Best Visual Novels Switch
Image: Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch's portability makes it a great system to play a wide variety of genres, and while visual novels can be enjoyed perfectly well on your TV, there's something about playing them on a handheld which just feels 'right'. Since launch, the catalogue of great VNs on Switch has grown hugely. Everyone loves a good book, right?

We've collected a selection of the best visual novels on Switch for your perusal. These are our personal picks, so whether you burn through visual novels like matches, you're dipping a toe into the genre pool for a second or third time, or the games below are a total visual novelty, you're sure to find something to suit all tastes.

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You'll also find the odd crossover puzzle/adventure game element in some of the titles below. Be sure to check out our selection of the best point-and-click games on Switch if your VN tastes lean on the adventure-y side.

So, let's pull up a nice comfy chair, make sure your Switch is fully charged, and take a look — in no particular order — at the best visual novels on Switch.

Best Switch VNs

Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Heir & Famicom Detective Club: The Girl Who Stands Behind (Switch eShop)

A release from Nintendo right out of left field, which the company describes as a 'deep cut' from its archives. The originals on NES (and one SNES re-release) were all Japan-only, and even these remasters / remakes only have Japanese voice-acting with localised subtitles.

Considering the settings and stories, however, that kind of works, and they're wonderfully animated and atmospheric experiences. We give both The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind a hearty recommendation; a bundle is mandatory in Europe, and there's a discount for buying both of the individual downloads in North America.

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Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator (Switch eShop)

Dream Daddy puts you in the shoes of a single-parent father moving to a new area improbably filled with beautifully buff and sexily sensitive dads. It’s a feel-good game, from its tongue-in-cheek Dream Weaver-esque theme tune to its message of acceptance and generally being excellent to one another. Head out to concerts and coffee shops with your newfound friends and chat about the trials of raising kids alone, keeping your finger on the pulse of modern culture as a cool dad, and — maybe — find something more.

There’s real heart to the stories here, with textured characters dealing with a multitude of situations life throws at them. It's a wonderfully observed and hilarious visual novel with fun little minigames that's definitely worth a look.

Death Mark (Switch)

It's a rare game that can start off tense and then continuously ratchets up the mood to almost unbearable levels until the final moments of the final chapter – and an even rarer one that has enough alternative characters, dialogue, and endings to make it worth playing through more than once – but Death Mark succeeds where it really counts.

There's plenty on offer here for both horror fans as well as those looking for a mystery that requires more than hoarding knick-knacks and waiting patiently for your character to officially notice something before you can proceed.

If you're a fan of this, you should also check out Spirit Hunter: NG, the follow-up.

Neo Cab (Switch eShop)

Some chats with cab drivers can be a real trial of your patience — fortunately, the conversations you'll strike up in Neo Cab will hook you into an engaging cyberpunk story that tackles contemporary issues with characters that feel genuine and interactions that feel meaningful.

It might not be the most technologically advanced title, but Neo Cab takes you on one hell of a journey.

STEINS;GATE 0 (Switch eShop)

STEINS;GATE 0 is a follow-up to STEINS;GATE Elite, a critically acclaimed visual novel of renown (and probably the best place to start if you're looking to jump on the STEINS;GATE train — we weren't able to review that one when it released, though).

This sequel delivers an intriguing time-travel plot and fine character writing worthy of its predecessor and is definitely worth checking out. And if you're looking for dating sim gameplay in the STEINS:GATE universe, you might also enjoy My Darling's Embrace.

Coffee Talk (Switch eShop)

With its unique premise and interesting take on a fantasy world (think Netflix's Bright, but actually good), Coffee Talk serves up a refreshing brew of angst, introspection, and coffee beans. Its hand-crafted story mode is a tad too short for our liking, but with Endless mode you’ll have plenty of fun getting in touch with your inner barista.

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly launched in 2023, too.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy (Switch eShop)

The original Ace Attorney is getting on in years, although you may not realise thanks to how well it holds up. Sure, it’s been ported plenty of times and the jump to Nintendo DS certainly helped shake off the retro cobwebs, but as a piece of interactive history, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is as utterly addictive and truly rewarding as it was back at the turn of the millennium.

Whether you’re brand new to the world of virtual defence law or a veteran attorney, Phoenix Wright’s first adventures are still a fine set of cases to undertake.

