The best fighting games on Nintendo Switch
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Nintendo consoles are no strangers to fighting games, but only Smash tends to come to mind when talking about the best Switch games. Similar to the best shooters on Switch, you have to dig a little deeper to find quality fighters for the system outside of that platform fighter. That said, there is a strong library of all kinds of fighters that play great on the hybrid console, making it easy to challenge a friend to a match anywhere. The fighting game genre includes some of the best big-budget games out there, as well as the best indies, so you’re sure to find one that fits your budget and experience level.
If you’re in the mood for a different type of competition, check out the best party games for Nintendo Switch.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Metacritic: 87%
Digital Trends: 4.5/5
Rated: E10
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Genre: Fighting, Platform
Developer: Sora, Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: December 07, 2018
Smash Bros. may not need an introduction — in fact, Ultimate might be the reason that you bought a Switch in the first place. This brawler is packed with video game characters, offers more than 100 stages, and allows you to play with up to eight different friends (plus a single-player mode to get to learn the basics). Whether you’re whacking away as Sephiroth or bashing your baddies as Ash Ketchum, there’s endless fun to be had here no matter what kind of gamer you are. Just make sure your internet connection is strong if you are playing online.
Read our full Super Smash Bros. Ultimate review
Mortal Kombat 11
Metacritic: 84%
Digital Trends: 4.5/5
Rated: M
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre: Fighting
Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Publisher: WB Games
Release: April 22, 2019
Mortal Kombat 11’s Switch port doesn’t disappoint, especially if you like lots of bloody action and one of the best stories seen in recent fighting games. It’s also packed with characters, including some great guest options, all of which are brilliantly animated for maximum carnage. The many different modes ensure there’s always something to do or unlock, so you can switch it up whenever you desire. The gameplay can be as technical as you want, making it a great choice for serious fighting fans looking for a one-on-one matchup. The only downside is that the Switch’s native screen is a little too small to enjoy all the detail behind this game, so you may want to dock it to a larger display for maximum effect. We know Mortal Kombat 1 is out and technically available on the Switch, but that’s one game that didn’t survive the translation to Switch in a passable state.
Read our full Mortal Kombat 11 review
Skullgirls: 2nd Encore
Metacritic: 73%
Rated: T
Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Arcade, Nintendo Switch
Genre: Fighting, Arcade
Developer: Lab Zero Games
Publisher: Marvelous USA, Inc., Arc System Works, Autumn Games, Skybound Games
Release: July 07, 2015
Skullgirls has had a long road to reach the Switch, so you shouldn’t pass it by! This game originally came out in 2012, but the stylized characters and amazing animation make it look completely modern. With the new edition, you get all the new characters and updates for the best version of the game yet. What makes this game unique, aside from the art style, is that you choose how many characters you play as. You can focus on being a single character, or split your health pool between two for more versatility.
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
Metacritic: 80%
Rated: T
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
Genre: Fighting
Developer: nWay
Publisher: Lionsgate Games, nWay
Release: March 26, 2019
Don’t judge this fighter just because it’s based on a licensed property. Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid is a rock-solid fighter that just so happens to feature your favorite color-coded heroes. If you were a fan of the fighting systems in Marvel Vs. Capcom, then you owe it to yourself to check this one out. It has a great roster for fans of the franchise, with battles being 3-on-3 affairs that offer a ton of potential and matchups to learn. It also helps that this game features fantastic rollback netcode for smooth matches, even on the Switch’s Wi-Fi.
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
Metacritic: 79%
Rated: T
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Genre: Fighting, Arcade
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release: May 29, 2018
This Switch title packs 12 Street Fighter games into one, allowing you to experience the full history of the franchise and get caught up on the story if you are looking forward to future releases. Any Street Fighter title that’s been enabled with online pay in the past (such as Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting) can be played online here, too. There’s also added quality of life improvements such as easy pausing. Considering Street Fighter 6 didn’t make its way to Switch, this is your next best option.
Arms
Metacritic: 70%
Rated: E10
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Genre: Fighting
Developer: Nintendo EPD, Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo of America, Nintendo of Europe, Nintendo
Release: June 16, 2017
ARMS is certainly one of the most unique fighting games we’ve seen in a long time, with melee characters that come bearing spring-loaded arms (literally their arms) to punch each other with and activate their special abilities — with some help from the JoyCon controllers. It’s fairly whimsical fun that’s suitable for the whole family, and the 3D environments allow for some surprisingly intense strategies. There are modes for both one-versus-one play and sports options with multiple players.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Metacritic: 85%
Rated: T
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre: Fighting
Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release: January 26, 2018
The pinnacle of anime fighters, this game does an excellent job of bringing DBZ characters to life in vivid, flashy action, throwing out endless combos like they’re nothing and juggling powering moves with (hopefully) perfect timing. It’s also an excellent tag-team fighter, allowing you to switch rapidly between different characters on your team to gain timely benefits. There are around 20 different characters to experiment with, plus DLC. You may want to turn down the volume, though — the DBZ yelling is … very authentic.
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2
Digital Trends: 4/5
Rated: E10
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre: Fighting, Platform
Developer: Fair Play Labs
Publisher: GameMill Entertainment
Release: November 07, 2023
While the first game was a little rough around the edges, Nickelodeon’s sequel brawler is an improvement in every way. It’s packed with fan-favorite characters and continues to get updates that improve performance, add new characters, and introduce voice acting to make it all seem that much more real. While it works best if you don’t take the fights too seriously, you can certainly play with a hardcore mindset if you want.
Read our full Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 review
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Trilogy
Metacritic: 70%
Rated: T
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre: Fighting, Adventure
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release: July 27, 2017
Most arena fighters have never been as flashy or full of spectacle as the Naruto Shippuden series. Even if you don’t know or care about the anime, this collection of all three titles is worth the investment, plus it’s a great recap of essentially the entire Naruto saga. This game is more about fun and looking cool than tight, tactical gameplay, though. If you’re looking for a game to kind of turn your brain off with, look no further.
