At the moment, there’s a bit of debate surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 launch. Some some saying it lacks a true killer app that makes it essential. Instead, the console has received a flood of ports of older titles. Some of which arguably feel like a step down in certain respects. Well, if you’d told me a year ago that I could be sitting on a train playing full-fat Street Fighter 6, I’d have laughed you off the platform. But here we are. Capcom have given their stellar brawler a tweak, added a few new features, and let it loose on Switch 2.
So, is Street Fighter 6: Year 1-2 Fighters Edition (to give it its full name) a good game? Of course it is. You can read about the Xbox Series X version in my review, where I still stand by my claim that it’s the best the series has been in years.
Switch to the Streets
There’s no question about the quality of the original source. What you’re probably more interested in is how well the game has transitioned to the Switch 2. The short answer is: fully. The game includes all content to date, including every DLC fighter.
There are also a handful of modes designed specifically for the Switch 2. And it supports full cross-platform multiplayer. Most impressively, graphics and performance haven’t taken a major hit, meaning it looks and plays just as smoothly as the other versions.
Read More: Street Fighter 6 (Xbox Series X) review – Mortal Fun
Admittedly, it’s not quite PS5 Pro or Xbox Series X level, but come on. It’s playable in handheld mode out on the street.
New Avenue
As for new or exclusive content, there’s Calorie Contest, where your actions are tracked via the Joy-Cons and converted into in-game moves. It’s silly fun, focused on burning the most calories.
Tabletop Mode is aimed at players wanting to square off on the go, allowing longer-format fights while in portable mode.
Read More: Nintendo Switch 2 Console review – Worthy Successor with Issues
This local multiplayer angle feeds into the central appeal of the Switch family: you can use Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, or whatever your preferred Switch 2 setup is to jump into a match.
Personally, I find the Pro Controller best, especially when hopping online to battle players across other platforms.
Read More: Capcom Fighting Collection 2 review – Eclectic Boogaloo
It’s also worth mentioning the game supports Amiibos. Luke, Jamie and Kimberly have all received the toys-to-life treatment, and there’s a Street Fighter 6 Amiibo Cards Starter Set, which unlocks extra goodies and challenges.
Standard controls are tight and responsive, just as you’d hope. When motion controls enter the mix, it’s clearly designed for having a laugh with a few mates—very hit-and-miss but undeniably good party fun.
No Crossing
My only gripe is the lack of cross-save support. If you’ve spent hours on another platform, you’ll have to start from scratch on the Switch 2. It’s not just a Switch 2 issue—it affects all builds of the game.
Street Fighter 6 was one of the standout games of last year, without question. The Year 1-2 Fighters Edition runs smoothly, packs in everything and then some, and lets me throw down challenges during lunch breaks in the tea room. It’s one of the best getting even better.
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Find TechStomper’s games reviews on OpenCritic.com