More Square Enix series you can play portably
From awesome RPG series like OCTOPATH TRAVELER and Mana, to the gripping stories of Life is Strange, here are some of the best Square Enix games to play portably.
While playing games on the TV is all well and good, sometimes you want to take things on the go. Perhaps you have to go on a trip, go to work or simply give up the screen so someone else can watch their soap operas (yes, there is some personal resentment going on here).
Regardless, playing games portably is a good time - and Square Enix has plenty of titles that perfectly suit this way to play. We’ve previously talked about portable FINAL FANTASY and DRAGON QUEST games, so today let’s take a look at some more superb series.
A note on Steam Deck: All games listed as playable on Steam Deck in this article are officially verified for the device. While additional titles may be playable, we are unable to confirm their functionality here. Please check Steam for further information.
KINGDOM HEARTS Series
Take some of the most iconic Disney characters and worlds, and some of the greatest characters from the FINAL FANTASY series and put them together. What do you have? One of the most legendary crossover series of all time.
Here’s what’s available portably:
KINGDOM HEARTS 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX
Play portably on:
- Steam Deck
- Nintendo Switch (Cloud）
Also available on:
- PS4
- Xbox One
- Epic Games Store
This compilation contains four full games, with two additional story experiences for good measure.
KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX - This is where the KINGDOM HEARTS saga began. The original game has been remastered with HD visuals, improved controls, a remade soundtrack, and more. This is the game that introduced us to series protagonist Sora - a brave lad with big shoes and a bigger heart.
KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories - Set directly after the events of the first game, Sora, Donald Duck and Goofy enter the mysterious Castle Oblivion, and find themselves in a brand new adventure… one they may never remember.
KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days (HD Remastered Cinematics) - This story focuses on Roxas, a new character who has a special connection to Sora. The compilation features cinematics from the original game, enhanced with additional text and remastered in HD.
KINGDOM HEARTS II FINAL MIX - The second numbered game reunites Sora, Donald Duck and Goofy for an epic journey across some of the most amazing Disney worlds in the series, featuring characters like Simba, Mulan and many more!
KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep FINAL MIX - This acclaimed entry in the series takes you back in to before Sora ever wielded a keyblade. Instead, you play as three new characters: Terra, Ventus and Aqua in an interconnected story that has big implications on the series as a whole.
KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Coded (HD Remastered Cinematics) - In order to decipher a cryptic message, we enter the digital world with a data version of Sora. The compilation features enhanced cinematics only.
It's available now:
KINGDOM HEARTS 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
Play portably on:
- Steam Deck
- Nintendo Switch (Cloud）
Also available on:
- PS4
- Xbox One
- Epic Games Store
This collection contains games that focus on three of the most popular characters in the series: Sora, Riku and Aqua. It also perfectly sets up the next game in the series: KINGDOM HEARTS III (below).
KINGDOM HEARTS Dream Drop Distance HD - Sora and Riku take their Mark of Mastery exams to become true keyblade wielders. But when things take a strange turn, the pair face the fight of their lives.
KINGDOM HEARTS 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage- - Made specifically for this collection, this episode focuses on Aqua, one of the protagonists of KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep. Set after that game, it’s a short and sweet adventure that leads directly into KINGDOM HEARTS III.
KINGDOM HEARTS χ Back Cover (movie) - This HD movie goes back in the timeline even further than Birth by Sleep. It tells the story of the Foretellers - but who are they and what do they mean for the KINGDOM HEARTS series?
It's available now:
Get KINGDOM HEARTS 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue
KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC)
Play portably on:
- Steam Deck
- Nintendo Switch (Cloud）
Also available on:
- PS4
- Xbox One
- Epic Games Store
The Guardians of Light gather to defeat the forces of darkness in this epic climax to the Dark Seeker Saga. Sora and his friends must work to end the plans of the sinister Xehanort, as they journey across new, expansive Disney and Pixar worlds, based on Toy Story, Tangled, Frozen and more!
The ReMind DLC adds additional story content, exciting and challenging boss battles, and loads of additional features, including gameplay modifiers and photo galleries.
KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
Also available on:
- PS4
- Xbox One
- Epic Games Store
Composer Yoko Shimomura’s amazing music has long been a key part of the KINGDOM HEARTS franchise, and in this entry it takes center stage.
This rhythm action game takes you through the KINGDOM HEARTS saga, as you tap, hold, and glide your way through more than 140 songs from across the series. It’s a joyous celebration of the series, a great recap of the story so far, and a marvelous music game in its own right!