AI: The Somnium Files (Switch)

Part visual novel, part puzzle adventure, AI: The Somnium Files starts out slow but once you've traversed a few of its delightfully surreal Somnium dreamscapes and got to an ending or two, working your way back through your flowchart and striking out in different directions, it becomes an engaging and tense affair.

Fans of the Zero Escape games will feel right at home here, and director Kotaro Uchikoshi’s talent for putting the player into increasingly unsettling circumstances ensures everything takes flight in a very satisfying way as you work your way through the many strands of the loopy central mystery towards its various different endings.

And, if you love the first game, AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative makes for one of the finest murder-mystery games we've ever played. It's an unmissable follow-up with the same outstanding writing and characters from the first game.

SeaBed (Switch eShop)

The writing is the centrepiece of any visual novel, and so long as the reader has the patience and the attention span to contend with the rather sedate pace of the whole experience – not to mention its substantial length, clocking in at 15-20 hours or more, depending on one’s own personal reading speed – SeaBed certainly delivers on that front, providing a compelling tale that stirs the imagination and serves as a fascinating exploration of loss, grief and the mental health matters that surround such things.

It's a beautiful, emotional work of digital literature that won’t be to everyone’s taste, but come in with the appropriate expectations and there’s a true masterpiece of the visual novel medium waiting to be enjoyed here.

World End Syndrome (Switch)

World End Syndrome has everything you would expect from a saucier entry in the visual novel genre yet manages to add depth to characters which you may have assumed were present only to look fabulous in bikinis. It offers plenty of replayability but also provides a satisfying ending if you're more of a one-and-done individual.

If you're after a well-crafted visual novel featuring a little more than the standard anime lady tropes (but also the standard anime lady tropes), this is a fine example with a pleasantly substantial and gripping story, to boot.

Chicken Police - Paint it RED! (Switch eShop)

An extremely impressive first game from The Wild Gentlemen, Chicken Police - Paint it RED! is one of the best visual novel/adventure games we've played in a long, long time and one hell of an absorbing tale. It looks and runs great on the Switch, with only a couple of really minuscule interface issues which are easily ignored.

At roughly eight or nine hours, the story is surprisingly lengthy for its genre, but we were never bored and wanted to investigate every little thing just to wring out more precious droplets of banter and fascination. Chicken Police is a polished, captivating experience and we're very excited for whatever's coming next from this team.

Murder By Numbers (Switch eShop)

Murder By Numbers successfully manages to combine an entertainingly wacky series of whodunnit mysteries starring a properly entertaining cast of characters with some excellent puzzling that'll keep Picross fans happy for a good long while.

There's an engaging, funny narrative at the centre of proceedings, and you'll find yourself rooting for Honor and SCOUT as they make friends and alienate people on their way to solving murders and finding out the truth behind SCOUT's mysterious past. This one's an easy recommendation and a genuinely delightful surprise.

Gnosia (Switch eShop)

Between the surprisingly deep plot for such a simple game, the clever narrative explanation of the mechanics, and enough chaos going on in the discussions to keep you guessing, we had a lot of fun with this one.

Gnosia's simple game mechanics and deceptively deep story make it a must-have for visual novel and murder mystery fans; it's just a shame that the music is so poor. Even so, if you give it a chance it's highly likely that you'll fall in love with each member of its diverse cast – just in time for them to kill you.

Florence (Switch eShop)

Florence is perhaps more interactive narrative nugget than Visual Novel™, but regardless of its size and exact genre label, it's an evocation of the beauty, sadness and hope that comes from any human connection we make in our lives, whether with art, nature or another person.

It's a succinct and incredibly successful exploration of moments you'll recognise from your own life, and the way it mirrors thoughts and feelings through small gameplay mechanics makes it one of the most affecting experiences we've enjoyed on Switch, or any other platform.

Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! (Switch)

Don't discount Doki Doki Literature Club because it's cute, because it's pink, or because it's an anime dating game — this is one of the most unnerving, effective horror games on the Nintendo Switch.

The extra content adds nicely to the creeping anxiety and the heartbreaking story, but the Switch version does end up feeling slightly inferior to the PC version, despite fantastic effort on the port. You won't lose anything by playing this version, though — if it's the one you want, go for it!

