The Nintendo Switch has been a hit ever since it first came out three years ago, with hit games in every genre. When it comes to fighting games on Switch, most think of Super Smash Bros Ultimate, but there are many others, and I would like to discuss them here. These come in a variety of styles, but they are all excellent in their own ways. This list is not a ranking, and there is no specific order for them, so do not read too much into the order in which they are presented.
Power Rangers Battle for the Grid
Power Rangers is a beloved franchise, but the track record for video games based on the series is rather mixed Battle For The Grid had a rough launch, with a small amount of content and many features only coming later, only to turn things around fast. Now in version 2.0, the game is pretty much a completely different game altogether, with many more characters added from DLC and free updates, a story mode based on the fan favourite storyline Shattered Grid, and revamped gameplay and online modes. The fighting mechanics and 3v3 gameplay are directly inspired by Marvel vs Capcom 2 and 3, and the game was worked on by pro players of those games like Justin Wong, and they managed to get things perfect. With very capably online modes, fan favourite characters like the Magna Defender, Quantum Ranger, MMPR Green Ranger, Dai Shi, and even the blue ranger from the recent movie, the game has someone for everyone to be a fan of. Many of the characters are even voiced by the actors who played them, which is a nice touch as well. There is even cross play between Xbox, PS4, Switch and PC, and it works buttery smooth as far as I have played. This game has gone from a budget title to a must play fighting game for any Switch owner and is accessible for players of any experience, newcomer and veteran alike.
Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r]
Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r] is an excellent anime inspired fighting game that is perfect for both newcomers and long time players of the genre. The tutorial mode has a comprehensive explanation of every action in the game, which will get you ready for the action. With amazing animation details, and fast paced action, this is a game that you will play once, then get hooked. There is a good amount of content for offline play, both single and multiplayer, and the online multiplayer is well done and will keep you hooked for days.
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R
The classic fighter shines bright on Switch, by utilizing the system to its fullest and adding in some new stuff. Not only is this an amazing 2D spite based fighting game, but there are amazing online modes to choose from, and this version adds in online spectating as well. The BGM soundtracks from GUILTY GEAR XX #RELOAD Korean version are also included here, as is the option to switch the game and just play Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. Neat features aside, this is one of the most amazing fighting games around, with fast paced action, amazing characters and music that goes above and beyond to pump you up for playing.
Samurai Shodown
SNK’s samurai slasher returned recently and with its new entry now on Switch, how could I not include it on this list. The game is extremely well balanced, easy to learn but difficult to master, and feels right at home on Switch. A bit gorier than most, but not to the extent of Mortal Kombat, the game has an excellent online mode for both multiplayer and single player modes, as well as an arcade mode that is more innovative than we have normally seen, incorporating story mode into the arcade ladder. With online modes that function well, and allow fighting of ghost AI, and tight controls that require strategy, this is a must play.
Blazblue Cross Tag Battle
A crossover between the Blazblue, Under Night, Persona 4 Arena and the RWBY series (with other series coming later after launch), BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle manages to be both an excellent 2 v 2 tag fighter and a hilarious experience in terms of story. The game has excellent controls and combat mechanics that are easy to pick up and learn but require some time to get full control of. The game is full of fanservice, while also having a high amount of polish, excellent online functionality and well-designed fighting mechanics. The additional characters added later all brought something unique, and Arc System Works managed to keep making this better and better to the point that version 2.0 felt like a sequel rather than an update, much like with Power Rangers as mentioned above. With a hilarious story mode, and excellent character interactions, this game has it all.
Mortal Kombat 11
The franchise with an infamous debut on the SNES returns to Nintendo systems for the first time since the Wii era, with Mortal Kombat 11. The visuals are nowhere near as good as the other versions of the game, but that is the only real knock I have. All the content is here, all the DLC, and all the modes as well. This game is ideal for both online play and single player, as there is so much to do with both. Team battles, online matches, and online tournaments are part of the fun, along with the ever-changing Towers of Time that give single player gamers a lot to do as well. With an amazing roster of characters and an excellent story mode, there is something here for everyone. This is a very gory game, so be aware of that, but it is also easy to get into and learn and very inviting for newcomers and veterans alike.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Who doesn’t love Dragon ball? The beloved manga and anime laid the groundwork for so many later series, and while there have been decent fighting games based on the franchise in the past, none were as great as this. a 3 vs 3 fighting game that utilized some of the best characters Dragon Ball had to offer (and several variations as well), that truly enabled players to truly get the epic feel of the fights from the anime. A great story mode is here as well, and the visuals truly capturing the look and feel of the anime. The 3v3 fighting system makes one instantly think of the classic MvC games, but with enough differences to stand on their own.
Arms
I cannot make a list of the best fighting games on Switch without mentioning Nintendo’s own fighting game Arms. This is perhaps the best Arena fighting game of the last decade, and truly did something different. Players expected the game to be just an advanced form of Wii Boxing at first, but it turned out to be a very deep and fully fleshed out game, with its own mechanics and systems. With unique characters, good online modes, and fun action, this is an example of Nintendo’s inventiveness at its best.
Pokken Tournament DX
A deluxe re-release of the arcade and Wii U title, Pokken Tournament DX has even more battle and support Pokémon for you to enjoy playing as. Taking cues from both Tekken and the Naruto fighting games from Bandai Namco, Pokken Tournament DX is a game that truly allows long-time fans the chance to really take part in a Pokémon battle and all that goes with it. You need to use strategy here, especially with the support Pokémon and how and when to use them, but the fighting itself is also well done. This is fanservice handled well, and a treat for Pokémon fans.
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers may have been a launch game for Switch, but it was the later collection that takes the spot on this list. Collecting every arcade game in the series prior to IV (and not including the EX games), with four of the games having great online play, The Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection is a must play for any fighting game fan. Get yourself a arcade stick (perhaps the street fighter branded ones Hori made for the Switch), and experience the greatness. Whether it Is Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Alpha 3, or Third Strike ( which along with Turbo Hyper Fighting, have online play), the less than stellar series beginnings with the original game, the original Street Fighter II, or the various bonus content, there is something here for everyone. The bonus content includes a museum mode with concept art, pitch documents, a music player and more. There is even an exclusive addition in the Switch version, with Super Street Fighter II Tournament Battle, a game that features eight player single elimination tournaments. This is a must play for any fan.
And there you have it. Ten of the best fighting games you can play on Switch currently. Let us know what games your favourites are and which you hope to see come to Switch.