Looking for exciting Nintendo Switch games? Here are the top Japanese Nintendo switch games you can check out!
Ever since it was released in 2017, Nintendo Switch has been one of the most-played games in the world. One of the reasons why it has gained so much popularity is because people can enjoy these games with international players.
Related: Where to buy Nintendo Switch in Japan?
Whether it is your first time getting one of your own top Japanese Nintendo Switch Games, or you are looking for the next one to play, we have it all covered for you. Here are some of the top Japanese Nintendo Switch games that you must absolutely get your hands on!
| Top Japanese Nintendo Switch Games | Link |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | View On Amazon |
| Super Mario Party | View On Amazon |
| Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition | View On Amazon |
| Fire Emblem: Three Houses | View On Amazon |
| Minecraft | View On Amazon |
| Pokemon Sword and Shield | View On Amazon |
| Splatoon 2 | View On Amazon |
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | View On Amazon |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | View On Amazon |
| Super Mario Odyssey | View On Amazon |
Which is the best Japanese Nintendo switch game?
We have tried and tested 30+ Japanese Nintendo Switch games on the basis of game plot, difficulty level as well as graphics. We found Super Mario Party to be the best Nintendo switch game.
Super Mario Party is the latest release in Nintendo’s Mario Party series. The game was released in 2018. You can freely walk the board and choose where to move and which dice block to roll. Also, learn how to win the most Stars in skill-based mini-games. Super Mario Party also has the series’ first online minigame mode, wherein you can compete with other players online.
Here’s a quick list of the top Nintendo Switch games:
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Super Mario Party
- Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Minecraft
- Pokemon Sword and Shield
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Best Japanese Nintendo Switch Games
#1 — Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Top Japanese Nintendo Switch Games For Family
The first one on this list of top Japanese Nintendo Switch games and my favorite one is Animal Crossing!
The latest one in the popular series, Animal Crossing, came out on 20 March 2020 named Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It is an interesting game that will keep you hooked to it for hours. It’s one of the best japanese only switch games.
In this top Nintendo switch game, you can enjoy living on a deserted island and creating a paradise for yourself. You can explore, create, and customize to your heart’s content in this game.
Everything that you do here is such a magical experience. Hunt down insects at the crack of the morning, decorate throughout the day, or enjoy fishing while watching the sunset – there are so many beautiful things to indulge in.
The time and day in the game match real life, so each day gives you an opportunity to check-in and find brand new surprises in your little heaven. ‘
With this latest release, you can build your community right from scratch. You can easily customize your character, home, add decorations, and do much more. This is your own haven that you can tend to with love and then show off.
Key Features
- Build your own community from scratch
- Fully customizable characters
- Time, day, and seasons match real-life
- New surprises and discoveries every day
- Upto 4 people can play on the same system
- Upto 8 players can play online
Ratings:
- Game plot: 9.5/10
- Graphics: 9/10
- Difficulty level: 6/10
#2 — Super Mario Party
Top Japanese Nintendo Switch Games For Kids
The Super Mario Party is the latest release in Nintendo’s Mario Party series. The game was released in 2018. You can freely walk the board and choose where to move and which dice block to roll.
Also, learn how to win the most Stars in skill-based mini-games. Super Mario Party also has the series’ first online minigame mode, wherein you can compete with other players online.
The game has sets of five minigames and has a brand new mode called Mariothon. In the Online Mariothon, you can compete against other players across the planet and see how you fare alongside them.
With this game, you will also learn several clever ways to use the Joy-Con, while playing your way across 80 new minigames.
This is a whole new exciting game in the series that you must definitely try.
Key Features
- Original board game style
- Several game modes are available like Mario party, mini-games
- Compete against other players online on online Mariothon mode
Check out these top Japanese Nintendo Switch games below!
Ratings:
- Game plot: 9/10
- Graphics: 8/10
- Difficulty level: 6/10
#3– Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise is an upcoming action role-playing video game developed and published by Capcom. The game is a sequel to Monster Hunter: World, which was released in 2018.
The plot of the game revolves around the player’s character, known as the “Hunter”, who defends the village of Kamura from monsters. The player uses various weapons and tools to defeat these monsters
The game is set in a feudal Japan-inspired world, where monsters roam within Huntareas. These areas are separated into tiers, with each area containing different types of monsters and challenges.
Players are able to freely traverse these areas and can use grappling hooks and Wirebugs to climb walls and ledges. I love this Nintendo switch game because it’s amazing to play, and the Karuma village is so well presented. I also really love the theme game and the adventure it has. It’s one of the best Japanese switch games in English.
