Best Neo Geo games for Nintendo Switch
- feb
- 21
Can't decide which Neo Geo games to try out on your Switch? Here are some of the best available.
Whether it was intentional or not, it would seem to me that the Nintendo Switch was perfectly designed to play old school games on. Yes, it's a powerful piece of machinery, but there is something magical about playing games from your childhood in the palm of your hand. It's one thing to dream about a device that plays every old school game you could ever want, but the reality is far more complicated than my dreams would indicate The only issue with making things like this a reality is when you get to the inevitable licensing issues. Fortunately, there seems to be one old-school console where licensing code has been cracked.
It is time to rejoice because it seems as if we are going to be seeing a pretty consistent stream of Neo Geo titles marching onto the Nintendo Switch. Released in the beginning of the 90's the Neo Geo was lauded for its seemingly endless parade of great fighting titles. When I was a kid the Neo Geo was far outside of our price range. However, I am now an adult and a great multitude of the great Neo Geo titles can be had on my Switch for less than ten dollars each.
If you are thinking about dipping your toe into the ever-growing pool of Neo Geo games on the Switch, here are some of the best available.
King of Fighters '98
If you're looking for a classic fighting game that is well loved and also happens to have a stunningly massive list of playable characters, then King of Fighters '98 is definitely a title to check out. $8 at Nintendo.
Metal Slug
If you have never spent time with this run and gun classic then now is your chance. It could be argued that Metal Slug is the proto-bullet hell arcade game. It's crazy, fast, fun, and well worth the price of admission. $8 at Nintendo.
Pulstar
I must confess that I love shooters or shmups as they are colloquially know. One of my favorite shmups of all time is R-Type. Something my great grandmother used to say is, "If you can't play R-Type, play Pulstar". She was really on to something because the similarities seem to border on outright theft. Either way, it's a great shoot 'em up and a great way to spend a few bucks. $8 at Nintendo.
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
If you're familiar with the army of fighting games that came out for the Neo Geo, then you are undoubtedly well aware of Garou: Mark of The Wolves. The ninth title in the long line of Fatal Fight games, Garou is a well designed and incredibly fun fighting game. If you're trying to brush up on the history of influential fighters, then give this one a try. $8 at Nintendo.
Shock Troopers
There is already another run and gun in this list, but I absolutely had to include Shock Troopers as well. Shock Troopers is one of my favorite offerings in this style from the old school era. There was a perfect port to PlayStation 3 a few years ago so I am stoked that I now get to play this on my Switch. $8 at Nintendo.
Which Neo Geo titles do you love on your Switch?
With so many fantastic Neo Geo titles available on the Nintendo Switch for such a reasonable price, there is little reason to become bored. I have found that these titles are great to pick up for short play periods or as a break from larger titles like Mario or Zelda. I know that I will be picking up plenty of other Neo Geo titles in the coming year and if you enjoy old-school arcade games, I suggest you do the same.