The Nintendo Switch has become one of Nintendo’s most popular video game consoles ever. While it is somewhat lacking in terms of graphical fidelity and performance compared to the competition, it more than makes up for it through a litany of features. The Switch has a ton of incredible Nintendo-exclusive games, decent third-party support, and, of course, built-in versatility.

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The unique controller setups and joycon usage coupled with its handheld and portable nature mean the Switch is a very popular platform for fighting games of all sorts. The genre is going through a bit of a renaissance right now with new releases planned for all three titans of fighting games: Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Tekken. It will be exciting to see how these games hold up on the Switch, but for now, these are considered the best fighting games for the Switch.

Updated on April 8, 2024, by Musaab Ahmed: The Nintendo Switch has become a surprise console of choice for fighting game fans, and developers alike. It features some of the best mainstream titles in the genre, as well as games that experiment with the core gameplay ideas of a "traditional fighting game". With the influx of upcoming releases like Blazing Strike, as well as new content for games such as Mortal Kombat 1, and the hype around EVO 2024, it's the perfect time to be a fan of the genre. Consequently, here are some other incredible games that deserve a spot among the best on the platform.

10 BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle

Metascore: 79

• Release Date: 22nd June 2018
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, PC
• Developers: Arc System Works
• Genre: Fighting Game

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is a unique entry in the fighting game sphere, it's a 2D fighting game, revolving primarily around tag-team battles. Allowing players to swap between different characters. It also features 2v2 multiplayer, which is always a fun prospect. Cross Tag Battle, while simpler than most of the other games in the series, makes up for it with the added complexity of teamplay, and managing resources between a duo. Assists, similar to Dragon Ball FighterZ, also feature as a core mechanic.

This game is a stylistic treat, with incredible music, sound design, art, and overall graphical fidelity. In conjunction with this, is its fun and flashy moves and a well fleshed out roster featuring a mammoth 53 characters.

9 Them’s Fightin’ Herds

Metascore: 83 (PS5)

This 2D fighting game looks like it was handmade for the Switch. Them’s Fightin’ Herds is a colorful game with tons of unique quirks. It has a very low barrier of entry, considering it's a fighting game. Despite this, players will be surprised by the intricacy of the gameplay, and just how in-depth it can get.

Them’s Fightin’ Herds also has an endearing yet basic storyline and despite its small roster, each character brings something original to the table. While this is somewhat of an entry-level fighting game, it holds up well.

8 Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection

Metascore: 83

Street Fighter is videogame royalty and part of the fighting game 'big 3'. While it is a shame that the new Street Fighter 6 is not on the Nintendo Switch, the 30th Anniversary Collection is an incredible homage to the franchise, featuring every major iteration of the first three Street Fighter games.

Players can brawl through the different story modes, go through the incredible art and music as well as test out the incredible local multiplayer system, which works really well with the Switch. While the optimization isn't perfect and the online features are a bit outdated, overall, this is an incredible collection with tons of content.

7 Mortal Kombat 1

Metascore: 85 (Xbox Series X/S)

Mortal Kombat 1 marked a new era for NetherRealm's franchise. Players were treated to FireGod Liu Kang's new era and everything it brings along with it. Mortal Kombat 1 is one of the more fun modern fighting games out there, and the Kameo system makes it even better. The story is a delight, featuring some interesting arcs for the likes of Baraka and Reptile, and the gameplay has been expanded to provide a slightly faster experience than MK11. Both recent entries in the series are very solid, and while MK11 is a better pick due to being a more complete experience at the moment, MK1 has a solid foundation with plenty of potential for growth.

Admittedly, Mortal Kombat 1 on the Nintendo Switch initially had a tumultuous release, with lots of bugs, optimization issues, and visual glitches. Netherrealm Studios has constantly worked on this version of the game and steadily ironed out the kinks. Moreover, newer updates bringing in single-player content changes, and new Kameos such as Janet Cage and Khameleon have contributed significantly to a more fun and skill-expressive meta.