Key Features:
- Different types of monsters and challenges
- Adventures levels
- thrills and twists and turns
Ratings:
- Game plot: 9/10
- Graphics: 9/10
- Difficulty level: 8/10
#4 — Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
Top-selling Japanese Nintendo Switch Games
The next one on this list of top Japanese Nintendo Switch games is a new version of the Dragon Quest XI S
This legendary role-playing game is the latest in the series and was released in 2019. Dragon Quest is one of the most popular game series in Japan, and for a good reason.
In this latest edition, you are the hunted hero whose job is to protect the land from destruction. This exciting journey will have you engaged in turn-based battles along with your band of adventurers. Travel across the Kingdom of Erdea and embark on fascinating quests.
In this latest version, you can also ride and attack with monsters on the field to gain experience points. Other things you can do include forging gear, developing party members’ skills, and altering their outfits without changing gear.
What’s more? The game also lets you revisit past Dragon Quest worlds; it is quite interesting to see the classic worlds reimagined in a retro style.
Key Features:
- Ride and attack monsters to earn XP
- Forge new weapons
- Change character outfits without changing gear
- New character specific stories added
- English and Japanese language available
- Choose between HD or 16-bit retro inspired visuals
#5 — Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Top Japanese Nintendo Switch Games Fantasy Genre
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the 16th part of the popular fantasy role-playing game series. The game lets you experience your journey across the three mighty houses of the Officer’s Academy.
The three houses are The Black Eagles, The Blue Lions, and The Golden Deer. Each of the houses is comprised of students who are full of personality and are represented by a royal from one of the three territories. You play the role of their professor, and with this, you must lead your students.
In this game, you can also assign battalions of troops to support individual unit battles. You can also freely roam Garreg Mach Monastery and interact with students over lunch.
So, which house and which path will you choose?
Key Features:
- Teach students and help them improve their skills in academics and battle
- Train students to forge weapons, become master magicians and hone special skills
- Command troops to fight on a grid-based battlefield
- Support individual units in war by assigning battalions of troops
- Build relationships by interacting with students
- Reveal mysteries as you move forward in the game
Check out the top Japanese Nintendo switch games of Fire Emblem below!
#6 — Minecraft
Top Japanese Nintendo Switch Games Action Genre
The next one on this list of top Japanese Nintendo switch games is Minecraft.
Minecraft is probably one game most of us have come across at least once or twice. This game is widely popular all around the world, and it was originally developed for Java on computers. Minecraft has been available on Nintendo Switch since 2018. It lets you build and enjoy your original world of blocks.
Go on adventures while placing blocks and creating your customized world. You can build anything from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles, all with your imagination. You can play in creative mode or survival mode.
The creative mode gives you unlimited resources to build the world of your dreams. In the survival mode, you go on an adventure wherein you craft your weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs.
Key Features:
- Build your world with blocks
- Discover worlds created by others in the community
- Have your friends tag along in the adventure across various platforms
- Choose between two playing modes – creative mode and survival mode
- Creative mode: unlimited sources to build your own world
- Survival mode: Adventure mode, forge weapons and armor to destroy mobs
#7 — Pokemon Sword and Shield
Top Japanese Nintendo Games For Beginners
The next one on this list of top Japanese Nintendo switch games is my ALL TIME FAVORITE – POKEMONNNNN!!!
We all love Pokemon. Do you remember the countless hours we spent in front of the TV watching the cartoon series and watch Pickachu and other Pokemon in battle? Pokemon is one of the most popular and most famous Japanese games in the world.
Pokemon Sword and Shield is the latest addition to the series and was brought out for us in 2019. And ever since its release, the game has gone up to become a top-selling Nintendo Switch game.
In the game, you begin your adventure by becoming a Pokemon trainer. You can choose any one of the three new partners: Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble. Once you choose your partner, embark on an exciting journey in the new Galar region.
There are challenges to be fought and mysteries to be unraveled. There are fun Poke Jobs to complete and a Pokemon Camp where you can play your Pokemon.
Another interesting thing is that when you visit stores in town, you can pick your own clothes and get a new hairdo so that you can be the trainer you want.
Key Features:
- Play Pokemon in the new Galar region
- Begin your adventure as a Pokemon trainer by choosing one Pokemon – Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble
- Use the Dynamax phenomenon to gain an edge in the competition
- WIth Gigantamaxing your Pokemon can grow bigger and also it boosts its power
- A Gigantamax Pokemon has a unique move called G-max Move
#8 — Splatoon 2
Best Japanese Nintendo Switch Games For Beginners
This is one of the best selling Japanese Nintendo Switch games. This latest release is fresher than ever and has some awesome ink-splatting action. With the Nintendo Switch system, you can now take Turf War battles on the go.
