Discover 2024's Best Switch Games: Visual Novels and Adventures

My recent exploration of the best Switch party games in 2024, coupled with the phenomenal release of Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club, inspired me to compile a list of what I consider the top visual novels and adventure games currently available on the Switch. This encompasses both pure visual novels and adventure games with visual novel elements. The selection spans various regions and release years, offering a diverse range of experiences. As always, the order is 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. Their excellence was only marred by the initial lack of physical copies. The 2024 release of Emio – The Smiling Man – a physical and digital addition to the series – is breathtaking. It feels authentically like a series continuation, albeit potentially a drawback for some. The production values are exceptional. The ending is surprisingly impactful, fully justifying its M rating. Unexpectedly, it’s a top contender for my Game of the Year. Download the demo today!

For those preferring to tackle the originals first, the Famicom Detective Club: The Two-Case Collection is readily available. Fans of classic adventure game design and gameplay will find much to appreciate.

VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action ($14.99)

A recurring favorite in my "best Switch games" lists, VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action shines through its compelling narrative, memorable music, striking aesthetic, and particularly, its characters. Its Switch port is seamless, making it a universal recommendation. Regardless of your feelings towards 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 personal favorite story across all media. This definitive edition enhances the original with additional content, resulting in a stunning presentation of a storytelling masterpiece. A pure visual novel, its Switch iteration is arguably the best. Prepare for a lasting impact from this gothic horror experience, complete with unforgettable music.

Coffee Talk Episode 1+2 ($12.99 + $14.99)

Technically a cheat entry, as the games are sold separately digitally and physically (my Japanese imports). However, a North American Switch bundle exists, justifying their inclusion. While not reaching the heights of VA-11 Hall-A, Coffee Talk perfectly captures the essence of a coffee shop setting, offering a relaxing experience with a captivating story. Ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy engaging characters, pixel art, and captivating music.

Type-Moon's Visual Novels: Tsukihime, Fate/stay night, and Mahoyo (Variable)

Another "cheat" entry. Initially unsure whether to include only Tsukihime or Witch on the Holy Night (Mahoyo), the recent Fate/stay night Remastered release complicated matters. Instead, I've included all three as essential Switch visual novels. They are lengthy but rewarding. Fate/stay night is a good starting point for visual novel newcomers, while Tsukihime's remake is a universal recommendation. Witch on the Holy Night follows as a high-quality successor.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo ($19.99)

Square Enix's PARANORMASIGHT surprisingly echoes Emio in its unexpected excellence. I approached it without expectations, only to be captivated by the narrative, presentation, and even the occasional meta-commentary. Square Enix has delivered a top-tier mystery adventure game with compelling characters, stunning art, and engaging mechanics.

Gnosia ($24.99)

Often labeled a sci-fi social deduction RPG, Gnosia feels more like a hybrid of adventure and visual novel elements. The goal is to identify the Gnosia within a group using gathered information and voting. Both the crew and you improve over time. Beyond some RNG-related issues impacting specific outcomes, Gnosia was a fantastic experience, prompting me to purchase physical copies for Switch and PS5, in addition to the Steam version. While not for everyone, it remains a genre highlight.

Steins;Gate Series (Variable)

Spike Chunsoft's Switch Steins;Gate releases, especially Steins;Gate Elite, are crucial for introducing newcomers to visual novels. While I hope for the original Steins;Gate port, Steins;Gate Elite is an easy recommendation for anime fans seeking a great visual novel. Playing subsequent Steins;Gate titles is best done after experiencing the original story in Elite. Again, multiple games are included, but my list, my rules.

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 given the apparent budget. While many lament the absence of Zero Escape on Switch, the AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES games are worthwhile full-price purchases.

NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD ($19.99)

A game often recommended with the caveat, "Trust me, play it blind." NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD is an adventure game with multiple endings, oscillating between disturbing horror and heartwarming moments. It follows a young girl's journey to become a top streamer. I enjoyed it enough to pre-order the limited Japanese Switch edition. It’s unforgettable.

Ace Attorney Series (Variable)

Capcom has brought the entire Ace Attorney series to Switch, including the Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Trilogy, Apollo Justice Trilogy, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, and the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. The series' enduring popularity and dedicated fanbase are well-deserved. For newcomers, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles serves as the ideal entry point, even surpassing the original trilogy in terms of modernity. The entire series on a single handheld is a delightful achievement.

Spirit Hunter: Death Mark, NG, and Death Mark II (Variable)

Another series inclusion. Aksys Games and Experience Inc.'s Spirit Hunter trilogy blends horror adventure and visual novel elements with a striking art style. While the grotesque imagery may not appeal to all, the excellent localization and stories are unforgettable.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim ($59.99)

Not a pure adventure game, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim incorporates real-time strategy battles. This sci-fi masterpiece from Vanillaware and Atlus concludes this list. The Switch port, especially enjoyable in handheld mode on an OLED screen, is a must-play experience regardless of platform.

This list exceeds a typical "top 10," reflecting my desire to include all the games I wholeheartedly recommend at full price. I've included entire series to avoid arbitrary exclusions. If you have suggestions, please comment below. I'm always seeking exceptional stories in these genres. Thanks for reading!

Note: A separate list of otome games is in progress due to the abundance of excellent titles in that subgenre.