Love Esquire (Switch eShop)

Love Esquire is a straightforward and fun visual novel/dating sim with simple but effective design and gameplay, surprisingly strong production values, and a fantastic voice cast.

This isn't a game trying to push the boundaries when it comes to inclusivity, but it is an enjoyable romp and a relatively 'safe' introduction to the saucy side of the genre for those unfamiliar with its tropes.

Winds of Change (Switch eShop)

This is a thoroughly absorbing piece of fiction that manages to justify being a video game by virtue of skillfully integrated choices and missable content, making multiple playthroughs a potentially appealing prospect.

The voice acting throughout is extremely impressively performed, the UI and controls are nearly perfect and the art is beautifully drawn, though we felt the characters could use a few more poses/expressions at times.

Anyone interested in a ripping virtual novel yarn — and who isn't tediously prejudiced against any and all 'furry' content — will find a lot to love in Winds of Change.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles (Switch)

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is two brilliant games for the price of one, and it not only gives us more of what we love, but gives us something that is visually, narratively, and historically deeper than ever before. There's a bit of a learning curve that you'll have to get on top of to meet the game where it's at, but honestly, we couldn't have asked for a better version of the game we've been wanting for years.

And speaking of wanting a game for years, Ace Attorney Investigations 2 is finally available in the West as part of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection on Switch. Worth more than a look, that one.

Citizen Sleeper (Switch eShop)

Citizen Sleeper places you in the role of a synthetic robot-person—called a Sleeper—who awakens on a grimy space station bustling with all kinds of morally and legally grey activities and organisations. Your character escaped from working at a colony for a megacorporation that literally owns their body and has to contend with the consequences of this break for freedom.

A synthwave soundtrack, strong writing, and high-pressure gameplay make this an addictive visual novel/TTRPG hybrid that's incredibly tough to put down once you get into it. And it now has a sequel to enjoy, too.

Danganronpa Decadence (Switch)

Danganronpa Decadence is a very fine package that delivers a trio of deliciously devious and salacious murder mysteries, plus a grindy side-game we can live without. The main games here are funny, dramatic and pretty problematic, so exercise some caution — this is resolutely not a game for kids, but even adults will struggle with some of its less savoury or more overtly brash, thoughtless content.

If they sound at all appealing, though, we urge you to check the games out for yourself, as they're classics in the visual novel genre. Trigger Happy Havoc offers a memorable Killing Game with fantastic characters and a genuinely funny and smart script. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is even sicker and more delightfully disturbing than the marvellous original; it doesn't match its predecessor in some ways but makes up for its shortcomings in others.

Our favourite is definitely the epic third game, though — go in blind and we promise you'll be in for the ride of your life.

The House in Fata Morgana: Dreams of the Revenants Edition (Switch eShop)

The House in Fata Morgana is over 40 hours long, and in those 40 hours, you'll maybe get to make about three decisions. It is a visual novel in the strictest sense of the word, and you must be prepared for that going in.

But with a fantastic, original, slow-burn story about love, loss, hurt, forgiveness, and recovery, it's one of the best visual novels out there — and your patience will be paid off in the end.

Chaos;Head Noah / Chaos;Child Double Pack (Switch)

Chaos;Head Noah is a great point for players to jump in if they’re new to the genre, and its direct sequel — Chaos;Child — is a step up from its predecessor and has every right to stake a claim at being the best game in the Science Adventure series.

Visual novel veterans will find plenty to enjoy in both games, with a story that goes to some dark and unsettling places and a huge amount of content, particularly in the latter game. With solid characters and some genuinely surprising twists, fans of visual novels will want to get their hands on at least one of these games, if not both.

OPUS: Echo of Starsong - Full Bloom Edition (Switch eShop)

The third game in the OPUS series, OPUS: Echo of Starsong is a lovely game and an emotional adventure that represents the apex of the series to date. A side-scrolling blend of VN and adventure, it's easily one of the best story-driven games on Switch, and it's also excellent value for money, offering around 10 hours of gameplay for its low price — or more if you really take your time and soak the whole thing up the way you really should do.

Even with simple, familiar character designs, the characters themselves are complex, interesting, and likeable, and the story told with them is a complete, satisfying tale. Oh, and when the opening suggests playing with headphones? That's a hard agree from us, both to help with the music-based puzzles and simply to enjoy the excellent score.

