The Best Handheld Turn-Based JRPGs, Ranked

The Best Handheld Turn-Based JRPGs, Ranked

As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours traversing digital landscapes and vanquishing pixelated foes, I can attest to the fact that these games have left indelible marks on my gaming journey. Let’s start with HeartGold and SoulSilver, a nostalgic journey back to the Kanto and Johto regions, where I first caught ’em all! The quality-of-life changes and new mechanics breathed fresh life into these iconic games.


JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games) have been significant in video game history since the 80s, gracing numerous platforms and gaming consoles. Across brands such as Nintendo, Sega, or Sony, JRPGs can be found on a multitude of consoles, ranging from home systems like the NES and PS3 to handheld devices like the Game Boy and PSP (PlayStation Portable).

Enthusiasts of portable gaming consoles have always had a wealth of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) at their disposal, thanks to well-known series moving multiple hit installments across different handheld platforms, as well as creating exclusive games for them. Here’s a list of some outstanding JRPGs designed exclusively for portable systems, arranged based on their overall acclaim within the JRPG community.

7 Etrian Odyssey 5: Beyond The Myth

Classic Dungeon Crawler With Manual Map Creation

The Best Handheld Turn-Based JRPGs, Ranked

The Etrian Odyssey series stands out by skillfully exploiting the capabilities of both the Nintendo DS and 3DS systems. This role-playing game series, reminiscent of classics such as Ultima and Wizardry, offers a distinctive feature: its map-making mechanic that enables players to sketch maps of the locations they traverse using the touchscreen and stylus.

Among all the Etrian Odyssey games that have been launched so far, Etrian Odyssey 5 is widely appreciated by many enthusiasts as one of the finest in the series. It was the first to incorporate voice acting, and it builds upon the advancements of its predecessors, making it a must-have JRPG for the 3DS.

6 Dragon Quest 9

The Story Of A Fallen Angel

The Best Handheld Turn-Based JRPGs, Ranked

In Dragon Quest 9, players assume the role of a Celestrian who has accidentally fallen from heaven. The mission is to find a way back home. Unlike earlier versions, this time around, the protagonist and their team members can be tailored by the player, offering a variety of professions and gear to choose from.

In contrast to other main installments in the Dragon Quest saga, Dragon Quest 9 stands out as the sole one designed exclusively for a handheld console, specifically the Nintendo DS. Despite its portable nature, it’s far from a compact game and could arguably be one of the most expansive Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG) on this platform. Bursting with additional content for dedicated fans to delve into, it makes a significant contribution to the enduring JRPG series.

5 Golden Sun & Golden Sun: The Lost Age

Saving The World With The Power Of Psynergy

The Best Handheld Turn-Based JRPGs, Ranked

Golden Sun, published by Nintendo itself, ranks among the most beloved Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). It’s renowned for its exceptional quality on its original platform, the Game Boy Advance. The game follows Isaac and his companions as they strive to prevent the unleashing of Alchemy’s power.

Initially, only Golden Sun didn’t manage to conclude its epic tale, leading to the release of Golden Sun: The Lost Age, which served as a direct sequel with new characters while also advancing the narrative from the first game. Unfortunately, both games remained exclusive to the Game Boy Advance for an extended period, causing disappointment among devoted fans.

4 Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver

A Fantastic Remake Of An All-Time Classic

The Best Handheld Turn-Based JRPGs, Ranked

The Pokemon franchise is a well-known role-playing game series primarily designed for portable systems. All mainline installments of this series were released exclusively on Nintendo’s handheld consoles, until the introduction of the Nintendo Switch, which can function as both a portable and home console. Due to its immense popularity, Pokemon has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of handheld Japanese Role-Playing Games.

Among numerous famous Pokemon games, the Gold and Silver series have consistently garnered popularity because they allow players to traverse not only the Johto region but also the Kanto region. Similarly, HeartGold and SoulSilver, the DS remakes of these classic games, continue to be cherished due to the numerous improvements in gameplay and addition of new features that enhanced these beloved titles.

3 Bravely Default

A Spiritual Successor To A Bygone Era

The Best Handheld Turn-Based JRPGs, Ranked

Originally conceived as a follow-up to a spin-off of the iconic JRPG series, Final Fantasy, Bravely Default swiftly established its own identity, breaking free from the shadow of its predecessor. With electrifying music, innovative user-friendly features, and gameplay reminiscent of timeless turn-based JRPGs, Bravely Default rapidly gained a massive following within the JRPG enthusiast community. As a fan myself, I can attest to its captivating charm!

The game debuted on the Nintendo 3DS platform and quickly became one of its most successful Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) titles. It capitalized on the unique Streetpass feature of the 3DS, influencing various aspects within the game. Shortly after, multiple sequels were produced, establishing it as a standalone JRPG franchise.

2 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails From Zero & Trails To Azure

The Masterful Crossbell Duology

The Best Handheld Turn-Based JRPGs, Ranked

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve always admired Nihon Falcom for their exceptional PC games. But in the 2000s, they surprised us all by venturing into console gaming. Over time, it became apparent that console releases were their priority, with even the beloved Trails series making its debut on PSP, starting with Zero – a first for the franchise.

In their original form, the games “Trails from Zero” and its follow-up “Trails to Azure” showcase the finest gameplay the “Trails” franchise has to offer. These games captivate players with a gripping narrative that is rich in intricate world-building and complex political machinations. For over a decade, these titles were exclusive to Japan, but their recent translation and release on modern gaming platforms have been a delightful surprise for fans of the series worldwide.

1 Mother 3

The Heart-rending Resolution To The Mother Series

The Best Handheld Turn-Based JRPGs, Ranked

In 2006, the long-awaited sequel to the groundbreaking game Earthbound, titled Mother 3, made its debut on the Game Boy Advance. Known for its quirky and unconventional sense of humor and an innovative rhythm-based combat system, Mother 3 is widely regarded as a brilliant example of a Japanese Role Playing Game (JRPG).

Despite having a strong cult following in the west, the game “Mother 3” hasn’t been officially released here yet. Fans of the game and series have repeatedly requested Nintendo to localize it, but so far, there are no known plans for this.

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2024-08-23 10:34