Top 10 best fighting games on Switch

The best fighting game for the Switch ? Super Smash Bros. Ultimate If you want to compete against your friends on the couch, Dragon Ball FighterZ if you're looking for skill and excitement.

This top 10 list ranks the best titles based on your preferences: casual, 2D versus, or competitive. Each entry includes the gameplay style, difficulty level, and where to buy the game.

1. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

• Note : 5/5
• Difficulty : accessible for beginners, challenging for experts
• Online Mode : Yes, through a subscription Nintendo Switch Online
• Where to Buy It : available in the eShop or in a box, compatible Nintendo Switch 2

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, released on December 7, 2018, is THE must-play fighting game of the nintendo-switch. Its concept is a departure from the classic genre: there's no health bar—you increase the damage percentage of the opponent to knock him out of the arena.

The game features a massive roster of playable characters from some of the biggest video game franchises. You'll encounter Mario, fighters from Pokémon, the heroes of The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Street Fighter or even the huntress of Metroid. It’s the largest roster ever seen in a fighting game on the Switch.

For whom? To play with friends on the couch or take on the whole world online. It's also one of the best multiplayer games on Switch : fun, family-friendly, and offering incredible depth for those who want to improve.

2. Dragon Ball FighterZ

• Note : 4,5/5
• Difficulty : intermediate to expert
• Online Mode : Yes, with ranked matchmaking
• Editor : Bandai Namco
• Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 : yes

Dragon Ball FighterZ immerses you in a real animated episode. Its art direction faithfully captures the series' style, and each special move resembles a cult scene from Dragon Ball.

The core of the gameplay revolves around the teams of three characters. You string together switches to extend your combos and turn a match around when it's not going your way. The assists and the game's automatic combos make it easy to get started, but the higher levels require a real mastery of timing.

The game features a story mode, a full workout and a online mode a franchise that remains very active on Switch. It’s one of the few games Dragon Ball designed primarily for competition.

For whom? For fans of Dragon Ball games ...for those who want a thrilling experience and a real technical challenge. Avoid this if you're looking for a laid-back game to play between other sessions.

3. Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection

• Note : 4/5
• Difficulty : accessible to experts (depending on the title)
• Online Mode : Yes, on several titles in the collection
• eShop Suggested Price : around 40 €, often sold at a deep discount

Released in 2018, Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection is the best introduction to the history of the fighting game series Capcom. The collection brings together numerous cult-classic arcade games, spanning the series' history from its beginnings to its most iconic installments. Each title retains its original gameplay, allowing players to see how the genre has evolved over the years.

Several titles in the collection feature online multiplayer matches with matchmaking, including the most popular entries in the series. It’s the perfect anthology for exploring the history of the fighting game signed Capcom on a single console.

For whom? For nostalgic gamers who want to (re)discover the basics of 2D combat and own a true anthology Capcom. Definitely worth buying on sale: you get a lot of content for the price.

4. Guilty Gear -Strive-

• Note : 4,5/5
• Difficulty : expert
• Online Mode : yes
• Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility : yes
• Price guide : about 60 €, often less during eShop sales

Guilty Gear -Strive- is undoubtedly the most challenging 2D fighting game on this list. Developed by Arc System Works, it combines a metal soundtrack, lightning-fast combat, and near-cinematic animations. Visually, it’s a true technical showcase of the fighting game modern.

The version Nintendo Switch features the full roster, with a large number of characters with very different playstyles that encourage you to explore new strategies. The game was first released on other consoles in 2021, before being ported to the Switch.

For whom? For players who want to make serious progress in competitive play and take on real technical challenges. However, it’s definitely not recommended if you’re new to the genre.

5. Skullgirls: 2nd Encore

• Note : 4/5
• Difficulty : intermediate, very advanced in competitive play
• Online Mode : yes, with ranking

Skullgirls: 2nd Encore is one of the best surprises in 2D fighting games on the Switch. Its hand-drawn animations hide a rich and complex system: the customizable teams and support options offer a level of depth that appeals to both beginners and competitive players.

His Full Story Mode provides context for each character. That's pretty rare for such a fast-paced fighting game.

For whom? For players who want to improve in competitive play without spending as much as a Guilty Gear -Strive- or one Dragon Ball FighterZ. It's also a great way to get started with online multiplayer on the Switch.

6. BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle

• Note : 4/5
• Difficulty : accessible, but deep once you've mastered the mechanics
• Online Mode : yes (rated and friendly games)
• Switch Release : June 5, 2018

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is a fighting game in 2 on 2 which brings together several universes in a single roster: BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth and RWBY.

You form a team of two characters and alternate their attacks at a very fast pace. Coordination between the two fighters makes all the difference.

The simplified orders let you pull off spectacular combos without being an expert, making it one of the easiest fighting games to pick up in this list. Its main drawback: the initial roster is limited, with a good portion of the characters becoming available through Paid DLCs.

For whom? For you, if you want to play in a duo—either locally or online—without spending hours learning complex controls.

7. Mortal Kombat 11

• Note : 4/5
• Difficulty : intermediate
• Online Mode : yes
• Strength : a cinematic story mode that ranks among the best in its genre
• Weak point : THE Fatalities reserve it for a knowledgeable audience

Mortal Kombat 11 is the most violent fighting game on this list. Released in 2019, it runs surprisingly well on the Switch despite the handheld console's limitations.

Its biggest strength is the wealth of single-player content: a story mode Just like in a movie, with areas to explore and fast-paced battles based on precise combos. The roster brings together the saga’s iconic characters, from Scorpion at Sub-Zero. Online, regular updates keep the game alive for years after its release. If you also enjoy this genre on other consoles, check out the Fighting games on PS5.

For whom? This one's for you if you like dark worlds, gory scenes, and a compelling storyline. Avoid this if you mostly play with family or young children.

8. ARMS

• Note : 4/5
• Difficulty : accessible
• Online Mode : yes
• Strength : a unique and really fun concept for groups

With ARMS, Nintendo completely reinvented the fighting game concept. Released in June 2017, this Switch exclusive features characters with extendable arms that turn every confrontation into a strategic long-distance duel.

The gameplay relies heavily on movement, especially with the Joy-Con in physical mode. Each fighter has their own gloves and fighting style. It's a real breath of fresh air when you want a change from more traditional titles like Street Fighter Where Mortal Kombat, even though the technical depth is still less extensive than that of a true competitive 2D fighting game.

For whom? To get started as a family or try out the Joy-Con in physical mode, without requiring a complex grip.

9. Samurai Shodown

• Note : 4/5
• Difficulty : expert
• Online Mode : yes
• eShop Suggested Price : about 40 €

Released on February 25, 2020 on Nintendo Switch, Samurai Shodown is a mainstay of old-school arcade fighting games. Its pace is slower than that of a Dragon Ball FighterZ, but much more strategic: no long sequences on screen, every hit packs a serious punch, and a single misstep can turn the duel around.

The game rewards the ability to read your opponent and precision above all else. The online mode lets you compete against other players to test your patience and timing skills, whether you're playing on the go or on your TV.

For whom? For players who prefer tactical duels where precision trumps speed. Avoid this if you're new to fighting games and want something that's easy to pick up right away.

10. Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2

• Note : 4/5
• Difficulty : accessible
• Online Mode : Yes, no more local gameplay until 6 players
• Release on Nintendo Switch : September 2017

Unlike Dragon Ball FighterZ, Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 focuses on the’action-RPG rather than on the technical aspect. You create your own character and develop them over the course of a long adventure in the universe Dragon Ball.

There's a massive amount of content: story-driven battles, online quests, and numerous unlockable characters. Updates have significantly expanded the roster since the game's release. The advanced personalization Your avatar and the fan service are its strengths. Its weakness: the fights lack the precision of a true competitive fighting game like Guilty Gear -Strive-.

For whom? For fans of Dragon Ball who want a real adventure on Switch, with customizable battles rather than pure versus play.

Are you still on the fence?

• Start by Super Smash Bros. Ultimate if you often play in a group.
• Go to Dragon Ball FighterZ Where Mortal Kombat 11 if you want to move up to the competitive level.
• Keep ARMS for relaxing family outings.

And if you like anime-inspired fighting games, titles like Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Where Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections are also available on Switch and are worth checking out.

It's up to you to choose your fighter, grab your controller, and step into the arena!

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