Visual novels on Switch are rare, but they do exist and these are the best

The Dating Game

The Charming Empire

Staff pick

If you're looking to get a true visual novel game on the Switch, then The Charming Empire is likely going one of the only options for now. With a thrust on reading that's bolstered by gorgeous manga styled art, this one definitely checks all the boxes. Like so many visual novels, this story is about love and relationships and the choices you make to get there.

$25 at Nintendo

Objection!

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy

This popular title comes dangerously close to being a point and click adventure at times. Still, there are definitely visual novel elements, whether you're investigating a crime, interviewing witnesses, or while you're in court. The best part about this purchase is that you get three games for the price of one.

$30 at Nintendo

Critter country

Night in the Woods

This game is a visual novel, adventure game, and social simulator all rolled up into one that addresses the growing pains of coming into young adulthood. You play as Mae, a hilariously macabre college drop out who's returned back to her depressing hometown to discover that life with her friends has changed. There's also something sinister going on in this little town. Can you figure out what it is?

$20 at Amazon

Dudes-a-Plenty

The Men of Yoshiwara: Ohgiya

Another pure-bred visual novel option for your Nintendo Switch would have to be The Men of Yoshiwara: Ohgiya. It's a popular romance game in Japan that has been localized for a western audience. The gameplay will be familiar to any fan of romance visual novels. You are faced with a cadre of beautiful young men vying for your attention, and it's up to you to decide who to develop a relationship with.

$15 at Nintendo

The Non-Traditional

OxenFree

Visual novel purists would likely claim that Oxenfree does not come anywhere near close to ticking off all the boxes required to be counted in the category. It does, however, focus heavily on character development and story. If you're in the market for a pure visual novel experience, then this probably won't cut the mustard. But if you love a great story inhabited by well-rounded and deep characters, this will probably be right up your alley.

$10 at Nintendo

Mortal countdown

Death Mark

People have mysteriously been finding a grotesque birthmark on their bodies. The thing is, those marked only have a limited time before they die a gruesome death. You play as a young man in Tokyo's H City who's just discovered a birthmark on his body. Will you be able to figure out what's going on in this horrific world?

$40 at Best Buy

A little too real

Actual Sunlight

This is anything but a lighthearted game. You play as Evan Winter, an overweight and depressed individual. This game will put you through some serious emotional crises, and spin a tale filled with dark humor until finally coming to the end. What really makes this haunting tale worth your time is the phenomenal writing and difficult decisions you're forced to make.

$10 at Nintendo

Horror Story

The Coma: Recut

While The Coma still doesn't hit the nail on the head when it comes to visual novels, it does come a little closer. There is a large element of 2D side-scrolling at play. However, it does lean heavily on text and dialog. Also, the visual aspect of the game is, at times, reminiscent of a traditional visual novel.

$27 at Amazon $20 at Nintendo

Hand of fate

WILL: A Wonderful World

A young girl wakes up in a room with a talking dog only to discover that she is a god, and it's her responsibility to answer people's prayers. How you respond and the way you complete puzzles will affect the lives of those you aid. Will you be a force for good? Or will you unwittingly lead to these people's downfall?

$15 at Nintendo

Love is in the air

Code: Guardian of Rebirth

This visual novel takes place in a reimagined steampunk world of 1800s London. The visuals are absolutely gorgeous, and the story allows you to make decisions and play out different scenarios between different characters.

$40 at Best Buy

Even more to love

Code: Realize - Future Blessings

The tale of steampunk London romance continues in this sequel. There are even more options to choose from and more relationships to pursue. Will you get closer to your current boyfriend or seek out exciting new relationships?

$40 at Best Buy