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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a warmly received Nintendo Switch adventure, but it is not a smaller version of the mainline Bayonetta games. Critics praise its illustrated fairytale style, story, and puzzles; their main reservations are its gentle challenge, repetition, and relatively simple combat. It is most appealing if you want a story-led puzzle adventure, rather than demanding combo action.
What kind of game is Bayonetta Origins?
Developed by PlatinumGames and published by Nintendo, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon launched for Nintendo Switch on March 17, 2023. It is an action-adventure prequel about young Cereza and Cheshire, the first demon she summons, as they venture into the forbidden Avalon Forest. The game frames their journey as an illustrated fairytale, a clear change from the main series’ fast, action-forward style. PlatinumGames’ game page describes its premise and paired-character mechanics.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon (European Version) | $39.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon | $59.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Bayonetta 3 - Nintendo Switch | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Bayonetta Origins | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Bayonetta Origins Cereza and the Lost Demon (Español) | $69.94 | Buy on Amazon |
You control both characters, using the left and right sides of the controller: Cereza uses magic, while Cheshire brings demonic strength. Their different abilities support combat, traversal, and puzzle-solving, so progress depends on switching between what each can do rather than relying on one character’s fighting style. Nintendo lists the game for TV, tabletop, and handheld play, for one player, and as a physical Nintendo Switch edition on its official product page. PlatinumGames lists an ESRB Teen rating.
What do the reviews say?
The critical consensus is favorable. In a 2026 snapshot, Metacritic’s Nintendo Switch page showed an 80 Metascore, classified as “Generally Favorable,” from 99 critic reviews. Its displayed critic breakdown was 83 positive reviews (84%), 16 mixed (16%), and none negative. These are Metacritic’s reported figures at that snapshot, not a poll of every critic. The same page showed an 8.4 user score from 208 user ratings; that audience score is separate from the critic Metascore. See Metacritic’s listing for the current displayed figures.
#1 Best Overall
- Once upon a time, there was a young witch named Cereza
- Long before this trainee of the dark arts would come to be called Bayonetta, she took a fateful journey into the forbidden Avalon Forest. Alongside her was Cheshire, her very first demon, possessing Cereza’s stuffed toy. Play as both Cereza and Cheshire and search through the treacherous forest to look for the power to save Cereza’s mother
- Any good story has a lesson about teamwork, no, In this tale, Cereza and Cheshire coordinate their efforts to fight faeries and solve puzzles. Use the Left Joy-Con controller to move Cereza and bind enemies with her magic. With the Right Joy-Con controller, move Cheshire to slash and chomp foes
- Turn the pages of Cereza’s story as you explore the enchanting, storybook-inspired Avalon Forest. Avalon Forest is just as beautiful as it is beastly. Each new area looks like it has been painted carefully by hand. Fully-narrated story scenes are told through the vibrantly-illustrated pages of a storybook. Be sure to stop and smell the roses in this whimsical world, but don’t tarry too long – the forest has a taste for lost witches
Individual reviews show why the overall reception is positive without being unanimous. Nintendo Life awarded the game 7/10 in its March 14, 2023 review, praising its style and story while wishing for more challenge and more refined controls. Nintendo’s March 17, 2023 UK roundup included a 4/5 review and 9/10 scores from GodisaGeek and Wccftech. The ratings are different outlets’ judgments, not a standardized measure; Nintendo Life also summarized reservations about repetition, easy challenges, and exploration in its review roundup.
What reviewers praise
Art direction, atmosphere, character, and storytelling are the strongest recurring positives. Nintendo Life praised the presentation, voice acting, soundtrack, and narrative, while Metacritic’s critic excerpts point to the story and puzzles as highlights. Nintendo Life’s roundup also relays IGN’s praise for the storybook presentation, platforming puzzles, and battles, and GameSpot’s positive view of Cereza’s characterization. These are the outlets’ assessments; they help explain why the game connects even for reviewers who have reservations about its mechanics.
Rank #2
- Journey into the Avalon Forest as Cereza—a young Bayonetta—and her very first demon, Cheshire, to gain the power to save her mother
- Control both Cereza and Cheshire simultaneously and coordinate to solve puzzles and beat faeries
- Colorful environments look as if they were painted by hand, and fully narrated story scenes are told through the vibrantly illustrated pages of a storybook
The two-character idea gives the storybook presentation a practical role in play. Cereza’s magic and Cheshire’s strength create different ways to approach obstacles, and the puzzles and exploration provide a counterweight to combat. Nintendo Life also noted accessibility options that let players reduce or remove challenge, making the game’s gentler adventure structure more adjustable.
What are the main criticisms?
The central criticism is that the mechanics and difficulty may not develop enough over the course of the adventure. Nintendo Life found that repetition becomes more noticeable later and argued that longtime fans might want more demanding combat and puzzles. Its roundup reports similar concerns from COGConnected about repetition and breezy challenges, and from VGC about exploration and the dual-character pairing.
Rank #3
- Play as the bewitching Bayonetta in the third installment of her climax action game series
- Shoot, stomp, and slam your way through multiple locations and meet other Bayonettas
- Channel the power of demons using the new ability, Demon Masquerade
- Unleash Bayonetta’s Infernal Demons in larger-than-life battles
- Slash and slay as witch-in-training Viola and harness the power of her feline demon, Cheshire
That criticism is about depth and pacing, not the premise itself. The central pairing can be charming and useful for puzzle design, but players looking for sustained mechanical complexity may find the combat too simple and the challenges too easy. Reviewers who value atmosphere and an inviting pace are more likely to see those same qualities as part of the game’s appeal.
Is Bayonetta Origins like the other Bayonetta games?
Only in its setting and connection to Cereza. Bayonetta Origins is a gentler, story-led action-adventure built around exploration and puzzles, not the mainline games’ high-speed character-action format. Its fairytale presentation, paired-character controls, and emphasis on traversal make it a distinct entry. Fans curious about Cereza’s beginnings may welcome that change, but should not expect the same combat focus or pace.
Rank #4
- 216950
Is Bayonetta Origins difficult?
Reviewers generally describe the baseline challenge as accessible rather than demanding. Nintendo Life’s criticism of the easy challenges and its mention of options to reduce or remove challenge suggest that difficulty is not the game’s main draw. If you want a demanding combat system or puzzles that steadily escalate, the review consensus points to a possible mismatch; if you prefer a more forgiving adventure, the gentler approach may suit you.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who is it for?
- A good fit: players who enjoy colorful, story-led adventures, fairytale presentation, exploration, puzzles, and accessible challenge.
- A possible fit: Bayonetta fans interested in Cereza’s origin who are open to a different genre and pace.
- A less certain fit: players primarily seeking deep combo combat, escalating mechanical complexity, or the tone and speed of the mainline games.
That guidance follows the official description and the themes in the reviews; it is not a claim based on personal playtesting.
Best Value
- Unofficial title page
- Release date is subject to change
- Players take control of Cereza, a young witch apprentice who embarks on a fateful journey into a forbidden forest, gaining the power to save her mother.
- This game is a distinctive fairytale art style and offers gameplay aspects never seen before in the Bayonetta saga.
- Both Cherry and her hellish demon companion Cheshire are controlled, with much of exploring, battling and solving puzzles helping Cherry to penetrate even deeper into the forest.
Can you play Bayonetta Origins on Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo’s product page marks Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility as supported and says the behavior is consistent with Nintendo Switch. It also cautions that software compatibility and the play experience may differ on Nintendo Switch Lite. The listing confirms the physical Switch edition, but does not establish current regional stock or pricing; check Nintendo or a retailer for availability where you live.
Quick Recap
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.