LIFE IS STRANGE series
This narrative adventure series is home to some of the most gripping and emotionally engaging stories in all of gaming. Each of the games focuses on normal people faced with extraordinary circumstances, from mysterious murders to supernatural powers.
If you like games with strong narratives, they’re a must-play - and the perfect way to wile away the hours a long train, car, or plane journey (or just swaddled up in bed).
Life is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection
Play Portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
LIFE IS STRANGE Remastered Collection also available on:
- PS5
- PS4
- Xbox Series X|S
- Steam
This collection includes the award-winning LIFE IS STRANGE and the acclaimed LIFE IS STRANGE: Before the Storm, remastered with updated visuals, refined gameplay and full facial mocap!
The original LIFE IS STRANGE casts you as Max Caulfield - a student at the prestigious Blackwell Academy. When she witnesses the murder of her former best friend, Chloe, she discovers she has the ability to turn back time. Armed with these powers, she begins to learn about her friend, herself, and the dark secrets at the heart of the school.
LIFE IS STRANGE: Before the Storm is set before the events of the original game. This time, you play as Chloe as she navigates the social challenges of school and finds an unlikely connection with the beautiful and talented Rachel Amber.
As well as the LIFE IS STRANGE Acadia Bay collection on Nintendo Switch, these games are also available on consoles and PC in the LIFE IS STRANGE Remastered Collection.
Life is Strange 2
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
- Steam Deck
Also available on:
- PS4
- Xbox One
In LIFE IS STRANGE 2, Sean and Daniel Diaz flee their home after a tragic incident. On the run from the police, they set out for Mexico - but there’s a long way to go. To make matters even more complicated, Daniel has developed telekinetic powers.
What follows is a gruelling road trip, as Sean and Daniel embark on the long and difficult trek across America, making both friends and enemies as they go. It’s a journey fraught with danger, and difficult decisions.
As Sean, you’re not just making these choices for yourself - you’re also subtly influencing Daniel’s behavior too. Will you stick on the straight and narrow, or do what’s necessary to keep the family together?
Life is Strange: True Colors
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
- Steam Deck
Also available on:
- PS5
- PS4
- Xbox Series X|S
Alex Chen travels to the small Colorado mining town of Haven Springs to reunite with her long-lost brother. But when tragedy occurs, she must tap into a hidden power, which lets her ‘read’ other people’s emotions.
Once she considered this a curse, but now it just may be the key to illuminating the shadowy corners of this small town. And along the way, maybe she can help a few people, build friendships, find love and a place to belong.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
Also available on:
- PS5
- Xbox Series X|S
- Microsoft Store
- Steam
Max Caulfield, the protagonist of the original LIFE IS STRANGE, returns for this latest entry in this series.
Max is now building a new life for herself as photographer-in-residence at Caledon University in Vermont. But, when her new friend Safi is murdered in what appears to be an impossible crime, she discovers that her powers have changed and evolved.
Max is able to shift between two timelines - one where Safi is dead, and another where she’s alive and well. It’s up to Max to use these abilities to both discover the truth behind the murder and prevent it from happening.
SaGa franchise
This long-running RPG franchise is all about innovation and player freedom. If you’re looking for a classic-style RPG with bold, often unconventional mechanics, free-form stories, and challenging combat to play on the go, you’ll find much to enjoy here. Here are some of the highlights:
COLLECTION of SaGa FINAL FANTASY LEGEND
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
- Steam Deck
- iOS
- Android
The SaGa series started on the Nintendo Game Boy, though you wouldn’t necessarily realize it from the name. While the first game released in Japan as Makai Toushi SaGa, the portable adventure was titled THE FINAL FANTASY LEGEND for the North American release, and its subsequent sequels.
FINAL FANTASY LEGEND I - III are included in this collection. They’re widely regarded as three of the greatest, deepest games on the Game Boy, and it’s easy to see why. Many of the aspects that define the series started right here, from different races to non-linear character growth.
They’re three great RPGs that are still fun to play today - and as they were originally portable games, they’re a natural fit for the small screen.
Romancing SaGa 3
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
- Steam Deck
- iOS
- Android
Also available on:
- PS4
Every 300 years, an event called the Rise of Morastrum kills every living thing born that year. All except one - the Child of Destiny. Will the Child of Destiny be found in time to prevent the next rise of Morastrum, or will the world be doomed to stay trapped in the cycle of death?
