The Nintendo Switch game library has grown rapidly since the console’s launch in 2017 and now boasts a slew of awesome games across virtually every genre. Keeping up to date with all upcoming releases to the Switch eShop every week can be a challenge, but what a fantastic problem to have!
We’ve already looked at the sheer amount of awesome shmups available on Nintendo’s platform, but now it’s time to take a look at some of the best Run ‘n’ Gun shooters on Switch. These are games that put a projectile weapon in your hands and have you run around a top-down or side-scrolling level blasting seven bells from aliens, robots, or whatever else that moves.
From old-school re-releases and compilations to neo-classics and nostalgic flashbacks, load up this arm cannon and settle in for the best Switch racing and gun games, in no particular order.
Editor: Arcade team / Developer: JoyMasher
The 21st century version of Contra we were hoping for Contra: Rogue Corps would be, Flaming chrome is exactly what you’re looking for if you’re looking for some old school thrills – as long as you’re up for the challenge, of course. With all the settings, tight control, and epic gameplay you could want, this is one of the best 2D action games on console.
Editor: Capcom / Developer: Capcom
Following the spectacular disappointment of Powerful No. 9–a game we still owe a copy on 3DS, believe it or not – The return of the Blue Bomber by Capcom has shown everyone how it should be finished. This is a worthy follow-up to the beloved character and one that you’ll enjoy whether you’ve played Slices 1-10 or never hit a Mega Man.
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Editor: Konami / Developer: Konami
For those of us discouraged by the way garbage Contra: Rogue Corps turned out, at least Konami saw fit to release this collection of classic Contras. Contra anniversary collection is a wonderful little bundle of arcade originals and 8- and 16-bit inputs. With top-notch emulation offered by M2, this is arguably Konami’s most satisfying anniversary collection to date.
Editor: Coffee tincture studios / Developer: Easy triggering
This return to the run ‘n’ gun arcade shooter games of the 16-bit era is an absolute joy. Inspired by the past but adding a healthy dose of modern features and a great soundtrack to the mix, Hunt down is highly recommended for anyone looking at the screenshots and thinking for themselves’yes it looks good‘. It’s much better than ‘okay’ – it’s really great.
Editor: Capcom / Developer: Capcom
Another collection of classics, Mega Man Heritage Collection collects the NES entries of the series (this is the original Mega man Up to Mega man 6) and presents them beautifully on Switch. Digital Eclipse has also added a bunch of extras and challenges, along with a handy rewind feature if you don’t have time to master the moves you’ll need to beat each Robot Master. These games feature some of the best music from the 8-bit era, so we recommend adding it to your Switch collection for just that.
Editor: D4 Company / Developer: Nazca
You can’t go too wrong with Metal Slug, and Metal Slug X is arguably the pinnacle of the series. Essentially an updated “special” version of Metal slug 2, that classic Neo Geo still looks and feels fantastic on Switch, and Hamster has done its usual job on the port.
Editor: Inti creates / Developer: Inti creates
Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX is a very enjoyable, rewarding and charming game from Inti Creates, the studio that brought us the Mega Man Zero series (more on this soon) and several other entries on this list. It’s a shorter, easier ride than veterans might want, but it would be a great way for newbies to get involved in the genre.
Editor: Active gaming media / Developer: Pixel Studio
Kero Blaster is a Japanese indie take on the golden age of racing and gun games, replicating the deep and satisfying mechanics of the classics with a modern twist that makes it a bit more accessible to newcomers to the genre than some of the others here. You can also control a frog with a gun. Who could resist that?
Editor: Inti creates / Developer: Inti creates
A solid pair of Inti Creates, Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack gives both 3DS games an HD makeover for Switch with HD Rumble and all DLC. These aren’t perfect ports, and if you’ve played them on 3DS before, there’s not much to recommend double dipping, but otherwise it’s a very nice pair of shooters.
Editor: Capcom / Developer: Capcom
Mega Man X Legacy Collection is a fantastic re-release of the first four games in the series that includes the now familiar archive content and a new X Challenge mode. Unless you step back in time and play those 16/32 bit games on release, this is arguably the best way to experience these games these days.
Editor: Digital developer / Developer: Free Life Games
Broforce is filled with cartoons from 80s movies and nods to Hollywood’s most explosive decades. Check your brain out the door and sit down for a hilarious dose of run ‘n’ gun action that demands very little of you (other than that, you’re absolutely having a blast).
