Best — Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni Hou Nspupdate 20

The 20 arcs are divided into four categories:

| Category | Arcs Included | Source | |----------|---------------|--------| | Original Question Arcs | Onikakushi, Watanagashi, Tatarigoroshi, Himatsubushi | PC 2002-2003 | | Original Answer Arcs | Meakashi, Tsumihoroboshi, Minagoroshi, Matsuribayashi | PC 2004-2006 | | Console-Exclusive (New) | Taraimawashi, Tsukiotoshi, Miotsukushi (PS2 version), Kokoroiyashi, Hirukowashi | PS2/DS | | Hou Exclusives | Outbreak, Kamikashimashi, Yoigoshi, Someutsushi, Kageboushi, Tokihogushi, Hoshikuzushi, Oniokoshi (updated) | Hou / Hou+ |

Note: Miotsukushi appears in two versions—Hou includes the original PS2 “Omote” version, not the altered PS3 “Ura” version.

Japanese review aggregate Famitsu (Score: 34/40) praised the Hou NSP as “the first time console arcs feel like canon rather than bonus material.” English-speaking fans on VNDB noted that the update fixed the “Miotsukushi contradiction”—the PS2 ending contradicted Matsuribayashi, but the NSP update added a disclaimer explaining it as an alternate fragment.

However, criticism exists: The “20 best” omits three DS-exclusive arcs (Shioshutsu, Matsuribayashi – Another End) and the Hinamizawa Bus Stop prequel novel. The NSP update did not add these, leaving completionists unsatisfied.

First, a quick recap. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Hou (封印, or "Compilation") was originally released for the PS4 and Switch in 2019. Unlike the Steam versions (which sell you "chapters" one by one), Hou is a complete box set. It contains:

However, the base cart was missing features. That is where Update 20 (Ver. 1.2.0) comes in.

11. Handheld vs. Docked

12. Using the "Tips" Menu

The version 20 system update introduced several features that enhance the experience for long-form visual novels like Higurashi:

Virtual Game Card Management: A new menu feature allows you to view and manage digital purchases and share them with family more effectively. This is particularly useful for those who own the physical "EG THE BEST" edition but want to manage digital DLC like the Origin expansion.

WiFi Battery Drain Fix: A long-standing bug where battery life would drain rapidly while connected to WiFi in handheld mode was largely resolved in version 20.0.0. This allows for longer uninterrupted reading sessions without needing to toggle Airplane Mode.

Local Wireless GameShare: For users with multiple systems (e.g., Switch 2), you can now play compatible games via local wireless, making it easier to share the massive 23-arc collection with household members. Core Features of Higurashi Hou (Switch Edition)

If you are updating to play the console-exclusive content, Hou remains the most comprehensive version of the series, featuring:

Massive Chapter Count: Includes all 19 scenarios from Higurashi Sui plus console-exclusive arcs like Outbreak, Kamikashimashi-hen, and Hinamizawa Teiryūjo.

Full HD & Performance: Supports 1080p resolution in TV mode and features a revamped opening song and movie.

Quiz Oyashiro Ver. 2018: An integrated series quiz mode to test your knowledge of the Hinamizawa mysteries.

Mod Compatibility Notice: For players using the HigurashiENX English Translation Mod, note that firmware 2.0.0 and above may not support additional DLC while the mod is active.

To see the console-exclusive visuals and how the Switch version handles the new story arcs:

If you are a fan of psychological horror and murder mysteries, "Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni Hou" (Higurashi When They Cry Hou) is the definitive way to experience the tragedy of Hinamizawa. With the latest updates and NSP releases for consoles, the game has evolved into a massive, immersive visual novel. higurashi no naku koro ni hou nspupdate 20 best

Whether you are downloading the latest NSP update or diving into the lore for the first time, here are the 20 best things you need to know about this version. 1. The Complete Story Collection

The "Hou" edition is the ultimate package. It includes all the original question and answer arcs, plus the "Rei" and "Hou" expansion chapters. It is the most comprehensive version of the story ever released. 2. High-Definition Visuals

