Street Fighter 6 (Switch 2) Review – Big Hits in a Smaller Package

Street Fighter 6 Switch 2 Review

One of the greatest fighting games of all time is stepping into the ring on Nintendo’s newest console, the Switch 2. Visually striking and packed with content, Street Fighter 6 delivered a knockout performance when it launched on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC in June 2023. While the Switch 2 is a clear upgrade over its predecessor, can it meet the high standards Capcom set two years ago?

For those unfamiliar, Street Fighter 6 centres around the Drive mechanic. The multi-layered system takes elements from previous iterations and molds them into a deep and immersive feature that leads to enthralling encounters. With the ability to parry attacks and unleash a brutal strike, the mechanic has both offensive and defensive properties that give you tons of options in battle. While there are several aspects to combat, Capcom manages to merge these in a way that is accessible for newcomers and includes the depth that veterans crave.

Another Way to Play

Another way Capcom makes the game more accessible is through its two control schemes. The Classic layout retains the traditional six-button setup, while the Modern scheme simplifies inputs to four buttons, eliminating the need to memorize complex commands. This lowers the barrier to entry, a common issue in the genre, and makes it easier for anyone to pick up a controller and start competing. Importantly, this increased accessibility doesn’t come at the expense of depth; Modern controls still support skill-based play, ensuring no unfair advantage over those who master the game’s full mechanics.

Switch 2 exclusive modes focus on gimmicks with the controller. With the Joy-Cons, you can tilt and waggle the controller to fight your opponent in Gyro Battle. Although this can act as a gateway for younger players, it’s a mode that lacks the requirement of skill and feels like a pointless addition. Calorie Contest follows suit with a focus on exercise. After fights, an extremely generous account of your workout determines the winner based on calories burned. While it’s a silly mode that can lead to a few laughs, I can’t imagine this being something that players return to.

Street Fighter 6 is split into three core components. Fight Grounds is the most traditional of these giving you the option to compete in traditional multiplayer matches, arcade mode and training. This harkens back to previous iterations with a strong tutorial section featuring options to practice, character guides and combo trials. It’s a deep and fleshed out mode that supports newcomers to acclimate with the mechanics and veterans to improve their skills.

The Place to Be

Battle Hub is an online area where you can meet and fight with players online, take part in tournaments and even play classic Capcom titles at the arcade cabinet. The hub itself is well designed with distinct areas so that you can quickly venture to the region you require. The Capcom Fighting Network is a feature that aims to support the ability to meet with friends and wander the hub. Although a little cumbersome, once you’ve set up your club, it’s straightforward to meet up in a group and kick the crap out of each other.

World Tour is a wacky single player brawler which allows you to create an avatar and beat up an array of odd, and often hilarious, civilians. As you peruse the open city, you’ll encounter iconic fighters who will train you. This then allows you to adopt a move from their repertoire to create a unique character. While brimming with character and personality, the mode also acts as a guide, informing you of the game’s deep systems to help improve your skills. Unfortunately, while other modes are locked at 60fps, World Tour drops to 30fps. This is massively noticeable and while it doesn’t affect the gameplay, it definitely hinders the experience, making the mode feel lesser in terms of quality than the other options.

It’s genuinely impressive how good the game looks on the Nintendo Switch 2. Only in a direct comparison do small differences become noticeable—slightly reduced muscle definition, fewer particle effects, and some missing environmental reactions during certain moves. However, these omissions are minor and barely affect the experience. Capcom has worked wonders with the port’s presentation, delivering a version that stands toe-to-toe with other platforms, an incredible achievement for one of the greatest fighters of all time.

Capcom Has Done it Again!

Street Fighter 6 is a fighting fan’s dream, packed with content and a variety of modes that let you play your way. Capcom has clearly put thought into accessibility, offering the Modern control scheme and even the somewhat questionable Switch 2-exclusive feature, Gyro Battles. World Tour is a fun and silly single-player adventure, though it’s held back by a 30fps cap. Still, Capcom has delivered an impressive port of the fighter with only minor compromises, making this the best way to take the fight on the go.

***A Nintendo Switch 2 code provided by the publisher for review***