SweetieGames

In recent years, the Nintendo Switch has become the home of the otome game. It makes sense; in the past, otome games were always released on the handheld PSP, PS Vita or even the Nintendo DS in Japan. Of course it would move along with the times to the newest handheld console!

The rise in popularity for otome games means that there’s now a rather large library of localised otome games available on the Nintendo Switch store. As someone who has enjoyed otome content for over 10 years now, I’d love to introduce you to some of my absolute favourite otome games that are available on the Switch. If you’re looking to pick up a new game, or you’re new to otome content in general, take a look at my recommendations here!

5: Virche Evermore -Error Salvation-

If you’re into otome content, you have definitely heard about Virche. Released in 2023 in the west, Virche Evermore follows Ceres, an 18-year-old girl living on the fictional island Arpechele. Also known as the Island of Death, Arpechele is afflicted with a bizarre curse which leads to its residents dying by the time they turn 23 years old. Ceres herself is also afflicted in an equally strange way; the people around her seem to succumb to the curse of the island even faster than normal. The game follows Ceres as she works with her new friends to catch a serial killer and uncover the secrets of the island, her friends and herself.

If you love a mystery like I do, or you’re looking for bittersweet stories rather than fluff, Virche is definitely the game for you. It does something that I haven’t seen in many other otome games that I really enjoyed: stories that are romantic but also tragic, even outside of the traditional bad ends. Virche is dark and despairing, but keeps you wanting to find out more. I just couldn’t stop until I learned everything, and you’re uncovering new secrets right up to the end of the final route. The character designs are gorgeous and the OP song is also incredible; I never skipped it once!

4: Bustafellows

Another mystery game I thoroughly enjoyed was Bustafellows, released in 2021 on not only the Switch but also on PC. Bustafellows tells the story of Teuta Bridges, a young freelance journalist who appears to be the only one with a mysterious power: the ability to go back in time and place her consciousness into a random stranger. Various events lead to Teuta living with a group of fixers in her hometown of New Sieg, and each route has you finding more about each love interest while solving a different mystery.

I loved Bustafellows for its cast of characters. Each of the main LIs routes I thoroughly enjoyed, even the ones who I thought wouldn’t be my type. Teuta is relatable to me as a journalist, but her strength, curiosity and ability to use her, well, ability in a huge range of scenarios never got dull to play. I’m definitely looking forward to Season 2’s release later this year in the west!

3: Cupid Parasite

Cupid Parasite differs a lot from the previous two games I’ve discussed on this list. A comedy otome released in 2020, Cupid Parasite is the story of the goddess Cupid, who comes to earth to win a bet against her dad. Taking on the identity of a woman called Lynette, Cupid is now determined to become the top advisor at Cupid Corp, a matchmaking service in the fictional city Los York. The only thing standing in the way of her big promotion is the Parasite 5, a group of seemingly unmatchable men who have different flaws preventing them from getting married. The game then follows each of the Parasite 5 and their relationship with Lynette, with larger-than-life hijinks that nobody could ever predict.

With its distinct aesthetic in music and visuals and hilarious character interactions, I couldn’t leave Cupid Parasite off this list. Cupid Parasite is one of the only otome games that had me belly laughing, and with the colossal amount of twists and turns in the game, by the end you’ll think you’re ready for anything, but the locked route still catches you off guard somehow. It’s not all fun though; don’t underestimate CupiPara‘s ability to make you cry! I recommend Cupid Parasite to anyone looking for a good mix of light-hearted comedy with serious character moments.

2: Café Enchante

On the surface, Cafe Enchante looks like a fluff filled fun game where you run a cafe and happen to serve various mythical figures from across the lands. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Released in 2020, Cafe Enchante follows Kotone, who decides to take over her grandfather’s beloved cafe after he passes away. Little does she know that his cafe actually serves as a portal between earth and a huge range of other realms, and his regulars visit from lands of beasts, angels, demons and fairies.

Café Enchante lulls you into a false sense of security with it’s chilled café soundtrack and prologue with some fairly light drama, before it throws you into a route that will have you bawling your eyes out. Its ability to slowly descend into darker or sadder moments is what makes Café Enchante enjoyable to me; before you know it, you’ve gone from having a fun time to sitting in stunned silence with tears rolling down your cheeks as the credits roll. The gradual teasing of the locked route across the prologue was also something I loved, as it kept me wanting to complete the routes I was maybe less interested in to get to solve the final mystery.

1: Code: Realize -Guardian of Rebirth-

Code: Realize is a classic otome title and is deserving of its icon status in the otome community. Originally released in the west in 2015 and ported to Switch in 2020, Code: Realize is set in Victorian London and has a recognisable steampunk aesthetic. You play as Cardia Beckford, a woman who carries a potent poison in her body and leads to anything she touches without her protective clothing burning and melting into nothingness. After she is rescued by a gentleman thief, Cardia works with her new friends to discover her father’s villainous plot for London as well as to find a cure for her poison.

With its beautiful artwork, fantastic storytelling and strong found family dynamic between characters, there’s plenty to love about Code: Realize. I like a longer prologue in an otome, and this game is a perfect example as to why: it gives you a real chance to get to know every character separately before you jump into their route. Characters that didn’t intrigue me right off the bat ended up becoming next on my route order because of how the plot unfolded in the prologue. You want to learn what everyone’s deal is! Perfectly balancing funny moments with serious drama, Code: Realize is a great all-rounder for those who are looking for a classic otome experience.

There you have it! My favourite otome games on the Nintendo Switch. I can’t wait to play more of 2025’s otome releases; this list may end up changing! Let me know some of your favourite otome games.