That’s the setup of this classic RPG, originally released exclusively in Japan for the Super Famicom. As well compelling combat and a superb soundtrack. it features the franchise’s free-form scenario system, meaning that the story can play out in many different ways.
Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
- Steam Deck
- iOS
- Android
Also available on:
- PS4
The original Romancing SaGa received a full remake in 2005 for PlayStation 2 as Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song-, released in the US as “Romancing SaGa”. That remake has been remastered for modern platforms, with improved playability, visuals, and even new recruitable characters.
The overarching plot is about collecting twelve fatestones to prevent the resurrection of the evil god Saruin. You can choose between eight protagonists, and after an introductory scenario given the freedom to traverse the world from the start. In doing so, you create an adventure where your actions affect the world around you.
It’s a great adventure, and one of the best entry points for the SaGa series.
SaGa Frontier Remastered
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
- Steam Deck
- iOS
- Android
Also available on:
- PS4
This science fiction-infused entry in the SaGa franchise takes its nonlinearity to new levels. The game is set in ‘The Regions’ - a group of planets that all have their own distinct environments, technologies, and cultures.
You can visit these Regions in any order you like, and when combined with the multiple playable protagonists and expansive gameplay options means that two different players can have wildly different experiences with the game. It also makes it one of the most replayable RPGs ever made.
It’s gorgeous to look at too - the detailed pre-rendered backgrounds, 3D battle arenas and charming sprites really pop on a handheld screen!
SaGa Emerald Beyond
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
- Steam Deck
- iOS
- Android
Also available on:
- PS5 / PS4
SaGa Emerald Beyond is set across 17 very different worlds. While mostly separated from one another, a few select individuals are able to see the Emerald Waves, which ultimately lets them travel between them.
As one of five sets of protagonists, you’ll traverse these worlds, taking on dangerous monsters, meeting powerful allies and uncovering the stories of these different places. Regardless of who you choose, you’ll experience intensely tactical combat, based around combining characters’ attacks while stopping the enemy from doing the same.
It’s structure also makes it perfect for dipping in and out of. It’s possible to spend a few minutes taking on some foes or completing some quests or lose hours at a time getting absorbed into the action. In other words, great for portable play!
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
Also available on:
- PS5 / PS4
- Steam
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a new RPG that spans entire generations.
Unlike other games, you don’t just play as one party or protagonist - you follow a lineage of emperors in their ongoing battle against the Seven Heroes of ancient myth.
It’s a remake of 1993’s Romancing SaGa 2, originally released solely in Japan for the Super Famicon. This new version is an end-to-end remake of that original game, retaining the things that make it so acclaimed, such as the lineage system, but updating and reimagining things to make the game feel fresh and modern.
It's one of the best RPGs of 2024 and well worth checking out!
Mana Series
The Mana series is known for its beautiful worlds, action RPG gameplay and oodles of charm. These attributes make each entry in the series a joy, particularly when played on the go. Here are some of our favorites:
Collection of Mana
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
Collection of Mana is a compilation of the first three games in the Mana series in their original form:
The first game in the series was titled FINAL FANTASY ADVENTURE in the US, and MYSTIC QUEST in Europe. Game titles could get a bit confusing between regions back in the 1990s. Originally released on Game Boy, it established many of the elements that the Mana series is known for, including strategic real-time combat.
The second game in the series, Secret of Mana, is one of the most beloved in the series. It sends you and a growing party of allies on a quest to restore the fabled Mana sword and bring peace to the land. It’s expansive world, satisfying combat and wildly imaginative scenarios make it as fun to play now as it ever was.
The third game in the series is Trials of Mana - and Collection of Mana marks the first time it was available in the West. It’s a fantastic RPG with multiple playable protagonists, crunchy combat and great sound and visuals.
Trials of Mana (Remake)
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
- Steam Deck
- iOS
- Android
Also available on:
- PS4
- Xbox Series X|S
This is an end-to-end remake of Trials of Mana that takes the story and concepts of the original game and presents them in a fresh and modern way. After choosing a main hero and two companions from the six playable characters, you’ll embark on an exciting adventure across a bright and vibrant 3D world.
With fast-paced combat, fun character customization through the class change system and fantastic audio-visual production and it’s a joy to play, whether you’re on the road or lounging around at home.
Legend of Mana
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
Also available on:
- PS4
- Steam
Legend of Mana is one of the must unconventional games in the Mana series - and one of the best.
