Which Consoles Were The Best Homes to JRPGs?

From classic Nintendo to the Playstation eras, JRPGs have always found a home. Each generation, until recently, seemed to have its own answer for what the best consoles for JRPGs were.

In the past, JRPGs were often associated with a specific console each generation. This particular system then becomes the go-to platform for fans of the genre. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable JRPG workhorses over the years, highlighting why they were beloved and the iconic titles they hosted.

The best consoles to find JRPGs on

• Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) – 1990
  • The SNES is a legendary console in the world of JRPGs. Known for its robust library and impressive graphics for the time, it delivered several classics that defined the genre. Titles like Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger, and Secret of Mana were groundbreaking. Better tech lead to better storytelling, memorable characters, and intricate gameplay. The SNES’s strong third-party support from companies like Square Enix (then Squaresoft) and Enix (ironically, now Square-Enix) ensured a steady stream of high-quality JRPGs that cemented the system’s legacy.
• PlayStation (PS1) – 1994
  • The PS1 marked a new era for JRPGs, moving from 2D to 3D graphics and CD-ROM technology. This allowed for more extensive game worlds and richer narratives. Iconic titles such as Final Fantasy VII, Xenogears, and Suikoden II made their homes on the platform. Sony’s push for third-party support and the system’s capabilities made it a haven for developers, resulting in an expansive and diverse JRPG library that set new standards for the genre.
• PlayStation 2 (PS2) – 2000
  • The PS2 continued followed up on Sony’s dominance in the JRPG space with even more powerful hardware and a DVD format that expanded game length. This era saw the release of epic titles like Final Fantasy X, Persona 4, and Dragon Quest VIII. Many fans call the PS2 the best console of all time, and for good reason. You could start today and it would genuinely take you years to play through all the great JRPGs on this console.
• PlayStation Portable (PSP) – 2004
  • The PSP was a better idea then it was a handheld for a lot of games. However, one area it shined was in the JRPG genre. Titles like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, and Jeanne d’Arc showcased the system’s capability to deliver console-like JRPG experiences on the go. Its portability and strong support from Japanese developers made it a must-have for JRPG enthusiasts.
• Nintendo Switch – 2017
  • While these days you can find JRPGs on any platform, The Switch has become a bit of a JRPG workhorse. The blend of home console and portable gaming can do wonders for those 30+ hour JRPGs. Its versatility has attracted numerous JRPG titles, both new and old. Games like Xenoblade Chronicles, Octopath Traveler, and Fire Emblem: Three Houses highlight the system’s ability to handle complex, visually stunning JRPGs. The Switch’s extensive indie support also brings a plethora of unique and engaging JRPG experiences, ensuring it continues the legacy of its predecessors in providing rich, genre-defining games.

What console do you play most of your JRPGs on? What was your first console? Sound off in the comments below.