The Best Visual-novel Games for Nintendo Switch

Update : Slay the Princess - The Pristine Cut added at rank #9.
1

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy (2024)

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85
Review score
Logo of Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy Screenshot of Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy Screenshot of Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy Screenshot of Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy

Nintendo Switch j PC Windows Playstation 4 Xbox One

Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features 16 episodes (including previously DLC-only episodes) and supports English, French, German, Japanese Korean, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese.

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  • visual-novel
  • anime
  • compilation
  • crime
  • orchestral
  • detective
  • narrative
  • text
  • drama
  • mystery
  • adventure
  • sprite
  • puzzle
  • pixel
  • investigation

2

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo (2023)

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84
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo Switch IOS iPhone

Dive into the dark secrets of Tokyo's Sumida Ward in 'Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo'. This horror-adventure visual novel game will have you solving urban legends, exploring multiple story paths, and experiencing a brilliantly translated script. Can you solve the mysteries and bring someone back from the dead? It's a must-play for fans of the supernatural and the occult.


What we like:
  • Intriguing and immersive story
  • Dynamic character designs
  • Unique gameplay mechanics
  • Brilliantly translated script
  • Dark humor sprinkled throughout
What could be improved:
  • Can be a bit scary
  • Story is shorter than expected
  • Requires a lot of reading outside of dialogue

  • visual-novel
  • horror
  • mystery
  • supernatural
  • narrative

3

OPUS: Echo of Starsong (2021)

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92
Review score
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PC Windows Mac OS IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch

Take a thrilling journey through the Thousand Peaks galaxy in OPUS: Echo of Starsong. You'll embark on a narrative-driven adventure, solve engaging puzzles, and form deep connections with well-developed characters. Manage your ship's resources, face unpredictable events, and immerse yourself in the game's emotionally gripping story. Experience a heart-wrenching tale beautifully crafted with stunning visuals and magnificent music.


What we like:
  • Immersive and detailed world-building
  • Richly developed characters
  • Engaging puzzles and exploration mechanics
  • Beautiful art style and music
  • Unpredictable gameplay due to random events
What could be improved:
  • First few chapters can feel stiff
  • Resource management can be frustrating
  • Random elements require high player involvement
  • Generic anime character designs

  • visual-novel
  • exploration
  • emotional
  • interactive
  • fiction
  • anime
  • pirates
  • narrative
  • soundtrack
  • sci-fi
  • japanese
  • story
  • adventure
  • puzzle
  • 2.5d

4

Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical - Orpheus (2023)

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78
Review score
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PC Windows Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch Xbox One Playstation 5 j Xbox Series X

Gods. Romance. Murder. Musical Numbers?! Play as Grace in a world where Greek Gods live in hiding among us. Change your fate as you draw friends, foes & lovers into song using your powers of musical persuasion to unravel the mystery of the Last Muse's death.


  • visual-novel
  • mythology
  • roleplaying
  • choices
  • narrative
  • mystery
  • romance
  • interactive
  • story
  • graphic
  • rpg
  • adventure
  • comedy
  • novel
  • fantasy

5

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly (2023)

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81
Review score
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Xbox Series X/s PC Windows Playstation 4 Xbox One Playstation 5 Xbox Series X Mac OS Nintendo Switch

Step into the shoes of a barista in Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly. Brew warm drinks, serve quirky fantasy characters, and explore their stories in a chill coffee shop ambiance. Create latte-art masterpieces, influence hearts, and immerse yourself in the alternate present-day Seattle. A must-play for those seeking a warm, relaxing gaming experience with thoughtful conversations and lo-fi beats.

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What we like:
  • Engaging story
  • Relaxing gameplay
  • Beautiful pixel art
  • Excellent character development
  • Soothing soundtrack
What could be improved:
  • Repetitive dialogue
  • Tedious skip function

  • visual-novel
  • relaxing
  • narrative
  • pixel
  • fantasy
  • lgbtq
  • fiction
  • vampire
  • interactive
  • simulation
  • story
  • emotional
  • choices
  • alternate
  • drama

6

Gnosia (2019)

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93
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5 Playstation 4 vita PC Windows

In the gripping game GNOSIA, you're aboard a drifting spaceship, facing a lethal threat. Engage in discussions with unique characters, use information to vote out suspects, and uncover mysteries to survive. Experience a rich, complex story with well-designed characters and an addictive gameplay loop. Can you outwit the enemy and make it to the end?