Unlike the original "doujin" sprites from the early 2000s, the latest updates feature polished, high-definition character art and backgrounds that bring the creepy atmosphere to life. 3. Full Voice Acting

One of the best features of the modern NSP updates is the inclusion of the professional Japanese voice cast from the anime. Hearing Rena’s "Omochikaeri!" or Shion’s manic laughter adds a layer of terror that text alone cannot provide. 4. Portability on Switch

Using the NSP format on a portable console means you can take the mystery of Hinamizawa anywhere. There is something uniquely unsettling about reading a horror novel in the dark under your covers. 5. The "Outbreak" Chapter

"Higurashi Outbreak" is included in this version. It offers a "what-if" scenario involving a military quarantine of the village, providing a fresh perspective on the Great Hinamizawa Disaster. 6. "Kamikashimashi-hen" Content

This chapter acts as a sequel to Outbreak and introduces new characters and supernatural lore that deepens the mystery of the Hinamizawa Syndrome. 7. Updated UI and Navigation

Modern updates have streamlined the menus. You can easily skip seen text, set auto-advance speeds, and jump between chapters via a much-improved flow chart. 8. The Soundtrack Remaster

The music in Higurashi is iconic. From the peaceful daily life tracks to the jarring, discordant horror themes, the audio quality in the latest updates is crystal clear. 9. Opening Cinematics

The Hou version features several high-quality animated openings for different arcs, many of which are performed by legendary artists like Ayane. 10. Diverse Dialogue Choices

While Higurashi is largely a kinetic novel, certain chapters in the Hou update allow for minor choices that can lead to different "Tips" or side-scenes, enhancing replayability. 11. The "Tips" System

The "Tips" are short snippets of world-building (police reports, diary entries, etc.) that unlock as you progress. They are essential for players who want to solve the mystery themselves. 12. Cross-Media Consistency

The updates align the game’s lore with the Gou and Sotsu anime series, making it the perfect companion piece for fans of the newer show. 13. Improved English Translations

For fans using fan-patches or official English updates, the quality of the prose has been refined to capture the distinct "voice" of each character more accurately. 14. Character Sprites Customization

Some updates allow you to toggle between different art styles (Console vs. Steam/Original), letting you choose the aesthetic that fits your nostalgia. 15. The Horror Factor

The "Hou" version doesn't hold back. The descriptions of the "Cotton Drifting" festival and the subsequent tragedies are more visceral than ever. 16. Solving the Mystery

Because this version includes the Answer Arcs (Kai), you get the full satisfaction of seeing how the intricate puzzle pieces of June 1983 finally fit together. 17. The Club Games

The "peaceful" segments of the game—the club activities—are actually fun to read. The update highlights these moments of levity, making the eventual horror hit even harder. 18. Scene Gallery

The updated gallery mode allows you to revisit the most beautiful (and most gruesome) CGs in the game whenever you want. 19. Faster Load Times

Technical updates for the NSP files have optimized loading. Switching between the massive amount of assets is now nearly instantaneous. 20. Longevity

With over 100 hours of content, this is one of the best "bang-for-your-buck" visual novels available. The Hou update ensures that every hour is polished to perfection.

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Hou on Nintendo Switch, the "Update 2.0" (Version 2.0.0) is a major patch that introduced compatibility with the Origin DLC and significant content updates. Update 2.0 Key Features Origin DLC Support : Added the infrastructure for the Higurashi Origin DLC

, which includes the "Mehagashi-hen" arc and a "classic mode" featuring the original PC sprites and dialogue. The 20 arcs are divided into four categories:

: Addressed technical issues present in earlier versions, including graphical glitches and missing voice lines. Mod Compatibility : The standard HigurashiENX English translation mod

requires the game to be updated to at least version 1.2.0, but note that some translation mods may have compatibility issues with DLC content once updated to 2.0.0+. Installation Guide (NSP/Update)

If you are managing your game files manually (e.g., using an emulator or homebrew): Obtain the NSP Update

: Ensure you have the specific update file for Version 2.0.0 or higher. Using Emulators (Yuzu/Ryujinx) Right-click the game in your library. Add-ons -> Install -> Updates and DLC Select your update file to apply it. Using Homebrew (DBI/Goldleaf) Connect your Switch to your PC or use an SD card. to install the update NSP over the base game. Firmware Requirements

