Update: Higurashi Origin launches on June 22 for both Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 according to Entergram. Additionally, the game’s opening movie has been released.
Original – 5/31/23 – Publisher Entergram and developer 07 Expansion have opened the official Nintendo eShop page for Higurashi Origin, revealing a June 22 release date for Nintendo Switch in Japan. More details about the upcoming visual novel have been revealed as well.
Higurashi Origin is an upgraded version of Higurashi: When They Cry with several new features and adjustments for the Nintendo Switch release. The visual novel includes a new “Origin” reading mode, sprite switching, Mehagashi-hen from Hou+ with new voice acting and sprites, and more. Lines for the visual novel have been recorded for the new Origin reading mode, allowing for a more cohesive experience throughout Higurashi: When They Cry. Details about language support were not revealed, but the main menu appears to have English subtitles.
Higurashi Origin Main Menu on Switch
Pre-orders for Higurashi Origin are available now in the Nintendo eShop. The retail price for the visual novel is 3,410 yen, but a limited-time 12% discount brings the price down to 2,970 yen. The discount period ends on June 21 at 10:59 a.m. JST. A western release has not been announced by Entergram.
Higurashi Origin was originally announced during the 07 Pasta Kai event on May 5. During the event, 07 Expansion announced it was working with publisher Entergram to release the new title. The developers also hoped fans would look forward to receiving more news about the game after the event concluded.
When They Cry is 07th Expansion’s main franchise with several series including Higurashi, Umineko, and Ciconia. Ryukishi07 is the creator of the When They Cry franchise and serves as its main writer. His resume includes more than just When They Cry and 07th Expansion, however. Ryukishi07’s other works include visual novels Okami Kakushi and Loopers, which were published by Konami and Prototype respectively. The When They Cry creator is also working on Konami’s Silent Hill f, a brand-new horror title set in 1960s Japan.