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What we like:
  • Fun and addictive gameplay
  • Rich and engaging storyline
  • Unique and well-designed characters
  • Distinct character personalities and stats
  • Clever and humorous writing
What could be improved:
  • Limited replayability
  • Understanding the discussion system can be challenging initially

  • visual-novel
  • deduction
  • social
  • sci-fi
  • rpg
  • psychological
  • narrative
  • lgbtq

7

Arcadia Fallen (2021)

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89
Review score
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Nintendo Switch PC Windows Playstation 4 Playstation 5 Xbox One Xbox Series X Mac OS Linux

Enter a world filled with magic and alchemy in Arcadia Fallen, a visual novel game that puts you in control of an alchemist shop assistant. The engaging storyline is full of quests and mystical encounters, with a cast of likable and well-developed characters who will keep you hooked. The gameplay is simple yet entertaining, with alchemy puzzles and combat mechanics that keep you engaged. With charming hand-drawn visuals and catchy soundtrack, Arcadia Fallen is a unique and immersive experience that you won't want to miss.

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What we like:
  • Engaging storyline with well-developed characters
  • Simple but entertaining gameplay mechanics
  • Charming hand-drawn visuals with a catchy soundtrack
  • Replayability value due to branching narrative
  • Wonderful underlying messages that convey societal relevance
What could be improved:
  • Gameplay mechanics may be too simple for some
  • The pacing of the story is rushed
  • The writing is basic
  • The visuals are outdated
  • Heavy narrative-based game may not appeal to all players

  • visual-novel
  • romance
  • otome
  • choices
  • dating-sim
  • immersive
  • comic
  • character
  • fantasy
  • story
  • lgbtq
  • anime
  • customization
  • demons
  • text

8

Overboard! (2021)

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89
Review score
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IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch Android PC Windows Mac OS

Overboard! is an exciting mystery game where you play as Veronica Villensey, a 1930s femme fatale who throws her husband overboard on a boat eight hours away from New York. You must help her get away with her crime by getting her off the boat scot-free when it docks. With visuals and music that evoke the 1930s, and the ability to direct your own story with multiple endings, this game is sure to keep you entertained.

Buy

What we like:
  • Open world visual novel gameplay
  • Multiple endings
  • Replayable
  • Short playthroughs
  • Fun 1930s visuals & music
What could be improved:
  • Short playthrough times may be a con for some players

  • visual-novel
  • crime
  • mystery
  • choices
  • detective
  • narrative
  • fiction
  • comedy
  • novel
  • interactive
  • adventure
  • conversation
  • sailing
  • cover
  • puzzle

9

Slay the Princess - The Pristine Cut (2024)

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91
Review score
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Linux Mac OS Xbox One Xbox Series X Playstation 5 PC Windows Nintendo Switch j Playstation 4

You're here to slay the princess. Don't believe her lies.


  • visual-novel
  • horror
  • choices
  • psychological
  • dating-sim
  • romance
  • lore
  • souls
  • comic
  • humor
  • fiction
  • walking-simulator
  • point-and-click

10

A YEAR OF SPRINGS (2021)

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92
Review score
Logo of A YEAR OF SPRINGS Screenshot of A YEAR OF SPRINGS Screenshot of A YEAR OF SPRINGS Screenshot of A YEAR OF SPRINGS

Android Playstation 5 Xbox Series X Xbox One Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Linux Mac OS PC Windows

Experience the stories of Haru, Erika, and Manami, a trio of friends navigating their feelings of love, connection, and just wanting to belong.

Buy

  • visual-novel
  • romance
  • multiple-endings
  • choices
  • lgbtq
  • relaxing
  • cute
  • emotional
  • fiction

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