6 Skullgirls 2nd Encore

Metascore: 80

Skullgirls 2nd Encore is a ramped-up version of the original game featuring tons of new features and quality-of-life changes. This game comes with completely hand-drawn characters, and each of them looks and plays amazingly with fluid and streamlined animations. There's no stuttering or awkward movement at all. It has some really good tutorials and learning resources for new players, along with an active community. 2nd Encore is still extremely popular on the Switch, which means finding matches should be no issue at all.

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In terms of competitive balancing, the whole roster feels on-point and viable. Overall, it's a must-buy for hardcore fans of the genre and newbies alike. Be it the engaging story, the incredible animations, or the unique characters and well-refined gameplay loop, 2nd Encore is just an extremely solid title on the Switch.

5 The King of Fighters 13: Global Match

Metascore: N/A

King of Fighters is an underrated series that has had its ups and downs. However, it is still going strong after decades with a new entry coming out later in 2024. KOF 13 was first released more than a decade ago, but the Global Match remaster cleans up a few bugs and errors and works well on the Switch.

The 3v3 fighting game series had a bit of a slump in the 2010s but this game was incredible. It stripped down all the extra fluff and unnecessary features from its predecessors and focused on the pure King of Fighter gameplay loop. While the game features a smaller roster, most of the characters are fun to play and the new special bar feature is pretty great too. This game has great presentation, solid music, and tons of fun modes, making it a perfect entry to the franchise for newcomers.

4 Brawlhalla

Metascore: N/A

This 2D fighting platformer has taken the genre by storm. Brawlhalla is a completely free-to-play game with some degree of cross-play as well. This means it has had a steady and massive player base for nearly a decade now.

Somewhat similar to Smash Bros, Brawlhalla features characters with a variety of different weapon combinations such as hammers and gauntlets. Each weapon has its own unique play style, along with pros and cons. Additionally, each character has its own set of signature moves to complement their weapons and play style. Brawlhalla features tons of different game modes including the 1v1 and 2v2 ladders and there's loads of content for players to sink their teeth into.

3 Mortal Kombat 11

Metascore: 91 (PC)

Mortal Kombat 11 stands out among other fighting games on the Switch as a blockbuster game. Adrenaline-filled, and featuring tons of violence, gore, and blood, it’s a far cry from the games mentioned above that came with more of a whimsical charm. Mortal Kombat is one of the cornerstones of the fighting game genre, and MK11 doesn't disappoint in that regard. It features tons of single-player content, DLC story expansions, and a massive gear and loot system.

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Mortal Kombat 11 is a slower-paced fighting game featuring lots of focus on footsies and neutrals. The macro game is just as important as a player’s mechanics. The game has an impressive roster featuring over 30 characters, including some incredible DLC options such as the Terminator and Rambo. This game is an ode to fighting game fans and action movie lovers alike, and it does everything with a certain finesse. What's great is the much-anticipated sequel is coming directly to the Switch as well.

2 Dragon Ball FighterZ

Metascore: 87

ArcSystem’s hit based on one of the most popular anime of all time just feels like the perfect Nintendo Switch fighting game. Dragon Ball FighterZ features incredible animations, tons of different transformations, and spectacular-looking special moves, such as the Big Bang Kamehameha and the Tri-beam. This is one of the best Dragon Ball games out there, which is quite an achievement.

Dragon Ball FighterZ is a fast-paced and fluid fighting game. Players can build their rosters using three different characters and pick special assists for them as well. Different comeback mechanics, touch-of-death combos, and just the usual Dragon Ball beam battle fiesta make this an exciting and fun fighting game with very little holding it back.

1 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Metascore: 93

The Smash Bros. series has always been a massive success, and as such, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is without a doubt the best fighting game on the Switch. Ultimate features a massive roster full of video game legends, be it Mario and Luigi or the likes of Sephiroth, Marth, and Snake. This game features characters from nearly every big franchise out there and none of them feel out of place. More are also added at reasonable intervals.

Featuring diverse movesets, tons of beautiful and detailed stages, and a multitude of game modes, Smash Bros. Ultimate has everything a fighting game fan could want. There is very little to say about this game besides the fact that it’s the quintessential fighting game, and one every player should try.

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