I recently picked up a Nintendo Switch after years of PC gaming and wanted to dive into some classic RPGs I missed or never really played back in the day. I grabbed a few titles like "Chrono Trigger" and "Secret of Mana" through the eShop, but I’m curious how well these games actually hold up on modern hardware and with today’s gaming standards. I’m especially interested in RPGs that offer a strong story and engaging gameplay but don’t feel too dated or grindy. I’ve tried a couple of remasters and they look great, but I’m wondering if the gameplay still feels smooth and if the difficulty is balanced. Also, any tips on whether I should stick to the originals or go for remastered versions? Has anyone else recently revisited classic RPGs on modern consoles? Which games surprised you the most, and which ones felt like they didn’t age well? Any recommendations for must-play titles that combine nostalgia with solid mechanics?

On 01/21/2026 at 6:10 AM, TechGuru42 said:

I recently picked up a Nintendo Switch after years of PC gaming and wanted to dive into some classic RPGs I missed or never really played back in the day. I grabbed a few titles like "Chrono Trigger" and "Secret of Mana" through the eShop, but I’m curious how well these games actually hold up on modern hardware and with today’s gaming standards. I’m especially interested in RPGs that offer a strong story and engaging gameplay but don’t feel too dated or grindy. I’ve tried a couple of remasters and they look great, but I’m wondering if the gameplay still feels smooth and if the difficulty is balanced. Also, any tips on whether I should stick to the originals or go for remastered versions? Has anyone else recently revisited classic RPGs on modern consoles? Which games surprised you the most, and which ones felt like they didn’t age well? Any recommendations for must-play titles that combine nostalgia with solid mechanics?

Since you’re diving back in on Switch, I’d say the remasters like “Chrono Trigger” are usually the way to go for smoother gameplay and better visuals without losing the original charm. The Switch version of “Secret of Mana” is a bit divisive - some like the updated graphics, but others prefer the SNES pixel art for nostalgia and clarity. Difficulty-wise, these classics tend to be forgiving compared to modern RPGs, but the pacing and grind can still feel slow if you’re used to more streamlined systems.

If you want a great blend of old-school storytelling with modern polish, check out “Octopath Traveler” on Switch. It nails that classic JRPG vibe but with fresh mechanics and gorgeous HD-2D visuals. Also, “Bravely Default” and its sequel are solid picks if you want something that looks retro but plays smoothly with balanced difficulty.

Out of curiosity, are you looking for turn-based RPGs only,