Retro game collections can often feel like barebones ROM dumps, offering little more than the original game code with no context or enhancements. Thankfully, the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection for Nintendo Switch is a shining example of how to do retro right. This compilation expertly ports 12 iconic Street Fighter titles from their arcade origins to the Switch, adding a wealth of customization options, historical background, and captivating concept art. While playing through a dozen iterations of what fundamentally boils down to a handful of core Street Fighter styles might seem daunting, this collection is a must-have for its historical significance and sheer depth, especially for fans wanting Street Fighter For Switch.
This robust package includes the original Street Fighter, a staggering five versions of Street Fighter II, three iterations of Street Fighter Alpha, and the visually stunning Street Fighter III series, also represented by three distinct versions. As someone with a casual appreciation for the Street Fighter franchise, mainly through Street Fighter II, the other series felt like uncharted territory. My first experience with the original Street Fighter was eye-opening, and likely my last in earnest. Beyond its late 80s aesthetic, the first game hasn’t aged gracefully. The quantum leap in quality and gameplay between the original and Street Fighter II is truly remarkable.
Street Fighter II, even decades later, remains an exceptional fighting game. However, the initial entries in this collection, namely The World Warrior and Champion Edition, pale in comparison to the refined gameplay of Hyper Fighting, The New Challengers, and Turbo. Witnessing the evolution from the initial release to the later iterations over just three years is fascinating. Playing each game in sequence reveals the subtle but impactful refinements in graphics and gameplay mechanics that cemented Street Fighter II’s legendary status.
Image: Classic Street Fighter II gameplay on the Nintendo Switch, showcasing the retro graphics and iconic characters in the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection for Switch.
For me, the true revelation of this collection was the Alpha series. The Street Fighter Alpha games offer a noticeably faster pace than Street Fighter II, emphasizing combo execution and aggressive playstyles. Unlike the iterative updates within the Street Fighter II series, the three Alpha titles are distinct entries, each introducing significant changes, new characters, and evolving gameplay mechanics. The combo system itself sees refinements between Alpha 1 and 2, and Alpha 3 introduces a unique “ism” system, allowing players to choose fighting styles reminiscent of Alpha 1, Alpha 2, or even Street Fighter II, adding incredible depth and replayability to street fighter for switch experiences.
The final segment of this collection is dedicated to Street Fighter III and its three iterations: New Generation, 2nd Impact, and 3rd Strike. The animation quality in these games remains breathtakingly fluid and detailed, even by today’s standards. The defining gameplay addition in Street Fighter III is the parry system, a high-risk, high-reward mechanic that demands precise timing and adds a layer of strategic depth that is initially challenging but immensely rewarding to master in street fighter for switch.
Each game in the collection can be experienced in its pure arcade form, meticulously ported to function flawlessly on the Nintendo Switch. Versus and Training modes are also included across all titles, providing ample opportunity to familiarize yourself with the nuances of each game’s control scheme – a crucial feature given the subtle but distinct differences between each title. However, it’s worth noting that no current Nintendo Switch controller feels perfectly optimized for Street Fighter. The Pro Controller’s D-pad is functional but not ideal for precise fighting game inputs, and the Joy-Cons, especially when used individually, are simply too small for comfortable extended play sessions. The Switch desperately needs a readily available, high-quality arcade stick to truly elevate the street fighter for switch experience.
Four games within the collection offer online multiplayer functionality: Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting, Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Street Fighter Alpha 3, and Street Fighter III: Third Strike. During online matches, occasional lag was noticeable. While some matches were smooth and enjoyable, the online experience was inconsistent. The inclusion of an Online Arcade mode is a welcome addition, allowing players to practice offline while waiting for online opponents. A lobby system further enhances the online experience, enabling up to four players to gather and rotate through different games. These four titles also support local multiplayer on multiple Switch consoles. Exclusive to the Switch version is Street Fighter II: The Tournament Battle, a unique mode that lets you connect four Switch systems to recreate the classic arcade tournament experience. While setting up a four-Switch local tournament might be niche, it’s a fantastic inclusion, and a feature many hope to experience at gaming events in the future, truly embracing the portable street fighter for switch aspect.
However, the true hidden gem of the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection is the Museum mode. This interactive timeline spans the series’ history from its 1987 inception to the present day, offering direct access to playable games from within the timeline. It’s packed with fascinating trivia, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, detailed development information, and a treasure trove of concept art. A comprehensive character section provides in-depth backstories for each playable character, alongside sprite breakdowns showcasing their evolution across different games. The Museum even includes a scanned copy of the original Street Fighter pitch document and a detailed breakdown of Street Fighter II’s groundbreaking development process.
While individually, the 12 games in this collection might not justify the purchase for everyone outside of hardcore series enthusiasts, the complete Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection is a meticulously curated package of significant historical value. It serves as an invaluable interactive archive for understanding the first decade of this iconic fighting game franchise. Even if you anticipate online defeats, the collection’s exceptional production quality and user-friendly interface make it enjoyable and accessible even for players who struggle with basic Hadoukens. Aside from the lack of an ideal arcade stick option for Switch and the occasional online hiccups, if you are seeking a comprehensive and definitive way to experience classic Street Fighter games, particularly on the go, this collection is undoubtedly the best option available and is likely to remain so for years to come, making it a must-have for street fighter for switch fans and retro gaming enthusiasts alike.
