I have a few more creature collector RPGs, one of which has no Switch or Switch 2 port) that should be mentioned here:

(I refuse to call many of these games "Pokemon clones" because technically, they should be called "Dragon Quest V clones" because that game, despite being limited to Japan at first because of Enix's pull out of overseas markets until their merger with Squaresoft, was the first game to include "creature raising and fighting for you" elements, not Nintendo or Game Freak as they want the US PTO or the public to believe.)

1. Digimon Story Time Stranger looks to be a very solid creature collector turn-based RPG that has a long and storied history. Liam, I believe you even mentioned it here. I wouldn't be surprised if this game never comes to the weak Nintendo Switch 2 hardware given the console frame rate (it's actually 30 fps locked on PS5 and Xbox Series S/X and maxes out on PC at 144 hz) and its heavy CPU load compared to other options (the Switch 2 isn't as powerful CPU wise as even the Steam Deck according to analysis by some outlets). The demo had some issues on launch, like I mentioned on the article comments, that were fixed with a demo update (the infamous white screen issue) and it is really fun! I played the demo and can't wait for October 2nd/3rd! What a birthday present to me! 😂 It has a "Playable" rating on Steam by Valve (for incorrect controller icons, which I haven't experienced) and I can confirm apart from Denuvo's horrible "5 machine per 24 hour limit" (even for the demo), it plays very well. If the full game is anything like the demo, which I played through to completion (I finished it just now), then I can highly recommend it! This might be my favorite creature collecting RPG since Cassette Beasts, another game I really liked! It releases on the aforementioned October 2nd/3rd, 2025.

2. This one is also coming to all consoles, including Xbox Series X/S for the first time as well as PS5, PC, and Switch 2 (but not Switch), but Monster Hunter Stories 3 (and the entire side series for that matter) also bring some great gameplay and combat. This was especially apparent with 2 being a huge improvement from the original, and 3 looks to up the ante even further. (1 & 2 are available on PC and have "Verified" Steam Deck compatibility ratings on Steam by Valve and Platinum ratings on Proton DB and I can confirm they play well on even the Steam Deck!) Monster Hunter Stories 1 & Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin are currently available on Steam while Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection launches March 13, 2026 (for some reason, the release date hasn't been updated on Steam, but it has been confirmed by Capcom). (Also, fun fact, this series was co-developed in collaboration between Capcom, the developer of the parent Monster Hunter franchise, and Marvelous, best being known as the developer of the long-running Story of Seasons & Rune Factory franchises.)

Sorry for the long winded post, but I wanted to get my two sense in. I'm also so glad to see more franchises go past just consoles onto PC. (Well, apart from the one company who deserves nothing more than to be brought down. You know which one; the patent troll.)