Back in 2022, I compiled a list of the best fighting games for Nintendo Switch, which you can read here. A lot has changed since then with new game releases, ports, updates, etc. I even recently did a feature on the best fighting games of 2024 for Steam Deck. Since the original Switch feature, I’ve acquired a number of arcade controllers and sticks for the Switch and other platforms. With the amazing Under Night recently released on Switch, it’s a good time to put together a list of the best fighting game updates for Switch in 2024.
Fighting games on Switch vary greatly in terms of online, DLC, port quality, and more. We’ve seen some big-budget fighters arrive with sub-par modifications, as well as some late-game ports offering a full mobile experience. For online netcode, I’ve specified when the game includes rollback netcode on Switch. As with the features we’ve done before, this list is in no particular order. I also added a bonus at the end and introduced the controller used to test the game.
The best Switch fighting games of 2024
Night Born II System: Celes ($49.99)
The reason I had previously postponed posting an article on Steam Deck was because the 2D fighting game Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes had not yet been released, and because of the origins of the developer, I had full confidence in its excellence. I did the same thing with this Nintendo Switch. Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes from French Bread and Arc System Works is not only the best Under Night game, but it’s also a fantastic fighting game for the Nintendo Switch that supports rollback netcode. In handheld mode, the game’s graphics also look perfect on the Switch screen. If you’re new to the series, or just want an exciting and deep fighting game on Switch, Under Night In-Birth II Sys: Celes is worth your time and money.
Skullgirls Second Encore ($24.99)
I’ve been writing about Skullgirls 2nd Encore and Skullgirls Mobile for years, but I’ve always tried to highlight just how good the main game is on consoles and PC. It’s always had great gameplay, online netcode, visuals, and music, but the Switch version in particular has been heavily modified to make it a great version of the game. In fact, of all the platforms, I play the most on Switch and Steam Deck. Skullgirls 2nd Encore is still getting new content and updates. The combination of beautiful graphics, lovely music, and great gameplay make it one of the best fighting games out there today, and it looks stunning on the Switch’s OLED display. I hope it’s supported for many years to come.
Melty Blood Group Lumina ($49.99)
Melty Blood Type Lumina is the second baguette game on this list from a developer that still makes one of the best games in the genre. The original Melty Blood always felt like a game that only a handful of people thought highly of and played, but it never got the respect or release it deserved. Melty Blood Type Lumina is the latest entry in the 2D fighting game series based on Type Moon’s Tsukihime, and we released it on day one on PC and consoles on multiple platforms worldwide via rollback netcode. The Switch version also doesn’t suffer like so many other fighting games have been ported to the system. It’s also received a ton of free DLC since launch, making it a simply fun and beautiful 2D fighting game that I highly recommend. Plus, how can you say no to a fighting game that includes Emerald, Neco Arc, and Saber and also has rollback netcode?
Persona 4: Arena of Valor ($29.99)
Originally released years ago on PS3 and Xbox 360, Sega and Arc System Works are bringing an enhanced version of 2D fighter Persona 4 Arena Ultimax to PS4, Switch and Steam in 2022, including content never before available in Japan Balance updates released outside of the region. It’s a great fighting game for Persona fans, but it lacks online functionality. Unfortunately, the Switch version isn’t patched with rollback netcode, which is basically my only issue with this version. Otherwise, the experience on Switch is excellent both offline and in handheld mode. The inclusion of all previously paid DLC from the start makes this an easier recommendation. If you love Persona and fighting games, this game is a no-brainer.
Power Rangers: War for the Grid – Super Edition ($49.99)
3v3 tag fighting game Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid and all its DLC create an excellent value proposition, and it’s one of the few recent fighting games to have a strong Switch version from day one. The game itself is incredible on all online and offline platforms, but it’s great that it plays so well on the Switch and that a retail version is also available. With Power Rangers: War for the Grid – Super Edition, the set also includes the Street Fighter collaboration DLC and has since released another set of characters, this is the version I recommend. Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid – Super Edition is worth your time on Nintendo Switch, both offline and online.
