The Nintendo Switch is known for its easy-to-use handheld feature, making it perfect for quick gaming sessions. The Switch is always ready to entertain whether you’re waiting, commuting, or even taking a break. While the Joy-Cons’ buttons could be more gamer-friendly, the Switch’s portability makes it an ideal platform for fighting games, especially with short match durations. If you’re new to the Switch or just looking for great fighting games, we’ve compiled a list and even ranked them for you. Check out the best Switch fighting games here.
17. Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Trilogy
Bandai Namco has some 3D arena brawlers, and one of their popular series is Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm. The first three games of this series are on the Nintendo Switch, allowing you to enjoy ninja action on the go if you’re a Naruto fan.
Even though the fourth game isn’t on the Switch, the trilogy offers a fun recreation of the Naruto world. It comes with story modes, extra content, and a gameplay system that’s easy for casual players and fans of the anime/manga. If nothing else, getting the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Trilogy is worth it just to throw kunai at your friends without legal consequences.
16. Mighty Fight Federation
When you think of fighting games, you might picture 2D or 3D fighters with lifebars and a close-up camera view. However, Mighty Fight Federation shows that’s not always true.
Inspired by classic 3D multiplayer brawlers like Power Stone, Mighty Fight Federation gathers up to four players in one arena to see who comes out on top. It’s easy to get into with its brawling style, but the game’s combo system can really distinguish the skilled players from the less experienced ones.
15. Brawlhalla
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate might be the king of 2D platform fighters, but Brawlhalla also brings a lot to the table. One great thing is that Brawlhalla is free-to-play, so if you’re on a budget after getting your Switch, it’s a good game to play while you save up for others.
In Brawlhalla, you have a diverse roster of characters, including some special guests, and the goal is to knock each other off the screen, typical of platform fighters. What sets it apart is that each character can unlock one of two predetermined weapon types during the fight, and these weapons and moves are consistent across characters even as their stats change. With universal movesets, Brawlhalla is easy to pick up, making it perfect for those who want something immediately enjoyable.
14. Fantasy Strike
We’ve mentioned the challenge of using Joy-Con buttons for Switch fighting games, but Fantasy Strike makes things easier by providing a fighting game with no complicated inputs.
In Fantasy Strike, special moves are tied to buttons, eliminating the need for complex inputs. This means your powerful moves are just a button press away. The simplified controls make it accessible for even beginners to become competitive quickly, something other fighting games often struggle with.
Featuring ten characters in four classes, Fantasy Strike offers diverse playstyles. The thorough tutorial and character spotlight videos equip you with the tools needed to succeed. With additional single-player and multiple modes, Fantasy Strike becomes a valuable addition to any Switch owner’s game collection.
13. Pocket Rumble
If you’re seeking accessible fighting games like Fantasy Strike, Pocket Rumble could be just what you need. With a retro art style and gameplay inspired by Neo Geo Pocket Color fighting games, Pocket Rumble is a small yet easy-to-learn 2D fighter perfect for handheld play on the Switch.
Featuring a two-button control scheme for light and heavy attacks based on button pressure, straightforward special move inputs suitable for all skill levels, and GGPO-based netcode for stable online play, Pocket Rumble might be one of the underrated gems among Switch fighting games.
12. Blazblue Cross Tag Battle
Ever wondered what it would be like if the RWBY characters clashed with anime fighters? Blazblue Cross Tag Battle has the answer. In short, it looks amazing with that distinctive Arc System Works animation, and the good news is, it plays just as well.
Cross Tag Battle brings together characters from Blazblue, Under Night, Persona 4 Arena, and RWBY in a 2v2 fighting game that’s less intimidating than Arc System Works’ usual anime fighters. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy in this one, and with Version 2.0 recently confirmed, Cross Tag Battle is set to evolve even further in the future.
11. Ultra Street Fighter 2: The Final Challengers
Street Fighter: 30th Anniversary Collection might cover the entire Street Fighter series, but when it comes to the game that set arcades and consoles ablaze in 1991, Ultra Street Fighter 2: The Final Challengers takes the crown. It’s been 28 years, and Capcom still manages to bring a new iteration with fresh content, which is quite impressive.
Built upon the popular Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo, Ultra SF 2 introduces new mechanics like grapple breaks and two new characters: Evil Ryu and Violent Ken. While Evil Ryu has appeared in Street Fighter before, Violent Ken’s official debut in SF proper makes it notable. With additional modes like Buddy Battle and Way of the Hado, Ultra Street Fighter 2 is a perfect choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.
10. Power Rangers: Battle For The Grid
Power Rangers: Battle For The Grid may not have the grand budget of some other Switch games, but it delivers solid 3v3 fighting. If you’ve got a soft spot for Power Rangers, this game is worth checking out.
While the initial release had its limitations with a small roster and limited modes, Battle For The Grid has improved with free DLC characters, additional arenas, and a full-fledged story mode. The game continues to receive support with the promise of more characters to come. Despite being affordable, Power Rangers: Battle For The Grid provides excellent value for money, offering accessible mechanics and room for combo creativity.
