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Sometimes—but only when the specific Japanese game edition includes English. Changing the Switch’s language can select English that the game supports; it cannot translate a game that does not include English.
How to tell whether a Japanese Switch game includes English
Language support is specific to the game and edition, not guaranteed by the country where it was sold. Nintendo says a game uses the console’s selected language only when that language is supported by the software. Its guidance also says language support varies by title. See Nintendo’s language guidance.
Before buying, look up the official language information for the exact Japanese edition. If English is not listed, setting the console to English will not add it. Nintendo’s general compatibility guidance does not provide language lists for individual games, so the game’s own product information or packaging is the relevant check.
Set the Switch to English
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Select Language, then choose English.
- Allow the console to restart. Changing the system language closes suspended software.
Nintendo lists English among the Switch’s system-language options, but that list describes the console menu—not the languages supported by every game. For Nintendo’s instructions, see How to Change the System Language.
#1 Best Overall
- A young girl named Ib visits an art gallery with her parents. While perusing the various works of art, Ib suddenly realizes that she is alone. As she searches for someone – anyone – else, the museum begins to change..
- A 2D exploration-adventure game set in a creepy, mysterious art gallery. Inspect the area around you, discovering items and disarming traps to find your way out of the strange gallery.
- Seven different endings to unlock based on player actions and choices
- This game is a remake of the 2D exploration-adventure title Ib, set in a creepy, mysterious art gallery and originally released in February 2012
- Language: English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, German
Will a Japanese game card work on a US or European Switch?
Generally, Switch game cards are not region-locked, with an exception for consoles and cards distributed in the Chinese region. That is a card-and-console compatibility rule, not evidence that the game contains English. Nintendo also cautions that overseas software may work without having been tested across every console region, and it does not guarantee full service and support. Its Nintendo Switch Regional Compatibility FAQ recommends buying software made for the console’s region.
For an individual game, Nintendo says region information can be found on the packaging or under Software Information > Support Information. Check the exact edition rather than assuming all copies of a game have the same language options or regional details.
Rank #2
- The latest game series from the popular character Sumikko Gurashi is now available on Nintendo Switch
- You can enjoy creating your own town with the fun of a box garden simulation and the cute Sumikko Gurashi characters
- Create a welcoming town with a large field of view by building a variety of buildings such as homes and shops to create a sumikko gurashi city
Check DLC and eShop separately
DLC has its own region requirement: Nintendo states, “DLC will only work with games that are released for the same region as the DLC.” In practice, an imported Japanese game may not work with add-on content sold for another region’s edition. Nintendo Japan also warns that overseas software may not work with additional content sold in the Japanese eShop; its guidance for overseas Switch software notes that title-by-title operation and after-sales support are not guaranteed.
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The Nintendo Account’s country setting determines which country’s eShop you access. That is separate from the game’s language and does not establish whether a particular edition supports English.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ENTER THE DUNGEON - The city of Wizarest has been cut off from communication with the outside world. Those who have awakened have forgotten who they are, who their neighbors are, and live without any memories of their past. The only things they know are the dangers of the dungeons surrounding the city, the monsters that inhabit them, and the magic needed to counter them.
- THE BATTLE SYSTEM - Make full use of the timeline above the screen to develop your strategy: read the enemy's HP, the attack order, everyone's status, and aim for the most effective way to win. Water is stronger than Fire, Fire is stronger than Wind, Wind is stronger than Earth, and Earth is stronger than Water. Keep this in mind and use the best attacks to counter the enemy. Don't forget to chain attacks to defeat enemies quickly!
- MEET THE HOMUNCULI - At first glance, the homunculi of WiZmans World Re;Try look like fairies. They have the power to ease the souls of defeated monsters and can fuse with them through Anima Fusion. Thanks to Anima Fusion, they can inherit the stats, status effects, skills, and appearance of defeated monsters. Adopt stronger monster abilities, inherit skills, and create your own powerful guardian. With the homunculi at your side, you're never truly alone!
- TEXT LANGUAGES - English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
Rank #4
- The final chapter – Find out how the massive story around Ragna the Bloodedge concludes or relive the grand finale!
- Unique character designs – Fan favorites returned and new faces joined with Central Fiction – who will be your fighter of choice?
- Stunning visuals – Iconic and beautifully rendered 3D stages offer a unique contrast to the intricately hand-drawn 2D fighter sprites
- Be the aggressor – Central Fiction introduced Exceed Accel attacks to finish Overdrive mode with a bang and Active Flow that will encourage aggressive play!
- Diverse game modes – Apart from classic modes like Story and Versus, find new challenges in many modes!
Rank #3
- What You’ll Do Behind the Counter - Brew hot and cold drinks for humans and yōkai, listen to deeply personal, branching stories, make dialogue choices that influence character outcomes, unlock hidden Tomodachill posts through interactive hashtags, and discover multiple endings shaped by your decisions. Every shift brings new conversations, new connections, and new possibilities. While the atmosphere feels familiar, the customers and their journeys are entirely new.
- You’ll Meet - Kenji, a traditional kappa salaryman searching for meaning after retirement. Vin, the Barista’s assistant coping with a fractured past and the lingering consequences of a previous disaster. Ayame, a happy-go-lucky but recently deceased It girl struggling to understand her unexpected afterlife. And many more new faces, each story unfolds based on how you listen, respond, and serve.
- Lo-fi Beats Soundtrack by Andrew "AJ" Jeremy - The composer of Coffee Talk and Coffee Talk Episode 2, Andrew “AJ” Jeremy, returns with an all-new lo-fi soundtrack to accompany every shift behind the counter.
- Master Tomodachill - Engage with your customers beyond the café through Tomodachill, the in-game social network. Tomodachill now features clickable hashtags. By following these hashtags, you can uncover hidden posts from characters you do not yet follow, revealing new layers of the story like a trail of breadcrumbs.
- Languages - English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Spain), and Traditional Chinese in-game text.
Import checklist
- Language: Confirm that English is listed for the exact Japanese edition.
- Card and console: Check the packaging or Support Information for region details, including the Chinese-region exception.
- DLC: Match add-on content to the region of the game edition.
- Support: Factor in Nintendo’s warning that overseas games are not all tested across regions and may not receive full service or support.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
