Nintendo Switch Japan-Exclusive Gems You Might Still Dream Of

The Nintendo Switch holds a massive and devoted player base in Japan. Many games debut there first and some never make it abroad. Today, let’s explore a list, updated as of August 16, 2025, of Switch titles that remain Japanese exclusives—perhaps for years to come.

Featured Titles

1. Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate & Other Musō Games
   These include complete versions of Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate and Samurai Warriors 4 DX (packed with DLC). Despite English versions existing on other platforms, they’ve yet to see international release on Switch.

2. Dragon Quest Heroes I & II
   These action-RPG crossovers from KOEI Tecmo and Omega Force combine RPG flair with Musō-style combat. The duo is bundled, with Heroes II offering online play. Unfortunately, the English translation was shelved and never released overseas.

3. Dead or Alive Xtreme 3: Scarlet
   A laid-back installment in the series featuring volleyball, photoshoots, and climbing—all powered by the “Yawaraka Engine” for that extra bounce. The good news: Hong Kong produced an Asia version with English support.

4. Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry’s Wonderland Retro
   This game revisits the original Game Boy classic, following Terry’s prequel adventures with turn-based monster farming and battling. It’s retro charm at its best and still Japanese-only.

5. Dokapon UP! Mugen no Roulette
   The latest in the Dokapon series, featuring crossover elements from Utawarerumono. A fully voice-acted story mode and competitive online play guarantee chaotic fun.

6. Yokai Watch 1 (Remake) & Yokai Watch 4
   Turn-based monster collecting meets charming action in a heartfelt story featuring Keita, Whisper, and Jibanyan. The first game is a 3DS remake; the fourth expands the quirky adventures of the beloved series.

7. Densha de Go
   The game is a hyper-realistic train simulator, deeply rooted in Japanese rail culture. Players must follow schedules and railway rules precisely, unlikely to appeal to Western developers, which explains its localized absence.

8. MOTHER 3
   Available only through the Nintendo Classics – GBA app, this emotional RPG follows Lucas, a psychic boy trying to save his island from invasion. A stunningly heartfelt and stylistically vibrant title.
   
9. Buddy Mission Bond
   A collaboration between Nintendo, KOEI Tecmo, and manga artist Yusuke Murata (Eyeshield 21, One-Punch Man). This investigative visual novel combines puzzle-solving with dynamic storytelling.

10. Dragon Quest X (Offline/Online)
    This legendary MMORPG has been adapted into a JRPG format complete with offline and online modes. Explore snowy tundras, tropical islands, and magical tribes, though the offline version features retro-style visuals.

Bonus: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild + Expansion Pass bundle
This ultimate edition includes Link’s vast adventure along with all DLC in one package; however, it remains unavailable outside Japan.

Final Thought

Nintendo Switch’s hardware, compact yet powerful, with detachable Joy‑Cons and up to nine hours of battery life, makes it a global favorite. Still, it’s clear many title decisions hinge on regional tastes and cultural contexts.

These Japanese-only titles offer a rich, often experimental, gaming experience. Whether you’re seeking emotional storytelling, deep sim mechanics, or quirky visual novels, there’s something here for every kind of player. It may take extra effort, importing or creating a Japanese account, but the rewards are often unforgettable.