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Is Emio – The Smiling Man a Detective Game?

Emio – The Smiling Man is a Nintendo Switch investigation adventure in which you help the Utsugi Detective Agency solve a murder linked to an unsettling urban legend.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Yes. Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club is an investigation-focused adventure for Nintendo Switch. You play as an assistant at the Utsugi Detective Agency, questioning people, examining clues and locations, and working through a murder case.

What kind of game is Emio?

Nintendo categorizes Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club as an Adventure game. Its central activity is solving a mystery through investigation rather than action combat: you gather leads, talk to witnesses, inspect surroundings, travel between locations, and use a notebook to revisit what you have learned. Nintendo’s game page describes the player’s role and investigation tools.

The story begins after junior-high student Eisuke Sasaki is found dead with a paper bag bearing a drawn smile over his head. The image recalls a clue associated with unsolved murders from 18 years earlier, as well as the urban legend of Emio—a killer said to leave victims with a smile that lasts forever. The investigation asks whether a killer has returned, someone is copying the legend, or the events have another connection. Nintendo posed the question, “Has a serial killer returned, or is this the work of a copycat?” in its launch announcement.

How does the investigation work?

You build the case through a series of investigative actions. Depending on the situation, you can choose to ask or listen, look or examine, question witnesses, and follow leads to other places. The notebook helps you review findings when you need to check details again. The result is an interactive mystery in which progress comes from paying attention to what people say and what you uncover.

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When and where can you play it?

The game launched for Nintendo Switch on 29 August 2024. It is the first new Famicom Detective Club story in 35 years, following Nintendo’s Switch remakes of The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind. Nintendo’s UK listing gives the platform and release date, and lists English among the supported languages; the UK rating is PEGI 18. Nintendo of America lists Blood, Language, and Violence. Ratings and descriptors vary by region, so check the Nintendo listing for your country.

Can you try a demo first?

Nintendo’s UK game page describes a free demo that goes through Chapter 3, with progress transferable to the full game. Nintendo of America likewise described a free demo covering the Prologue and Chapters 1–3, with save transfer. Demo availability can change, so check your local Nintendo eShop or regional game page before relying on it.

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What editions are available?

Nintendo Japan documents a packaged game-card edition and a download edition, as well as a Japanese collector’s edition. The collector’s edition includes the Switch game, an investigation file, a special soundtrack, and a half-scale evidence replica. Nintendo Japan listed these prices at release:

Japanese edition Listed price
Packaged standard edition ¥6,578
Download edition ¥6,500
Collector’s edition ¥9,878

These are Japan-specific prices listed by Nintendo Japan, not current prices or availability for other regions. The official sources reviewed do not identify a special accessory requirement; Nintendo lists compatible Switch controllers on its regional product pages.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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