Detective Pikachu Returns is the long-awaited sequel to the 2018 3DS title (which was later ported to Switch). Dropping the gritty, neon-lit vibe of the live-action movie, this game returns to the charming, low-stakes world of Ryme City. You play as Tim Goodman, paired with a caffeine-fueled, talking Pikachu who fancies himself a great detective. The core question: Is this sequel worth the download space on your Switch?

Detective Pikachu Returns is a victim of its own target audience. It’s a delightful, cozy visual novel for children and casual Pokémon fans, but a frustratingly shallow experience for anyone expecting real puzzle-solving or investigation mechanics.

Nintendo Switch Version Reviewed: eShop / NSP Digital Download Genre: Adventure / Visual Novel / Puzzle Price: $49.99 USD

The plot picks up shortly after the first game. Pokémon and humans coexist peacefully in Ryme City, but a new criminal syndicate, the “Glorious Grace,” is causing trouble. The mystery is split into five chapters, each a self-contained case that slowly builds toward an overarching conspiracy.

Do not expect the movie’s tone. This game is lighter, sillier, and less action-oriented. Ryan Reynolds does not voice Pikachu (it’s Kaiji Tang, who does a solid impression). Think of it as a Saturday morning cartoon version of the film.

The writing is genuinely charming. Pikachu’s personality—smug, dramatic, and coffee-obsessed—carries the entire experience. The dialogue is lighthearted and family-friendly, though older players may find the constant hand-holding and repetition tedious. The mystery itself is predictable, but the journey is cozy and wholesome.

Advertisement

Great! You’ve successfully signed up.

Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.

You've successfully subscribed to Untapped New York.

Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.

Success! Your billing info has been updated.

Your billing was not updated.