: Version 2.0.0+ may require a higher system firmware (e.g., Firmware 16.0.0 or later). Ensure your system or emulator is updated to match. Recommended Play Order (Console Arcs)

The Switch version uses a flowchart/choice-based system unlike the linear PC version. For the best experience, follow this general order for the console-exclusive arcs: Standard Arcs : Onikakushi, Watanagashi, Tatarigoroshi, etc. Console-Specific

: Taraimawashi, Tsukiotoshi, Someutsushi, Kageboushi, and Yoigoshi. Late-Game/Hou Arcs : Tokihogushi, Miotsukushi (Omote/Ura), and Kotohogushi. walkthrough

The Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Hou (ひぐらしのなく頃に奉) update for the Nintendo Switch includes critical technical fixes, quality-of-life (QoL) improvements, and content restorations that align with the series' definitive console experience.  Major Update & "EG THE BEST" Features 

The latest software updates (such as version 1.2.0 and the "Entergram The Best" budget re-release) provide the following enhancements: 

Audio Restoration: Missing voice lines for the character Tomitake were added back to the Kamikashimashi-hen and Batsukoishi-hen arcs. These were originally missing because his voice actor, Toru Okawa, was on medical leave during the game's initial development.

Visual Corrections: Modifications were made to various CGs, including a specific correction to Rena's eye color, changing it from red to blue in one set of images to maintain consistency. Navigation Improvements:

Fast Scroll: You can now scroll quickly through text and menus using the L and R buttons.

TIPS Memory: The cursor position in the TIPS section is now saved, making it easier to resume reading from where you left off.

Translation Mod Compatibility: Update 1.2.0 is the minimum requirement for the popular HigurashiENX English translation mod, which translates the Japanese-only Switch version into English.  Key Content Highlights 

This version is often considered the "best" due to its sheer volume of content, totaling 23 story arcs: 

Console-Exclusive Arcs: Includes Hinamizawa Teiryuujo (Bus Stop), Higurashi Outbreak, and Kamikashimashi-hen, which were originally developed for console ports and feature new characters not found in the original PC release.

Technical Specs: Support for 1080p resolution in TV mode and a dedicated quiz mode, "Quiz Oyashiro Ver. 2018," which can be used to unlock art and scenarios.

Branching Routes: Unlike the linear Steam release, the Switch version uses a common route with dialogue choices that dictate which arc you enter.  Feature  Total Arcs 23 (19 from Sui + 3 Hou-specific + Origin DLC) Visuals Upgraded 1080p sprites and backgrounds from the Sui version Voices

Full voice acting for all arcs (post-update restores missing lines) Resolution 1080p in TV Mode

For those using homebrew-enabled consoles, the English Translation Mod is the most common way to experience this specific content in English on the Switch. 

Version Requirements for Mods: To use the popular HigurashiENX English translation mod, your game must be updated to v1.2.0 or newer. Note that versions 2.0.0 and higher may not support certain DLC alongside the mod.

Update Fixes (v1.1.0): Early patches addressed visual and audio bugs, including a fix for Rena's eye color in specific CGs and the addition of missing voice lines for Tomitake in the Kamikashimashi-hen and Batsukoishi-hen arcs.

Switch-Exclusive Features: The "Hou" console release includes high-definition (1080p) TV mode support, a "Quiz Oyashiro Ver. 2018" trivia mode, and new opening songs like "Bokutachi wa Mō Shitteru". Comprehensive Arc List (23 Total Scenarios) However, the base cart was missing features

The Switch version is the most complete compilation, including all content from the previous Sui collection plus three console debuts: Included Arcs Original 8 Arcs

Onikakushi, Watanagashi, Tatarigoroshi, Himatsubushi, Meakashi, Tsumihoroboshi, Minagoroshi, Matsuribayashi Rei Arcs Saikoroshi-hen, Batsukoishi-hen, Hirukowashi-hen Hou/Console Debuts Hinamizawa Teiryūjo (Bus Stop), , and Kamikashimashi-hen Sui Legacy Arcs