h.a.n.d. |
|---|---|
Release Date | October 17, 2019 |
Subgenre | Turn-Based |
How Long to Beat (Main Story) | 90 Hours |
Want a cheaper alternative to Pokemon and Monster Hunter Stories 2? Then pick up Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition. This compilation comes with 2016's Cyber Sleuth and its prequel, 2018's Hacker's Memory, two lengthy turn-based JRPGs that are absolutely stacked with content.
While their stories are different, there is still quite a bit of overlap between the two games, especially when it comes to their dungeons; consequently, it is probably best to not play them after each other. That aside, these are extremely competent games with addictive gameplay and enjoyable narratives. When it comes to affordable Switch JRPGs, this package might be the best value for money.
Collection Of Mana
Developer | M2 |
|---|---|
Release Date | August 27, 2019 |
Subgenre | Action |
How Long to Beat (Main Story) | 72 Hours |
Containing Final Fantasy Adventure, Secret of Mana, and Trials of Mana, this compilation packs in two of the greatest action RPGs of the SNES era, along with an enjoyable Game Boy title. Although the latter certainly has its charm, the SNES games are the main reason to own Collection of Mana, especially since this release marked the first time Trials of Mana was localized outside of Japan.
Square Enix's collection faithfully retains the brilliance of the original games, be it Trials of Mana's ambitious multiple storylines, Secret of Mana's co-op gameplay, or Final Fantasy Adventure's impressive combat for its era.
Tales Of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
Developer | QLOC, BANDAI NAMCO Studios |
|---|---|
Release Date | January 10, 2019 |
Subgenre | Action |
How Long to Beat (Main Story) | 45 Hours |
The Tales franchise has been around for nearly three decades, producing its most recent entry, Tales of Arise, in 2021. That game is, unfortunately, not available on the Nintendo Switch, but the console has arguably the next best thing: Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition.
Originally released in 2008, this action-RPG has aged spectacularly due to its cel-shaded art style, mature storyline, fantastic protagonist, and strong combat system. Newcomers to the series can select a much worse starting point than Tales of Vesperia​​​​​​.
Shin Megami Tensei 3 Nocturne HD Remaster
Developer | Atlus |
|---|---|
Release Date | May 25, 2021 |
Subgenre | Turn-Based |
How Long to Beat (Main Story) | 48 Hours |
2021 was a stellar year for Shin Megami Tensei fans. Along with the long-awaited debut of the fifth numbered entry in the series, SMT 3: Nocturne also made its way onto modern systems in the form of an HD remaster. Considered to be one of the highlights of a franchise filled with high points, Nocturne is a dark, challenging, and unforgettable turn-based JRPG.
Set in a Tokyo that has seen better days, players must battle through dungeons overflowing with demons that can also be recruited. It is like a nightmarish version of Pokemon​​​​​​.
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