Street Fighter 6 review on Switch 2 — Any time, any street

In my opinion, fighting games are at their best when they’re pick-up and play. If it takes too long to get into a match or is a bit too inconvenient, I’ll probably look for a different game unless it’s something really special. For that reason, I generally prefer to play fighters on PC or Switch. On the former, I can play on a handheld PC like the Steam Deck or just hit play on my second monitor when I get some minor writer’s block. On the latter, it’s incredibly easy to get in and out of any game, and given its portability, it’s generally my go-to console. So, when Street Fighter 6 was announced for Switch 2, I knew I was probably going to double dip despite already owning the game on PC. After spending some time with it, this version is far from perfect but still provides the Street Fighter 6 experience, from casual to competitive. 

GamingTrend previously reviewed Street Fighter 6 right here, so for a more thorough analysis of the base game, check that out as in this review, we’ll mostly be focusing on the quality of the port. As a weirdo who enjoys single player modes in fighting games, my first stop was World Tour. Here, you create an avatar, explore Metro City, fight thugs, and develop your own fighting style by mixing and matching moves from the actual roster. It’s a cool idea, though maybe not the most enjoyable in execution. I do find this mode easier to play on a portable console, but it is easily the worst running part of the game. It targets 60 fps, but hovers more around 40 when running around and can dip to 30 or below when in a battle. I also find that the lighting looks very harsh and often washes things out, something I haven’t experienced in the PC version.

The good news is that in everywhere else that matters, you’ll be getting a solid 60fps lock. Maybe not when selecting characters or walking around online lobbies, but once you actually get into a match, it looks and feels smooth. Playing a few matches online and going through Cun-Li’s arcade mode, the only dips were between rounds and the only slowdown was from poor internet connections. It’s a surprising feat in both portable and docked modes. 

The portability is what makes this port appealing, at least to me. I found the game doesn’t quite run well enough on Steam Deck, while this Switch 2 version feels a lot better. Playing with the Joy-Con 2 controllers does take some getting used to, but once you do, it’s as good as any other gamepad. 

This version also supports touch screen controls, which are great for menus, and motion controls, which are great for a laugh. There are two special modes for motion controls, both of which use the Joy-Con 2 turned sideways for two players (there is no single player option for this mode). You move by tilting the controller, shake to attack, move in a circle for super arts, press the face buttons for a Drive Impact, and hold SL or SR for Drive Parries. Honestly, it’s not very fun, but I could see it entertaining at a party or other gathering simply for the absurdity.