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.
Samurai Shodown
SNK’s Samurai Shodown was a fighting classic that enthralled an entire generation of gamers. The 2019 reboot allows players to experience the award-winning series in all its glory with all the advancements that modern gaming technologies offer. The game retains all its classic fighters with some newcomers who complement the legendary roster well. The application of technical combat elements in Samurai Shodown’s gameplay sure makes modern fighting games seem cartoonish.
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 Anniversary Edition
Guilty Gear is cult-classic fighting game that has a rich legacy spread over two decades. The franchise’s entry into the Switch collection allows a new generation of gamers to experience how amazing games were back in the day and how one of the genre’s strongest franchises has evolved.
The Anniversary edition offers the first Guilty Gear title and arguably the most comprehensive game of the franchise, Guilty Gear: Accent Core Plus R. The latter offers some incredible tournament gameplay which is marred by its online limitations. Needless to say, this Switch experience is going to evoke some nostalgia among the competitive gamers from the turn of the millennium.
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, Namco Bandai’s best-selling title remains one of the best fighting games on Switch.
What’s your favorite Switch fighting game? Let us know in the comments below.
