In its brief existence, Nintendo’s latest handheld console Switch has amassed an impressive list of titles many of which are ported from other platforms. But fighting games remain the most sought-after genre on the platform. Much like its predecessors, Switch has preserved the art of button-mashing and the sense of accomplishment players feel when they have skillfully taken down tough opponents.
If you think you are looking for a better way to settle an argument with your friends or yourself, here’s a list of the best fighting games on Switch you must try out.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
This climactic title of the epic series is the sum of all its predecessors. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features all playable characters from previous iterations. So, you can have any dream match you wish, be it Spongebob vs. Link or the much-anticipated Pikachu vs. Sonic showdown. This is the ultimate in crossover fantasy fights.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
This spinoff title from the Persona series incorporates core elements that made the franchise so popular along with some new mechanics and moves to enhance the combat system. Along with existing characters from previous titles, there are some new additions which make Arena Ultimax one of the best fighting games on Switch.
An intriguing addition to the gameplay is the Shadow types, which allow players to choose alternate versions of the characters with differences largely being reflected in their skills.
Pokken Tournament DX
Bandai Namco’s Pokken Tournament brings pretty much every Pokémon fan’s hardcore fantasy to reality: the ability to actually control the little critters. But the developers added a little twist to the game drawn right of their iconic Tekken franchise, if it wasn’t obvious enough from the title.
The gameplay is quite challenging with some skill-based mastery of the mechanics involved as is common in Tekken games. The single player mode is just as difficult as the multiplayer. So, once you get tired of ‘Orange and Cherry’ or whatever the next Pokémon titles are going to be, you can head on to Pokken to scratch that combat itch.
ARMS
ARMS is perhaps the most innovative of all the best fighting games on Switch. This title, exclusive to the platform, redefines the entire fighting genre with use of some clever gameplay mechanics. The game relies on an unusual ranged-contact fighting mechanic which is facilitated by the use of extendable arms. While the game features some really cool moves, what really set it apart are the innovative combat possibilities that come with the long arms.
It is up to the players to figure out the best way to land strikes or block incoming ones while looking for the best way to exploit their opponent’s weaknesses. Each character in the game comes with its own unique abilities, traits, and even personalities, which make even a solo playthrough thoroughly enjoyable.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore
A 2012 game that was re-released in 2014 as Skullgirls Encore, and then across arcades in 2015 as Skullgirls 2nd Encore, features a system that is robust and entertaining enough to have the game appear in the list of best fighting games on Switch, 10 years later.
The game gives the player the option to enter as a single character with a larger health pool and more punishing attacks, or spread that across a team of 2-3 players. In both cases, the objective is to survive and knockout the opposing team, or end the fight with higher health. Each character, of course, comes equipped with its own unique style, attacks and combos called ‘Blockbusters’ which can be unleashed once the ‘dramatic tension’ meter fills up over the course of a fight.
Street Fighter Anniversary Collection
Capcom’s Street Fighter is easily the most influential game of all time, with countless sequels, spinoffs, adaptations and inspired works based off the franchise. It goes without saying that Switch would have been incomplete without Street Fighter. The Anniversary collection offers all versions of the original Street Fighter saga, including Street Fighter Alpha. Our list of best fighting games on Switch would be incomplete without this arcade two-player classic.
Guilty Gear Strive (2025)
This marked the seventh entry into the franchise that stretches back almost 20 years, marked by cult games like Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus. The Switch port of Guilty Gear Strive came out in 2025, much after the PlayStation and PC launch in 2021 and the Xbox launch in 2023.
While the game does come with the burden of world-building and lore of all the previous entries, on its own right as well, it is a worthy addition to the series. It introduced new mechanics, updated visuals and graphics and an intricate but satisfying combat system with a lot of elements to learn and master. There is a reason why this series is considered to be a consistent deliverer of good fighting games, and Guilty-Gear-Strive is the best showcase of all that makes this series one of the best fighting game series on Switch.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Arc Systems’ Dragon Ball FighterZ is arguably the best video game version of the legendary anime. It is also a great exhibition of how Arc remains a master of this genre. The game features many memorable characters from the anime with a lot of emphasis on their original character traits. The gameplay is quite innovative with a very engaging combat system. The dedication to the original anime is something that makes this Dragon Ball Z experience worth it.
Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat, along with Tekken and Street Fighter, completes the holy trinity of fighting games. The 11th installation of the iconic game series brings value to Nintendo’s still growing platform. While Mortal Kombat 11 may not be Switch-ready yet (or vice-versa), the experience is still a wholesome one.
MK11 is lauded by many as the best in the series, both in terms of gameplay and graphics. While the latter on Switch may leave a lot to be desired, the combat elements more than make up for it. The campaign mode in particular has set a new benchmark for the best fighting games on Switch (or any platform, honestly).
Nidhogg 2
The gameplay in Nidhogg’s is unique in ways that the fighting genre has never explored before. Nidhogg 2 builds upon its predecessor’s simple yet intuitive combat mechanics, adding more elements to make it more engaging. Nidhogg 2 is perhaps best played on Switch as the console does justice to the updated graphics and the additional world elements.
While Nidhogg 2’s solo gameplay may not offer much that the original didn’t already, the multiplayer is an experience that gamers will cherish. This is the ideal title for those looking for a quick but challenging combat game.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Trilogy
Fans of the anime will love this brilliant game adaptation that will leave them wanting more. The graphics is on par with what you would expect from a game adaptation of one of the most well-produced anime titles ever. The gameplay brings the popular ninja hero to life with some amazing combat mechanics that will pleasantly surprise Switch gamers.
While the online mode is still marred by issues, Bandai Namco’s best-selling title remains one of the best fighting games on Switch.
