In 2024, after exploring the best Switch party games, the exceptional Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club inspired me to compile a list of the best visual novels and adventure games currently available on the Switch. This list blends pure visual novels with adventure games, encompassing titles from various regions and release years. The order is purely arbitrary.
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99) + Famicom Detective Club: The Two-Case Collection
Nintendo's 2021 remakes of the Famicom Detective Club games were a revelation, though the lack of a physical release was a minor drawback. The 2024 release of Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club, both physically and digitally, is a stunning new entry. It feels like a genuine continuation of the series (which might not appeal to everyone), and boasts an incredibly polished presentation. The ending is shockingly good and fully justifies its M rating. It's a surprising addition to my top games of the year. Download the demo now! If you prefer, play the original Famicom Detective Club: The Two-Case Collection first. Fans of classic adventure game design and gameplay will adore them.
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action ($14.99)
This is a repeat appearance on my "best of" lists, but VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is one of my all-time favorites. Its compelling story, memorable music, striking aesthetic, and fantastic characters make it a must-play. It's perfectly at home on the Switch and highly recommended, regardless of your feelings about point-and-click adventures. Mix drinks and change lives!
The House in Fata Morgana: Dreams of the Revenants Edition ($39.99)
The House in Fata Morgana: Dreams of the Revenants Edition is the definitive version of a storytelling masterpiece. This pure visual novel, enhanced with additional content, shines on the Switch. Prepare for a gothic horror experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. The music is also exceptional.
Coffee Talk Episode 1+2 ($12.99 + $14.99)
While sold separately on the eShop (and my imported Japanese physical copies are also separate), a North American Switch bundle exists, so I'm treating them as one entry. Both Coffee Talk games offer a relaxing experience with great stories and pixel art. If you enjoy coffee and engaging characters, this is for you.
Type-Moon's Visual Novels: Tsukihime, Fate/stay night, and Mahoyo (Variable)
This entry cheats a bit. The recent release of Fate/stay night Remastered made choosing just one impossible. Therefore, I'm including Tsukihime, Fate/stay night, and Mahoyo as essential Switch visual novels. They are all lengthy but rewarding. Fate/stay night is a great starting point for visual novel newcomers, but I highly recommend Tsukihime's remake. Witch on the Holy Night follows these two in terms of quality.
PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo ($19.99)
Square Enix's PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo surprised me with its high quality. The narrative, presentation, and even some meta-narrative elements are exceptional. This is a fantastic mystery adventure game with memorable characters, stunning art, and engaging mechanics.
Gnosia ($24.99)
Often categorized as a sci-fi social deduction RPG, Gnosia blends adventure and visual novel elements. The goal is to identify the Gnosia and vote them into cold sleep. The experience is enhanced by character progression. Despite some RNG-related issues, Gnosia was a fantastic experience.
Steins;Gate Series (Variable)
Spike Chunsoft's Steins;Gate releases on Switch, especially Steins;Gate Elite, are essential for introducing newcomers to visual novels. While I hope the original Steins;Gate will eventually be ported, Steins;Gate Elite is an excellent entry point for anime fans. Playing the other Steins;Gate games is recommended after experiencing the original story in Elite.
AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES and nirvanA Initiative (Variable)
Spike Chunsoft's AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES and nirvanA Initiative, a collaboration between Zero Escape creator Kotaro Uchikoshi and No More Heroes character designer Yusuke Kozaki, are exceptional adventure games. The quality of the story, music, and characters surpasses expectations. These are gems of the Switch library.
NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD ($19.99)
This adventure game with multiple endings seamlessly blends disturbing horror and heartwarming moments. It follows a young streamer's daily life. I enjoyed it enough to import the Japanese Switch limited edition. It's unforgettable.
Ace Attorney Series (Variable)
Capcom has brought the entire Ace Attorney series to Switch. With all the games available, there's no excuse not to experience this beloved adventure game series. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is a great entry point for newcomers.
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark, NG, and Death Mark II (Variable)
Aksys Games and Experience Inc.'s Spirit Hunter trilogy blends horror adventure and visual novel elements with a striking art style. The series is graphically intense, but the localization and stories are excellent.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim ($59.99)
While not a pure adventure game (it includes real-time strategy battles), 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a sci-fi masterpiece. The experience is enhanced on the Switch OLED screen. This is a must-play.
This list exceeds a typical "top 10," reflecting my desire to include all the games I highly recommend. If you have suggestions, please comment below. Thanks for reading! (Note: A separate list of otome games is in progress.)
