After exploring the best party games on Switch in 2024, the recent release of Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club has inspired me to share my picks for the best visual novels and adventure games available on the Switch right now. This list includes a mix of pure visual novels and adventure games, spanning various regions and release years. I hope you discover a new favorite among these selections. As always, the list is presented in no particular order.
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99) + Famicom Detective Club: The Two-Case Collection
Nintendo's decision to remake both Famicom Detective Club games in 2021 was a delightful surprise. These adventure games were exceptional, though I missed the physical release at the time. Fast forward to 2024, and Nintendo has released Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club both physically and digitally as a new entry in the series. Playing it has been an incredible experience. It feels like a true continuation of the series, which might not appeal to everyone, but its production quality is unmatched. The ending is particularly impactful, justifying its M rating. I never expected to have a new Famicom Detective Club game on my top games list for 2024, but Emio – The Smiling Man has earned its place. Try the demo now.
For those who prefer to start with the classics, Famicom Detective Club: The Two-Case Collection is a must-play, especially if you enjoy the charm of old-school adventure games.
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action ($14.99)
If you've followed my "best Switch games" lists this year, you've likely seen VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action mentioned before. It's one of my all-time favorite games, and I can't resist highlighting it again. This game stands out for its compelling story, captivating music, unique aesthetic, and unforgettable characters. It feels perfectly at home on the Switch, and I recommend it to everyone, regardless of your interest in point-and-click adventure games. Dive in, 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 one of my favorite stories across any medium. It includes the original game and additional content, delivering a masterful storytelling experience. This pure visual novel has found great success on the Switch, where it plays best. If you're looking for a game that will linger with you, this gothic horror experience, complete with its stunning music, is a must-play.
Coffee Talk Episode 1+2 ($12.99 + $14.99)
While technically two separate games, Coffee Talk Episode 1+2 are bundled together in North America on the Switch, so I'm treating them as one entry. Both games offer a relaxing experience set in a coffee shop, with a great story and beautiful pixel art and music. They may not reach the heights of VA-11 Hall-A, but they perfectly satisfy the desire for a cozy, narrative-driven game. If you enjoy coffee and engaging with interesting characters, these games are for you.
Type Moon’s visual novels: Tsukihime, Fate/stay night, and Mahoyo (Variable)
I'm including all three of Type Moon's visual novels—Tsukihime, Fate/stay night, and Witch on the Holy Night (Mahoyo)—as essential experiences on the Switch. They are long but rewarding. If you're new to visual novels, start with Fate/stay night. However, I highly recommend the Tsukihime remake on Switch. Witch on the Holy Night is another excellent choice, best enjoyed after the other two.
PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo ($19.99)
Square Enix's PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo surprised me with its quality. I had no expectations going in, but the narrative, delivery, and innovative mechanics left me impressed. It's one of the best mystery adventure games I've played, featuring amazing characters and art. If you're looking for a new horror adventure game, this is definitely worth your time.
Gnosia ($24.99)
While often described as a sci-fi social deduction RPG, Gnosia blends elements of adventure and visual novel genres. Your goal is to identify the Gnosia among your crew using gathered information and voting. Both you and your crew improve over time, making for a compelling experience despite some RNG challenges. I enjoyed it so much on the Switch that I bought the physical releases for both Switch and PS5, as well as the Steam version. It might not be for everyone, but it's a delightful surprise in the genre.
Steins;Gate Series (Variable)
Spike Chunsoft's Steins;Gate series, particularly Steins;Gate Elite, is crucial for introducing newcomers to visual novels. While I hope for the original version to be released on Switch, Steins;Gate Elite is an excellent entry point for anime fans looking to dive into visual novels. The Steins;Gate games are essential experiences, best enjoyed after playing Steins;Gate Elite. I've included multiple games here, but it's my list, so my rules.
AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES and nirvanA Initiative (Variable)
AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES and nirvanA Initiative from Spike Chunsoft bring together Zero Escape creator Kotaro Uchikoshi and No More Heroes character designer Yusuke Kozaki. These adventure games are remarkable for their story, music, and characters, despite their seemingly modest budgets. While many miss the absence of Zero Escape on Switch, these two games are gems in the Switch library, well worth experiencing at full price. We eagerly await the next installment in the series.
NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD ($19.99)
NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD is an adventure game that friends often recommend with the caveat to "just play it without looking up anything." It offers multiple endings that can shift between disturbing horror and heartwarming moments, centered around a young girl's journey to become the best streamer. I enjoyed it so much on PC that I pre-ordered the limited edition for Switch from Japan. It's an unforgettable experience.
Ace Attorney Series (Variable)
Capcom has now brought the entire Ace Attorney series to the Switch, including the Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Trilogy, Apollo Justice Trilogy, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, and the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. This beloved adventure game series has a dedicated fanbase that has grown since its DS debut in the West. For newcomers, I recommend starting with The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, though the original trilogy is also a great choice despite feeling somewhat dated. With the entire series now available on one handheld, it's a perfect time to dive in.
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark, NG, and Death Mark II (Variable)
The Spirit Hunter trilogy from Aksys Games and Experience Inc. blends horror adventure and visual novel elements with a striking art style. While the grotesque designs might not appeal to everyone, the series offers unforgettable images, excellent localizations, and compelling stories. I hope to see a new entry in the coming years.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim ($59.99)
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim isn't a pure adventure game, as it includes real-time strategy battles. However, it's one of the best games I've played in a decade, making it a fitting conclusion to this list. I first played it on PS4 and enjoyed replaying it on the Switch, especially in handheld mode on the OLED screen. No matter where you play it, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is an experience you shouldn't miss.
If you've made it this far, you've noticed that this list exceeds a top 10, and the games are ones I recommend playing at full price. I didn't want to exclude any favorites to meet an arbitrary number, which is why I've included some full series rather than just individual games. This is my list of the best visual novels and adventure games on Switch to play in 2024. If you have a game you think I should have included, please let me know in the comments below. I'm always on the lookout for more amazing stories in these genres, which feel perfect on the Switch. As always, thanks for reading!
Note: I'm working on a separate list of otome games since there are too many good ones in that subgenre.
