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26 Upcoming Nintendo Switch & 3DS RPGs of 2018

Presenting all role-playing video games coming soon to the Nintendo Switch and the 3DS handheld gaming console.

BywhatoplayDecember 09, 2017
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Check out our ful and updated list of upcoming games for Nintendo 3DS and Switch.

1. Lost Sphear

Square Enix’s and Tokyo RPG's upcoming game rekindles our love for the classic JRPG’s. After I Am Setsuna’s success, Lost Sphear shares the same somber yet memorable familiarity. Play as a young man who awakens the power of memory to restore the world and defeat a powerful force. They've improved on many of Setsuna's mechanics, bringing back the same traditional JRPG atmosphere from classic Square Enix games. It’s set to release on the Switch in January 23, 2018.

2. Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology

A reimagining of Atlus and Headlock's Nintendo DS RPG, this 3DS version offers a worthy expansion on the colorful tale of The White Chronicle. Return to the shoes of Stocke as he once again traverses the magical world of epic quests and memorable characters. Dive into a refreshing new world, packed with redesigned character art, voice overs, animations, and legendary musical tracks. It's coming to the 3DS on February 13, 2018.

3. The Longest Five Minutes Limited Edition

Recently gracing the PS Vita roster, Nippon Ichi brings their comical flashback frenzy to the newest Nintendo platform. Help a young adventurer regain his lost memories amidst the pivotal battle against his story's maleficent Evil Overlord. Playing like an oversized anime filler, take a journey through your mind and bring back the powers you once knew. Flashing back with familiar 8bit visuals, it's set to release on the Switch on February 13.

4. Atelier Lydie & Suelle: Alchemists of the Mysterious Painting

The latest installment of the long-running Atelier series. Follow two twins as they discover a mysterious painting that draws them to a world full of adventure and rare alchemical items! Take on challenges and make them the best Alchemists in the entire land of Melvielle. It’s coming to the Nintendo Switch on March 27, 2018.

5. Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux

Another reimagining of a popular title, SMT breathes new life to their essential tale of Antarctic anomalies. Take your place among the United Nations team, and rediscover the mysteries of a world-consuming dark energy. With a story already rife with science fiction, Redux adds even more surprises through additional story content and a brand new character. Discover new dungeons and meet your demons, once it release on the 3DS this first quarter of 2018.

6. Dragon Quest Builders

Considering its sequel is coming out sometime soon, this Sony original makes the perfect preview for new fans of the sandbox genre. Although we don’t have any clues as to what the new features are, it’s still the same Builders game we know and love from Sony’s platform. Step inside a Minecraft-like world and help their little protagonist rebuild his dilapidated world. It’s set to release on the Switch on the first quarter of 2018.

7. Harvest Moon: Light of Hope

The name equated to farm-life simulator greatness. While they've gone separate ways from their partner Marvelous, Natsume is determined to bring back the beloved name. Cultivate another beautiful country life experience as you try to get back on your own feet after a tragic shipwreck. Cultivate crops, take care of animals, and build relationships in this colorful new title. It's set to release on the Switch this first quarter of 2018.

8. Fear Effect Sedna

After a victorious kickstarter campaign finish, Sushee's crowdfunded sequel to the 1999 action adventure will finally reach global release. This indie production will boast the original's iconic cel-shaded artstyle. Step into the shoes of their popular characters as they re enact their great escapades with a completely new gameplay. It's set to release on the Switch this first quarter of 2018.

9. Moonlighter

Lead a double life in this roguelite action RPG from Digital Sun Games where you play as a simple man named Will tending to his item shop. Sell rare items and attract customers with your wary deals. But during the cover the night, step inside a portal that sucks you into a different dimension. It’s procedurally generated dungeons offer tremendous amount of gameplay and adventure for the thrillseekers. It's set to release on the Switch this first quarter of 2018.

10. project OCTOPATH TRAVELER

Square Enix' upcoming RPG will let you choose your own path from a choice of fantastic journey. Take your pick from among 8 different characters and come along with them in their adventures in the world of Osterra. It's a beautiful blend of old and new styles as they show off their familiar JRPG landscapes in HD 2D artsyle. Coming from an industry great, we're expecting nothing but the best. It's set to release on the Switch in 2018.

11. The Alliance Alive

From the team that brought us The Legend of Legacy comes a new nostalgia-filled adventure. Recreating the style of classic JRPGs, explore their majestic world as you live out the lives of their 9 unique personalities. Replay the story over and over through their varying perspectives, and uncover the secrets of the Daemonic attacks. It's set to release on the 3DS in 2018.

12. Indivisible

From the indie group's success with their artistic fighting game, Skullgirls, Lab Zero is moving on with this Metroidvania-style RPG. It follows the story of Anja who embarks on a global quest to trace the roots of her powers. While it's inspired by Japanese RPG, Valkyrie Profile, the indie studio adds their own masterful strokes within the lush, ancient world. It's set to release on the Switch sometime in 2018.