9. Pokkén Tournament DX
If you’re tired of the traditional Pokémon battles and want more action, Pokkén Tournament DX is a great choice. It’s an updated version of the original Wii U game, featuring new playable and support Pokémon. In this game, your beloved Pokémon engage in 1v1 fights with a mix of ranged and close-quarters combat. Whether it’s Pikachu rocking a luchador mask or other exciting moments, Pokkén Tournament DX offers a unique take on Pokémon battles.
8. Nidhogg 2
Who would’ve thought a retro-style fencing game could be so exciting? Well, Nidhogg 2 proves it can be, even if the art style is a bit bold. In this game, two players battle it out, each trying to reach the side of the screen the other is guarding. It’s a straightforward idea that leads to intense and thrilling back-and-forth fights.
Nidhogg 2 takes what made the original game great and adds more to it. There are new weapon types, maps, and various settings to customize your matches. If you feel some weapons are too strong, you can go back to the classic rapiers. With both local and online play options, Nidhogg 2 offers endless fun for players.
7. Garou: Mark Of The Wolves
Here’s one for fans of classic fighting games, especially those who favor SNK over Capcom. Garou: Mark of the Wolves is one of SNK’s cherished games, set in the same universe as The King of Fighters. In this game, SNK veteran Terry Bogard and a bunch of new characters engage in battles in Second Southtown.
Garou features systems like Just Defend, giving it a similar feel to Third Strike’s parry system. The Tactical Offense Position provides a buff when your health reaches a certain point, and you get to choose when the buff activates. The strategic decision comes in deciding whether to start with the buff or wait until your health is critically low. Garou is fantastic, and you should give it a try!
6. ARMS
If you think ARMS is a typical boxing game, you’re mistaken, especially because each character has stretchy arms like “Mr. Fantastic.” While the goal is still to defeat your opponent, the unique stretchy arms, numerous power-ups, and interaction with the environment make ARMS the most distinct fighting game on the Switch.
Unfortunately, Nintendo is no longer actively supporting ARMS. However, since its launch, they’ve added several free updates, including new characters, modes, arenas, and more. Playing ARMS locally remains an absolute delight despite potential challenges finding online matches.
5. Mortal Kombat 11
It might feel like some mystical force from another dimension brought Mortal Kombat 11 to the Nintendo Switch. While it might not be the absolute best version due to the Switch’s lower power compared to high-end PCs and other consoles, it’s still MK11. It plays similarly to other versions, and MK11 is fantastic. That’s the bottom line.
The Story Mode shows that NetherRealm excels in fighting game storytelling, and The Towers of Time mode offers ever-changing content to keep players engaged potentially forever. If you aim to improve your skills, the Switch version can be a helpful companion tool for learning the game when you’re away from other MK 11 versions. Is it pricey? Yes. Is it useful? Well, probably. Regardless, it is one of the Switch’s best fighting games.
4. Skullgirls 2nd Encore
Just by its art style, Skullgirls 2nd Encore definitely deserves a spot on this list. The 2D brawler had a bit of a rocky journey over its lifespan, with the team initially being laid off from Reverge Games to form Lab Zero Games. However, Lab Zero faced internal issues leading to its downfall due to allegations against its owner.
Despite the challenges, Skullgirls’ core gameplay is fantastic, reminiscent of classic tag fighters like Marvel vs Capcom and others. Players pick a team of up to three characters and can even use a custom assist system for each character, creating a variety of combo opportunities. If you’re searching for an excellent tag fighter on the Switch, Skullgirls is a reliable choice.
3. Street Fighter: 30th Anniversary Collection
They don’t make them like they used to, and Street Fighter: 30th Anniversary Collection proves that. It’s a compilation of 12 Street Fighter titles spanning three decades of the series. This collection is the ultimate tribute to fans of Capcom’s top-notch fighting game series. It includes a museum filled with concept art, trivia, and more.
But the point of buying fighting games isn’t just to look at artwork; it’s to fight. The 30th Anniversary Collection offers some of the best action from the entire series. It features titles like Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo, Alpha 1, 2, and 3, along with the pinnacle, Street Fighter 3: Third Strike. Online play is supported for 4 out of the 12 games, including Third Strike. Even though it includes the original Street Fighter, having 11 out of 12 great games is still pretty good, right?
2. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Arc System Works is famous for anime fighters, and when they teamed up with the widely recognized Dragon Ball franchise, it seemed like a perfect match. Dragon Ball FighterZ lives up to that promise, providing top-notch 3v3 tag fighting on any console. Some even argue it’s a better Marvel vs Capcom game than recent Marvel vs Capcom titles, but that’s a discussion for another day.
Dragon Ball FighterZ brings together fan-favorite characters for epic battles across the galaxy. Season 2’s DLC keeps adding new characters, and Season 3 could bring even more. The online features provide hours of gameplay, and there are various single-player modes, local play, and activities for offline fun. With a complete story mode, tournament support, and the option for local teams of 3, Dragon Ball FighterZ is a fantastic addition to any Switch fighting game collection and possibly the best DBZ game ever.
1. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the ultimate crossover fighting game, featuring over 70 characters from various gaming franchises. Whether you’re a Nintendo fan or not, the diverse range of characters, including guest appearances like Joker from Persona 5 and Sephiroth from Final Fantasy, makes it enjoyable for everyone. The game caters to both competitive and casual players with gameplay changes, and the extensive single-player content, including World of Light and Classic mode, provides hours of entertainment.
