The Best Switch Visual Novels and Adventure Games in 2024 – From Fata Morgana and VA-11 Hall-A to Famicom Detective Club and Gnosia

Following my exploration of the Switch's top party games in 2024, the exceptional release of 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 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 2024 release of Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club, both physically and digitally, is a stunning addition to the series. It feels like a genuine sequel, though this might not appeal to all. The production values are exceptional, and the shockingly good ending fully justifies its M rating. This unexpected addition to my top games of 2024 is a testament to Nintendo's achievement. Download the demo today!

For those preferring to play 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 love.

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

A perennial favorite, VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action shines with its compelling narrative, captivating music, striking aesthetic, and memorable characters. Its Switch port is excellent, making it a universally recommended title. Whether you enjoy point-and-click adventures or not, mixing drinks and impacting lives is an experience not to be missed.

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, encompassing the original game and extensive additional content, is a stunning achievement. Its success on the Switch, where it excels, is well-deserved. This gothic horror experience will leave a lasting impression, enhanced by its exceptional musical score.

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

While sold separately on the eShop and in physical imports, the North American Switch bundle justifies treating Coffee Talk Episodes 1 and 2 as a single entry. Though 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. Fans of coffee, engaging characters, pixel art, and pleasant music will find this a perfect fit.

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

This entry encompasses Tsukihime, Witch on the Holy Night (Mahoyo), and the recently released Fate/stay night Remastered. All three are lengthy but exceptional visual novels. Fate/stay night serves as an excellent introduction to the genre, while Tsukihime's remake is highly recommended. Witch on the Holy Night follows as a strong contender in terms of quality.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo ($19.99)

Square Enix's PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo unexpectedly impressed. The narrative, delivery, and even the occasional meta-commentary are all highlights. This is a superb mystery adventure game featuring compelling characters, beautiful art, and engaging mechanics.

Gnosia ($24.99)

Described as a sci-fi social deduction RPG, Gnosia blends adventure and visual novel elements. The core gameplay involves identifying the Gnosia through observation and voting. Despite some RNG-related limitations, Gnosia provides a fantastic experience, leading me to purchase physical copies for Switch and PS5 in addition to the Steam version. While not for everyone, it's a genre standout.

Steins;Gate Series (Variable)

Spike Chunsoft's Steins;Gate series on Switch, particularly Steins;Gate Elite, is crucial for introducing newcomers to visual novels. While the original version is still desired, Steins;Gate Elite is an easy recommendation for anime fans seeking quality visual novels. Playing the other Steins;Gate titles is best done after experiencing the original story.

AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES and nirvanA Initiative (Variable)

The collaboration of Zero Escape creator Kotaro Uchikoshi and No More Heroes character designer Yusuke Kozaki resulted in the exceptional AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES and nirvanA Initiative. These two adventure games exceed expectations in terms of story, music, and characters. They are a worthy alternative to the absence of Zero Escape on Switch.

NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD ($19.99)

This adventure game with multiple endings oscillates between disturbing horror and heartwarming moments. The story follows a young streamer's daily life. Its memorable experience prompted me to pre-order the Japanese Switch limited edition.

Ace Attorney Series (Variable)

Capcom's complete Ace Attorney series on Switch, including the trilogies, Chronicles, and Investigations collections, leaves no excuses for not experiencing this beloved adventure game franchise. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles serves as an excellent entry point.

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

Aksys Games and Experience Inc.'s Spirit Hunter trilogy combines horror adventure and visual novel elements with a striking art style. While the grotesque imagery may not appeal to all, the excellent localization and storytelling make this a memorable experience.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim ($59.99)

While not a pure adventure game, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim's blend of real-time strategy battles and narrative makes it a standout. This sci-fi masterpiece is a must-play, enhanced by the Switch's OLED screen in handheld mode.

This list, exceeding a typical top 10, reflects my strong recommendations for full-price purchases. The inclusion of entire series reflects my desire to highlight exceptional games without arbitrary limitations. If you have other suggestions, please share them in the comments. I'm always seeking more compelling stories in these genres. Thank you for reading!

Note: A separate list of otome games is in progress.