13. Valkyria Chronicles 4

SEGA's animated take on World War 2 is getting a juicy new sequel and it's coming to the Nintendo Switch. Set in the same period as the original Valkyria Chronicles, prepare to dive into another chapter of their military fantasy series as you take on the lives of brand new characters. Welcome the return of their innovative Blitz battle system and plan out your strategies for their tactical battles. Coming sometime in 2018.

14. Pokemon

While we were spinning tales about an upcoming Pokemon Stars title, Nintendo has confirmed a brand new Pokemon RPG coming to their newest platform. With only an announcement to anchor on, there's not much to report on this latest installment. Still, it's good news for fans of the long running JRPG. Trade, explore, and battle anew once this game hits the Switch sales sometime in 2018.

15. Fire Emblem Switch

This as yet unnamed title for the Switch is a great news for fans of the series. An exclusive entry for the hybrid console's lineup, we're sure that Intelligent Systems is brewing up a storm for their sixteenth main entry. With the game still in very early production, there haven't been much details released on the title. However, we're expecting it to make an explosive debut on Nintendo's newest platform when it releases in 2018.

16. Re:Legend

For anyone who misses the joys of monster care, Square Enix has just the right title for you. Rekindle the Monster Rancher spirit as you enter the vibrant villages of this monsterrific JRPG from Magnus Games. Start your life within a life among its sunny world, and farm, fish, and craft to your heart's desire. Survive the dangerous wilderness, and rebuild the legend of your past. It's set to release on the Switch in 2018.

17. My Time at Portia

Travel to a town at the edge of civilization in this adorable open world simulation from Pathea Games. With an inherited workshop at your disposal, you must gather the relics of the preapocalypse and return the world to its prime. Explore the cartoony open world, and collect resources from its interactive environments. A vast town that's ripe for exploration, it's set to release on the Switch in 2018.

18. YIIK: A Post-Modern RPG

Ackk Studio's indie role-playing game is finally making their way out of development hell. Taking the postmodernism to heart, YIIK weaves in their many influences to create a charmingly unique title. From Persona, to Dragon Quest, and Mother--it's a hodgepodge of classic JRPGs melded into one youthful adventure. It's set to release on the Switch and 3DS in 2018.

19. Dragon Quest XI

Yuji Horii's eleventh entry to his epic saga is now making its merry journey to western shores. Revitalized for its global release, the Dragon Quest universe is looking more and more stunning. Take control of a 16 year old destined for greatness and help him rid the land of a looming evil. A haven for anyone with an itch for exploration and discovery, it's set to release on the 3DS in 2018.

20. The Escapists 2

Following up on the success of their crowdfunded original, Team17 Digital and Mouldy Toof Studios is delivering a second round of strategic prison escape. Return to the shoes of the lowly inmate and use your wits to escape its collection of diverse prison situations. Set up for the long haul in the prison monotony, and craft your way to freedom. Originally slated for a 2017 release, it's Switch debut has unfortunately been postponed indefinitely.

21. Dragon Quest Builders 2

Looks like they're piling up all the Dragon Quest titles on the latest Nintendo platform. Even before the arrival of Dragon Quest Builder, Square Enix has assured Switch users with their upcoming sequel. Just like most Switch ports, this will also feature a multiplayer mode so you can share the crafting experience with your friends. Unfortunately, no release date yet.

22. Darkest Dungeon

Veering away from the light, we move on the to the gothic world of this turn-based RPG from Red Hook Studios. Dive into the deepest dungeons with your party of heroes and conquer the hellish monstrosities that await you. As you reach darker lands, you'll also be facing against your human desires, with famine and disease haunting your every step. With permanent deaths and procedural dungeons, every playthrough is an all new experience. No official date yet for its Switch release.

23. Atomine

A PC original sneaks its way into the Switch's roster. Hopefully, this port will retain all of its elegance and flair. Dive into a minimalist digital world and control a small node designed to hack into their procedurally generated stages. Tap into the strongest security systems in this polished and massively entertaining roguelite. No release date yet.

24. Unsung Story: Tale of the Guardians

Another crowdfunded effort, this time a tactical role-playing game from Little Orbit. A spiritual successpr to Yasumi Matsuno's epic titles, tap into your inner medieval warrior in this faithful reimagining of the world of Rasfalia. Witness the struggles of the 77 years war with every thrilling episode, and watch your characters amidst the turmoil of battle. Coming to Switch, with no release date yet.

25. Prodigy Tactics

Watch out tactical fans, because Hanakai Studios is entering the fray with their roster of skilled heroes. In the deadly arenas of Thasys, it's kill or be killed. Scrape whatever magical forces brew within you, and dole it all out in intense turn-based commbat. It's a showdown like never before, and it's all happening on the Switch. No release date yet.

26. Battle Chasers Nightwar

A modern turn-based RPG game from Airship Syndicate that borrows elements from popular JRPG’s of old. With their colorful dungeons and stylish character designs, it feels like a turn-based version of Runic's Torchlight series. Choose up to three heroes, and begin your journey in the town of Harms Way. Venture into the randomly-generated dungeons, uncover secrets, collect loot, and upgrade your skills with every level. No release date yet, but it's coming to the Switch.