Capcom Fighting Bundle ($59.99) – SF 30th and CFC
Yes, I know it’s cheating to include the Capcom Fighting Bundle since it’s a bundle of two series, but I do it anyway. The digital collection includes the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection and the Capcom Fighting Collection. I recommended the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection because it includes the legendary 3rd Strike (the best Street Fighter since Street Fighter VI), but I also want to make sure you check out the Capcom Fighting Collection game. This collection is very important to the history of fighting games, and the games included are worth playing. Thankfully, Capcom is offering a bundle of both series at a discounted price. With it, you can play “Street Fighter III 3rd Strike” on your portable device, what else do you need in your life?
The King of Fighters XIII Global Tournament ($19.99)
Recently, SNK brought The King of Fighters XIII to Switch and PS4. With its beautiful pixel art, all characters, rollback netcode and game modes, The King of Fighters XIII Global Series is the final version of the excellent King of Fighters. My only complaint about The King of Fighters XIII Global Match on Switch is that the Joy-Cons really aren’t the best choice for the combinations and inputs required here. I play with my 8BitDo joystick or Hori Split Pad Combat. “The King of Fighters XIII Global Tournament” also has a deluxe edition, which comes with a soundtrack and an art book, making it worth owning. I’m glad SNK is finally bringing The King of Fighters XIII to modern platforms with this version, and making sure to add rollback netcode to make it truly worth playing online.
Dragon Ball FighterZ ($59.99)
Gorgeous 3v3 tag fighting game Dragon Ball FighterZ has been in the news recently for its rollback netcode update on Steam, which seems a bit buggy as the new console version rolls out, but it’s something I’d love to see on Switch One of the fighting games. The Switch version has no rollbacks, but retains all content from the other versions. Barring online and some performance issues, Dragon Ball FighterZ is a great portable version. It’s not playable on Steam Deck due to its anti-cheat features, so this is your best chance of owning a passable portable distro. I’ve owned Dragon Ball FighterZ on Switch since its release and now have all the DLC. If you haven’t already, consider picking up the Dragon Ball FighterZ Legend Edition and most of the DLC for the game now at a discount.
BlazBlue Central Novel Special Edition ($49.99)
I’ve been hesitant to feature BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle or BBCF (the game) at this point in the feature. In fact, I enjoy both games very much, but I chose to rank BBCF as one of the best fighting games on Switch because of all the DLC it comes with and being a perfect port of an excellent 2D fighting game. I wish we could get another Blue Wings game, but Blue Wings: The Central Novel Special Edition will do the trick. Keep in mind that online play isn’t the best on Switch (or PS4), and currently only the PC version has proper online play.
GUILTY GEAR XX ACCENT CORE PLUS R ($14.99)
I got into the GUILTY GEAR series via Xrd Sign on PS4, but ended up playing every game on modern platforms, including the Steam and Switch versions of GUILTY GEAR XX ACCENT CORE PLUS R. It’s great to have a native version of this classic fighting game on Switch. If you’ve never played a GUILTY GEAR game, it’s deep, complex, and rich. It may not have the best online experience on the Switch, but for such a low asking price there’s nothing to complain about. I’m also happy to see this game bundled with the original GUILTY GEAR.
bonus
ACA NeoGeo Games
Hamster has released quite a few SNK classic fighting games on Switch through its ACA NeoGeo series, and I want to give these games a special mention because you can play Werewolf: Mark of the Wolf, KOF98, “KOF2002” and so on. The arcade version of the ACA NeoGeo series.
By the way, the controllers in the top photo are the 8BitDo Arcade Stick and Haute Board Mini for Nintendo Switch/PC. The 8BitDo rocker was modified using Sanwa parts and a limited edition Evo dome that I purchased from Arcade Shock. If you’re curious about other Haute 42 stickless controllers, stay tuned to see what I’ve been looking at.
Hopefully this feature will help you find a new fighting game to play on Nintendo Switch, or revisit a game you previously owned. If you have a recommended Nintendo Switch fighter, let us know in the comments.