Digimon Survive (Switch)

Digimon Survive was one of the best visual novels to come out in 2022, with plenty of heart and tension to carry you through to the final act. Fans looking for an engaging story with well-written and presented characters that deal with life-and-death situations will enjoy the ride, while players focused on the combat will probably find that the game comes up short.

Despite its sluggish, padded start, Digimon Survive was well worth the long wait.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo (Switch eShop)

Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo is one of the most surprising games we've experienced in a good while. Its overarching narrative, while initially quite heavy on exposition, is wonderfully told, interweaving the lives of multiple protagonists and tasking the player with progressing their stories in meaningful ways. The puzzles are fantastic, the characters well realised, and the visuals top-notch, making those brief moments of horror and terror exceedingly effective

It's an experience we fully recommend going into with as little information as possible, as this will prove to be an incredibly memorable experience; one that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Switch's best visual novels.

TRON: Identity (Switch eShop)

TRON: Identity won’t wow anyone with its puzzles, but it does a great job of telling a tight story that changes with each playthrough. The short playtime encourages you to explore the world a bit more and uncover new truths that you missed because of your previous actions.

If this is the start of a series of Tron visual novels, which the plot certainly feels like (and there's a sequel on the way), then we’re hopeful we get to continue our journey with Query very soon.

ANONYMOUS;CODE (Switch)

Just as the Science Adventure games posit that human perception affects reality, not every player will experience ANONYMOUS;CODE the same way. For those new to the franchise, this latest entry is an imaginative if conceptually dense sci-fi romp. For those who have played the other entries, it’s something more — a gratifying culmination of thematic and narrative strands roughly 15 years in the making.

Either way, ANONYMOUS;CODE has something special to say about the universe, the soul, and video games as a medium.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy (Switch)

We genuinely can't believe how lucky we are that the Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy games exist, let alone that they've been lovingly polished up for the Switch. Here is some of the best writing you'll find on the console, and it's a steal for all three games plus extras.

A couple of bumps here and there are to be expected with such a wealth of content (three games, DLC, and extras), but they barely leave a dent on the brilliance of this well-written and beautifully illustrated trilogy.

Bahnsen Knights (Switch eShop)

If you’re intrigued by visual novels and their potential to delight, then the Pixel Pulps series is arguably the best possible place to start. Bahnsen Knights is the third entry and it’s pretty damn wonderful. With its tighter emphasis on gameplay, it's arguably the best of the three, though that would be like choosing your favourite child, and it’s okay to love them all.

Bahnsen Knights is an easy recommendation and one which becomes even stronger if you’re interested in horror and weird tales.

Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon- (Switch)

For as many creative liberties as it takes in remaking Type-Moon’s first-ever visual novel, Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon- exhibits a respect for the source material that borders on reverence. It feels as though every bit of the game has been carefully and lovingly crafted for the purpose of creating the definitive version of Tsukihime — one in which the shocking narrative developments hit harder, the action sequences are even more exhilarating, and the core story of life, death, and love is all the more bewitching.

For fans of the original, it’s not only a dream remake, but a triumphant affirmation to the rest of the world that, yes, we really have been missing out on something special for all this time.

Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club (Switch)

Pre-launch, Emio - The Smiling Man was hyped up a little too much in terms of how dark in tone the whole thing is. This is still silly, kooky stuff, just like its Famicom Detective Club predecessors. The sometimes frustrating core mechanics also haven't seen any refinement this time around, which is a shame. And so it's left to some top-notch writing to save the day, which it just about does.

Once this troubling and intriguing story has its hooks in you (remember there are three demos to try if you're unsure), it's hard to put down. And that, at the end of the day, is all Tantei Club fans will be looking for.

An excellent pile of page-turners there, no? Well done for reaching the end!

Well, almost - time for a brief epilogue...

Switch Visual Novel FAQ

Hang on, what about [missing visual novel here]?

Those are our picks for the best visual novels on Nintendo Switch, but there are tons on the system - some we have played, many others we weren't able to get to!

We've got a whole host of honourable mentions that are bubbling under, if you're jonesing for more after checking out the cream of the crop:

Think there's something missing from our list? We'll be expanding this selection with more worthy entries in the future, but let us know if we've missed something and we may add that, too.