The Nintendo Switch store in Japan has finally brought back The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty after a three-month suspension. If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on this popular visual novel, you’re lucky – publisher 2P Games has confirmed that the title is now available again for download.
The game, known for its gripping story set in a dark version of late Ming Dynasty China, was first released on the Nintendo Switch on March 17. However, four days later, it was suddenly removed from the store. The game’s official rating was under review at the time, which led to the suspension. Now, with the rating sorted out, the game is back with a CERO D rating, which means it’s suitable for players aged 17 and over.
A visual novel with a haunting tale
The Hungry Lamb places you in a crumbling world where the Ming Dynasty is collapsing under the weight of famine and social disorder. You follow the story of a lone bandit who agrees to a strange job: to escort four young girls for a buyer. He believes the buyer is a wealthy nobleman who will raise them as daughters. But things quickly take a dark turn.
One of the girls reveals a horrifying truth — the buyer is not a kind lord but a swine demon who eats young women. She also shares that she has been trained to defeat the creature. From there, the story unfolds, filled with danger, tension, and themes not for the faint-hearted.
Despite the heavy themes of murder, cannibalism, and human trafficking, the game does not show explicit content. The International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) rated it 16+ for the Japanese market, but the sudden suspension caused confusion among fans. That’s now resolved, with a more appropriate CERO D rating to reflect the mature nature of the story.
Over one million copies were sold
Originally launched on Steam in April 2024, The Hungry Lamb quickly gained popularity. It sold over one million copies worldwide and earned an “Overwhelmingly Positive” user rating on the platform. Fans praised the game for its storytelling, atmosphere, and deep emotional impact.
The game’s return to the Nintendo Switch store is great news for fans who prefer gaming on handheld consoles. With its strong performance on Steam and the Switch release back on track, the game continues to reach new players.
A sequel is on the way
If you’re already a fan, there’s more to look forward to. The game’s developer, ZerocreationGame, is working on a follow-up titled The Weeping Swan: Ten Days of the City’s Fall. While details are still limited, the new game will also be a visual novel set in a similarly dark and dramatic world.
The sequel is expected to be released on PC through Steam sometime in the fourth quarter of 2025. Until then, you can dive back into the haunting journey of The Hungry Lamb now that it’s finally returned to the Nintendo Switch store.
