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

This article explores the best visual novels and adventure games available on the Nintendo Switch in 2024, expanding upon a previous list focusing on the platform's top party games. The selection includes both pure visual novels and adventure games with visual novel elements, representing a diverse range of regions and release years. The list is presented without a specific ranking.

Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99) + Famicom Detective Club: The Two-Case Collection

The 2024 release of Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club, a new entry in the acclaimed series, is a standout achievement. This lavishly produced title offers a compelling narrative and a shockingly satisfying conclusion, fully justifying its M rating. For those wanting to experience the series' origins, the Famicom Detective Club: The Two-Case Collection provides a classic adventure game experience.

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

Repeatedly featured in "best of" lists, VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action shines through its captivating story, memorable soundtrack, distinctive aesthetic, and compelling characters. Its seamless transition to the Switch platform makes it an easily recommended title for all players, regardless of their preference for point-and-click adventures.

The House in Fata Morgana: Dreams of the Revenants Edition ($39.99)

Considered a storytelling masterpiece, The House in Fata Morgana: Dreams of the Revenants Edition offers the definitive experience. This pure visual novel, enhanced with additional content, delivers a haunting gothic horror narrative and unforgettable musical score.

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

While sold separately, both Coffee Talk episodes are included as a single entry due to the availability of a North American bundle. These relaxing titles offer charming pixel art, a captivating soundtrack, and engaging stories centered around a coffee shop setting.

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

This entry encompasses three significant Type-Moon visual novels: Tsukihime, Fate/stay night Remastered, and Witch on the Holy Night. Each offers a lengthy and rewarding experience, with Fate/stay night serving as an excellent entry point for newcomers to the genre, and Tsukihime's remake being highly recommended.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo ($19.99)

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo stands out with its unexpected depth and quality. This mystery adventure game from Square Enix boasts a compelling narrative, memorable characters, striking visuals, 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 imposters within a group, leading to a captivating and often surprising experience.

Steins;Gate Series (Variable)

Spike Chunsoft's Steins;Gate series, particularly Steins;Gate Elite, provides an excellent introduction to visual novels, especially for anime fans. While the original version is hoped for, Elite remains a highly recommended starting point.

AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES and nirvanA Initiative (Variable)

AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES and its sequel, nirvanA Initiative, represent a collaboration between renowned creators, resulting in high-quality adventure games with compelling stories, memorable characters, and exceptional production values.

NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD ($19.99)

This adventure game with multiple endings offers a unique experience, shifting between unsettling horror and heartwarming moments. The narrative centers on the life of an aspiring streamer, creating a memorable and unpredictable journey.

Ace Attorney Series (Variable)

Capcom's complete Ace Attorney series is now available on Switch, offering a comprehensive collection of courtroom adventure games. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is suggested as an ideal entry point for newcomers.

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

The Spirit Hunter trilogy blends horror adventure and visual novel elements with a distinctive art style. While the content may be disturbing to some, the compelling stories and high-quality localization make it a noteworthy series.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim ($59.99)

Concluding the list is 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, a unique blend of real-time strategy and visual novel elements. This sci-fi masterpiece offers a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay, making it a must-play experience.

The author notes that this list is not limited to a top 10 and encourages readers to share their recommendations. A separate list of otome games is also planned.