We already published the list of best 3DS games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best 3DS JRPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the 3DS definitely has a great library of JRPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the 3DS and JRPGs, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#10. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions
- Release Data: Alphadream Corporation/Nintendo, 2017
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is a classic, and this new version is arguably the definitive version.
Yes, Bowser’s Minions is a harmless but shallow add-on, but the Superstars are the real attraction.
And after experimentation and not-always-popular approaches in the 3DS era of games, this takes us back to the IP’s roots.
#9. Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past
- Release Data: ArtePiazza/Nintendo, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
An island-hopping adventure spanning space and time, Dragon Quest VII is a JRPG masterpiece.
If you played the PlayStation version back in the day, this is as perfect a remake as you could ask for, with beautiful 3D graphics, a smartly streamlined opening, and lots of welcome quality-of-life updates.
This is an absolute pleasure, and a must-play for RPG fans.
#8. Bravely Second: End Layer
- Release Data: Silicon Studio/Square Enix, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
As a sequel, Bravely Second: End Layer does everything right.
It improves on its predecessor in nearly every way, shakes things up enough to still be exciting for players who may have recently poured sixty hours into the first game, and offers a meaningful chance to reconnect with beloved characters.
Even better, it’s a nearly-perfect JRPG in its own right.
#7. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey
- Release Data: Alphadream Corporation/Nintendo, 2019
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey stands as a well-made remake of a game that was excellent to begin with, polishing up the original in small ways and adding some extra content that meaningfully establishes its own identity.
If you’ve ever been a fan of the Mario & Luigi series, do yourself a favor and pick this game up.
#6. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
- Release Data: Atlus, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
If you’re a Persona fan, you’ll get a huge kick out of seeing your old Gekkoukan and Yasogami classmates in an all-new adventure, and Etrian Odyssey fans open to a change will love it — this is the story-driven experiment of Etrian Odyssey Untold taken to the next level, with a stylistic overhaul to match.
#5. Shin Megami Tensei IV
- Release Data: Atlus, 2013
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Shin Megami Tensei IV has it all: an exciting story with multiple paths and memorable characters, fun and engaging combat, and a whole heap of style.
Any RPG fan up for a dark adventure will have a blast here since you don’t need any background in the MegaTen series to enjoy it.
#4. Bravely Default
- Release Data: Silicon Studio/Square Enix, 2014
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Bravely Default claims its rightful place as a giant in the JRPG genre that will surely be remembered as a classic in years to come.
Any 3DS owner with even a fleeting interest in role-playing games and a desire to get lost in an incredible, engaging adventure would be doing themselves a huge favor by picking up Bravely Default.
#3. Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
- Release Data: Atlus, 2016
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
As an RPG sequel, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is just about perfect.
It lets players revisit a familiar world from a new perspective, keeps what made the original so special, and adds in several small but significant mechanical improvements that make for a smoother, better game throughout.
#2. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
- Release Data: Cygames/Nintendo, 2017
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Dragon Quest VIII is something special. It tells a lovely story with memorable characters in a captivatingly colorful style, features fun combat and a beautiful world to explore, and — most importantly — sparks a true sense of adventure and wonder throughout.
This isn’t just one of the best RPGs on the 3DS, it’s one of the best RPGs full stop.
#1. Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology
- Release Data: Atlus, 2018
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
This RPG smartly uses time-travel to expand its exploration and offer player choice.
As you explore, you’ll battle monsters in turn-based combat, solve puzzles, and level up your character and party.
Throughout the adventure, you’ll jump between different timelines, collecting items and completing quests.
Fans of expansive role-playing games and fantasy worlds will greatly enjoy this journey through time.
Browse 3DS Games By Genre
See also: Best Wii Games & Best Wii U Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which 3DS JRPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
