Updated list! We’ve snuck two of our personal favorites onto the roster — Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, both now playable on Switch 2. Consider this a slightly opinionated, very nerdy guide to the Final Fantasy titles you can enjoy on Nintendo hardware.
Final Fantasy has been throwing spells, chocobos, and plot twists at players for decades. There’s a massive, messy catalogue to wade through, so here’s a tidy, tongue-in-cheek rundown of the games that have found a home on Nintendo platforms. No links, no screenshots, just the games and our slightly dramatic takes.
49. Chocobo GP (Switch)
Think Mario Kart if chocobos had anger management issues. Underneath the initial controversy about microtransactions (which were later removed) and a thin single-player campaign, Chocobo GP actually delivers a fun, frenetic kart racer full of Final Fantasy flair. Cute characters, chaotic tracks, and a dash of fan service make it a guilty pleasure — if you can forgive the rough launch.
48. Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD (Switch eShop)
This is Final Fantasy XV, but shrunk down and made mobile-friendlier. It captures the storyline’s bones, but it’s undeniably a lightweight version of the original — great for commuting, not so much for people craving the full open-world drama. If you already played FFXV, this is a neat curiosity rather than a must-have.
47. Crystal Defenders R2 (WiiWare)
More tower-defense, more crystals, more tiny units marching into doom. R2 adds a touch of challenge and feels slightly meatier than the first game. If you enjoyed the original, this is mostly that same tasty formula with extra spice — and if you can only pick one, R2 is the better pick.
46. Crystal Defenders R1 (WiiWare)
Simple, addictive tower-defense action with Final Fantasy trimmings. It’s not the deepest strategy title, and a few design choices can be annoying, but the core loop is enjoyable. Good for a short session or when you need a brainless tactical fix.
45. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition (Switch eShop)
This remake promises cooperative dungeon-crawling chaos, but the version on Switch missed a few opportunities. The co-op setup isn’t as smooth locally as you’d hope, and the gameplay is uncomplicated — fun with friends, less compelling solo. Not bad, just a bit undercooked.
44. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time (Wii)
The Wii take on Echoes of Time feels like a quick cash-in compared to the stronger DS version. If you’re hunting the best experience, the handheld rendition is the better call — unless you somehow only have a Wii and a lot of patience.
43. Final Fantasy (NES)
The grand-daddy of them all. It may feel slow and primitive compared to modern RPGs, but its influence is enormous: the basic systems and heroic feel that spawned the whole series are here. Play it for history, nostalgia, or to appreciate how far the series has come.
42. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers (Wii)
Crystal Bearers tried to go full real-time and ended up a bit quirky and uneven. The visuals are charming for a Wii game and there are entertaining mini-games, but awkward motion controls and some rough edges mean it’s best picked up cheap rather than at full price.
41. Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest (SNES)
Designed as an accessibility bridge for newcomers, Mystic Quest keeps things straightforward and easy to digest. Long-time fans might find it bland, but if you want a gentle RPG intro without fiendish difficulty spikes, this one’s a decent beginner’s choice.
40. Final Fantasy Explorers (3DS)
Part Monster Hunter, part classic FF: Explorers is built around repeating short quests, loot hunting, and a light job system. It’s a solid co-op romp with plenty of fan-pleasing touches, but the repetition and shallower mechanics may leave hardcore veterans wanting more.
39. Final Fantasy IV: The After Years (WiiWare)
A nostalgia-heavy continuation of the classic FFIV story. It keeps the old-school charm and offers lots of content for fans, though the simplified mechanics won’t thrill modern RPG players. Best enjoyed by those who love 16-bit era storytelling and turn-based battles.
38. Final Fantasy II (Switch eShop)
One of the more controversial entries — its growth and leveling ideas are different and sometimes frustrating, but the game pushed the franchise into deeper narrative territory. Not everyone’s favorite, but an interesting, bold piece of series history (and the place where chocobos first strutted onto the scene).
37. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord (WiiWare)
A delightfully deep strategy title hidden inside the Crystal Chronicles family. It’s got addictive mechanics and a surprising amount of content, though the level design can feel repetitive and some controls aren’t as polished as they could be. Still, if you snagged it back when the Wii Shop was open, you were getting real value.