This latest version allows you to take part in intense local multiplayer action using any of the console’s portable play styles. Splatoon 2 has a fresh wave of fashion as well as new weapons and gear. No matter what battle or campaign you choose to play, it is never going to get old. You will definitely feel fresher than ever.
Key Features:
- Choose between single or local and online multiplayer
- Choose to play between traditional turf wars or new stages with new weapons
- Play on Tv or handheld mode
- Compatible with Nintendo switch only
Check out the top Japanese Nintendo switch games of Splatoon below!
#9 — The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Top Japanese Nintendo Switch Games Action-Adventure Genre
The next one on this list of top Japanese Nintendo switch games is the Legend of Zelda.
The Legend of Zelda is a game that is packed with action and adventure. The game was released in 2017, the same year as the Nintendo Switch itself. This Open-Air adventure will take you on an exciting journey.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild takes you on an exciting journey filled with adventure, discovery, and exploration. You can travel across vast fields, traverse through forests, and get on top of mountain peaks while discovering what has become of the Kingdom of Hyrule.
Key Features:
- Discover a world with new possibilities, choose your own paths and face the consequences
- Play dynamic puzzles
- Survive by finding weapons, armors, food and brew elixirs to regain health
- Find new challenges in Shrines
#10 — Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Best Japanese Nintendo Switch Games For Kids
In this version of Mario Kart 8, you get the chance to race and battle your friends. You can play this anytime, anywhere. This Deluxe version was released in 2017 as the upgraded version of Mario Kart 8 for Wii U.
This game is also the first-ever Mario-themed game for Nintendo Switch. There are 48 courses that you can indulge in. And for added fun, 8 players can race simultaneously.
Key Features:
- New characters available: Inkling buy & Inkling girl from Splatoon, Dry Bones, King Boo, and Bowser Jr.
- New courses available: battle stadium, Urchin underpass
- Returning courses: SNES battle course 1 and GCN Luigi’s Mansion
- PLay anytime, anywhere with handheld mode
Check out this top Japanese Nintendo switch games of Mario Kart 8 below!
#11 — Super Mario Odyssey
Best Japanese Nintendo Switch Games For Family
The next one on this list of top Japanese Nintendo switch games is the super popular Super Mario Odyssey.
Super Mario Odyssey became the source of Super Mario’s entry for Nintendo Switch. This is a fun family game that will keep all the members happy and entertained.
With the Super Mario Odyssey, you get the chance to go on a captivating, globe-trotting adventure. This 3D adventure is as exciting as it sounds, and you can use all your new abilities to collect Moons that will help power up your airship, the Odyssey, and finally rescue Princess Peach from Bowser’s wedding plans.
The game is packed with super surprises and secrets that you need to unravel on the journey. Some of the exciting surprises include Mario’s new moves like cap throw and cap jump. You will love exploring the amazing and strange places here.
Key Features:
- Explore the 3D kingdoms and discover new secrets, mysteries, and surprises
- New costumes for Mario available
- New Mario moves like cap throw and cap jump available
- Target: Save Princess Peach and destroy Bowser’s wedding plans!
#12 — Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The next one on this list of top Japanese Nintendo switch games s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. This Nintendo switch game entered the market in 2018 as the 6th version of this Super Smash Bros. The game offers 70 characters to choose from and a total of 8 players can play at the same time! Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is enjoyed by many all over the world and is one of the most-played fighting games on Nintendo!
Best Japanese Games on Switch: FAQs
What are the top Japanese Nintendo Switch games in the world?
Splatoon 2 and Super Mario Party are the best Nintendo Switch Games in the world! Some other top Nintendo Switch Games are Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend Of Zelda, and Fire Emblem: Three Houses.
Is Nintendo switch games cheaper in Japan?
Nintendo switch games are almost the same price as in the US, give or take a few dollars. For example, we checked the price of Pokemon Sword and Shield Nintendo switch game double pack on Amazon US and compared it to My Nintendo Japan eShop – and the prices were almost the same!
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Erika is the main author of the website. She is obsessed with Japanese products and always looks for an opportunity to share her love for Japanese products with everybody around her! She combined her love for writing, research and testing products to create Best Japanese Products. When she’s not reviewing latest Japanese products, you’ll find her pampering her cats. Erika is the definition of ‘The Crazy Cat Lady’.