Your protagonist sets off on a journey to find the mystical Mana Tree - a magnificent growth seem in a dream. But in a surprising twist, the world is empty and it’s up to you to fill it. You can choose where to go, and which quests to take on, essentially building your own world map in the process.
It’s also utterly beautiful - both in its visuals and sound. The game’s backdrops have been redrawn for this remastered version of the game, making them crisper, more detailed, and even more vibrant. And the game features a soundtrack by the legendary composer Yoko Shimomura (KINGDOM HEARTS series, FINAL FANTASY XV) - so if you are playing portably, be sure to bring headphones!
OCTOPATH TRAVELER series
These two turn-based RPGs feature the HD-2D visual style, which combines 3D graphics with high-quality pixel art. It’s stunning in action, but the beauty of the OCTOPATH series is far from skin-deep.
You should check out:
OCTOPATH TRAVELER
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
Also available on:
- PS5/PS4
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox One
- Steam
The first game in the OCTOPATH TRAVELER series introduces you to eight distinct protagonists, from a world-weary fighters to single-minded scholars. After choosing a hero to start with, you’ll be able to recruit the others as you play, and each has their own stories to discover and abilities to use.
It also introduces the ‘Break and Boost’ combat system. It’s based around exploiting enemy weaknesses to destroy their shields (ie ‘break’ them) and using points to power up your attacks at opportune moments (ie ‘boost’ them). It’s a simple to understand system that has incredible depth, making every battle a strategic delight.
OCTOPATH TRAVELER II
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
- Steam Deck
Also available on:
- PS5/PS4
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox One
OCTOPATH TRAVELER II builds on the incredibly strong foundations of its predecessor to deliver an even more refined RPG experience.
The game refines everything that was great about the original OCTOPATH TRAVELER, but builds on it with new standalone stories, new characters, new gameplay mechanics like a day/night cycle and much more.
The Break and Boost battle system returns, deeper and more strategic than ever. As before, it’s about boosting skills and exploiting enemy weaknesses, and new abilities and unique ‘Latent Powers’ for each hero give you more options than ever before.
It’s an all-round great RPG and a must-play for fans of the genre.
STAR OCEAN series
The STAR OCEAN series fuses space opera with high fantasy, which creates a distinct identity that still feels unique today. With fast-paced action, memorable characters, and epic storytelling, it’s known for delivering (inter)stellar adventures. Here are two of the best:
STAR OCEAN FIRST DEPARTURE R
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
Also available on:
- PS4
STAR OCEAN First Departure R tells the story of a young swordsman, Roddick, and his companions who first set off on a journey to find the cure to a deadly disease. Their quest ultimately leads them into a galaxy-spanning adventure across the sea of stars.
The first game in the STAR OCEAN series has been remastered with updated illustrations, new voiceover, more balanced difficulty, and quality of life features like the ability to speed up movement.
STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
- Steam Deck
Also available on:
- PS5
- PS4
- PC via Microsoft Store
Claude C. Kenny is accidentally transported to an underdeveloped planet, where he saves Rena from a monster attack. Believing Claude to be a hero of legend due to his advanced weapons, the pair embark on a quest to investigate a meteorite, unaware that they’re about to be drawn into a battle for the universe itself.
STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R is regarded as one of the crown jewels of the entire series, and it’s easy to see why. It features a compelling story, lovable heroes, fast and fluid action combat, and impressively flexible character customization options. It’s everything you could want in an RPG.
The World Ends with You series
From the fashion and food to the visuals and soundscape, this urban RPG series screams style. You should definitely play...
NEO: The World Ends with You
Play portably on:
- Nintendo Switch
Also available on:
- PS4
- Steam
What seems like another ordinary day in Shibuya takes a turn for the weird, when a young man named Rindo is caught in the centre of a psychic battle in Scramble Crossing. Soon after, a mysterious girl shows up and reveals that he’s caught up in a new Reapers’ Game.
Rindo, his friend Fret and a growing group of allies must battle to survive, taking on monsters known as ‘Noise’ in fast-paced, easy to control battles, where you’ll combo psychic attacks to deal out damage. Along the way, you’ll get to explore the fashion, food, and culture of the setting.
It’s another unique experience - both portably and on bigger screens.
Those were just a few of the Square Enix series that shine when played portably. Of course, the FINAL FANTASY and DRAGON QUEST series have some pretty awesome choices too. Check out guides for them here:
We’re sure you have favorites of your own, so share your thoughts on social media: