Get ready to dance through danger and solve mysteries with flair — Detective Dotson, the award-winning cozy mystery from India’s Masala Games, is officially coming to the Nintendo Switch later this year. Announced on July 11, 2025, by Japanese publisher Rainy Frog, the port marks a significant moment for South Asian representation in indie gaming.
First launched to critical acclaim on PC, Detective Dotson captured the hearts of players with its vibrant portrayal of small-town India, blending sharp detective work with a healthy dose of Bollywood drama. Now, Switch players will soon be able to step into the salwar kameez of India’s boldest (and most fabulous) amateur sleuth.
From Film Dreams to Crime Scenes
Dotson never dreamed of solving crimes—he wanted to be a Bollywood star. But when his detective father dies under mysterious circumstances, Dotson trades in the stage for the street. What follows is a whirlwind of clue-hunting, over-the-top dance breaks, and chaotic chases through bargain-filled bazaars.
The game unfolds across four interconnected mysteries, each bizarre and deeply rooted in local flavor. From a mysteriously painted pink dog to missing heirlooms and notorious gangsters, every case inches players closer to uncovering the truth behind Dotson’s father’s fate.
Retro Charm Meets Real Indian Streets
Visually, Detective Dotson shines with its unique blend of pixel-art characters layered on detailed 3D environments. Players can explore rooftop cricket matches, bustling marketplaces, Holi celebrations, and dusty side streets—each area inspired by real-life small-town India.
You’ll interact with eccentric townsfolk (some helpful, most hilariously nosy), gather clues from rich and colorful settings, and piece together your findings on a clue board that looks delightfully like a glitter-filled school project.
Tying it all together is a catchy, original soundtrack steeped in Indian musical traditions, adding rhythm to your detective work and making each street you wander feel alive.
A Passion Project With a Purpose
Masala Games isn’t just delivering a fun mystery game—they’re also on a mission. Game Director Priya Mehra shared:
“Eighteen percent of the world lives in India—our home. But we’re barely seen in games. We wanted to change that.”
“India is so often misrepresented in media—either shown as ancient or impoverished. We want to show the India we know and love: modern, diverse, chaotic, joyful. Detective Dotson is a love letter to India.”
Coming Soon to Nintendo Switch
With its colorful aesthetic, heartfelt storytelling, and unapologetic Bollywood flair, Detective Dotson promises to be one of the most distinctive indie releases on Switch this year. Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or just here for the drama, this desi detective adventure is one mystery worth solving.
Detective Dotson is set to arrive on Nintendo Switch later in 2025. Keep an eye on the eShop for more updates from Rainy Frog and Masala Games.
