Many modern-day Street Fighter fans cut their teeth on the Super NES version of Street Fighter II, the fighting game by which all others continue to be measured even to this day. It's therefore fitting that 25 years later, Capcom is releasing a new version for the Nintendo Switch. We were on-hand to play the latest entry in both London and New York City, and we're going to share all the details we found during our play session.
Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers is very similar to the ridiculously named Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix which was released digitally back in 2008 for last-gen consoles; it features the same HD sprites that were made by famed Street Fighter comics publisher Udon and has the same cast, save for two new characters. Fresh to Ultra Street Fighter II are Evil Ryu and Violent Ken, both of whom have made appearances in other games, but never before in a Street Fighter II title.
Evil Ryu has a longer history than his counterpart, appearing originally in Street Fighter Alpha 2. Evil Ryu is a version of Street Fighter's main protagonist who has been tainted by the Satsui no Hadou - an evil power that turns those affected by it into battle-crazed monsters bent on destruction; it's the same power that series favorite Akuma uses. Violent Ken on the other hand is making his first appearance in a Capcom-produced game. Previously, Violent Ken has only appeared in one game, SVC Chaos, and Neo Geo-based SNK/Capcom crossover title in which he appeared as a playable character. Violent Ken uses M. Bison's psycho power, though he doesn't seem to gain much by way of new moves. Both Evil Ryu and Violent Ken retain the core move set of their normal counterparts, with the addition of a teleport for Evil Ryu and a command dash for Violent Ken, both of which can slip through enemies and their projectiles. Evil Ryu gets Akuma's famous "Raging Demon" super move, while Violent Ken unleashes a flurry of blows ending in a Shoryuken.
Capcom has also made a lot of under-the-hood alterations for Ultra Street Fighter II. The largest known change so far is that players can now tech throws, meaning that it's possible to break out of a throw - something that wasn't previously possible in the Street Fighter II series of games. Combo timing is significantly different from the original '90s games as well, making it easier for those familiar with newer entries like Street Fighter 4 to carry their skills over to the Switch version.
Ultra Street Fighter II supports all of the Switch's control options, including single Joy-Con play, which makes it a nice "pick up and play" game for impromptu battles with friends. Hardcore fans will definitely want to opt for the Pro Controller above all else, but playing with a single Joy-Con was definitely serviceable - though obviously not the preferred method. Playing with both Joy-Cons in the Joy-Con grip also worked well, but for the best experience we imagine that Hori's arcade stick will be a must.
Right now, Ultra Street Fighter II has a roster of 18 characters, all of which were playable at the event. Capcom declined to comment on whether or not additional characters would be added before the game releases at an as yet undisclosed time, but we're not holding our breath. Capcom was willing to confirm online play, but was keeping quiet on finer details such as whether or not there would be a lobby system and how it would integrate with the Switch's smartphone app. There will also be a "Dramatic Battle" mode in which two players can team up against a single opponent (although classic mode recycled from past entries) though we were unable to play that in the demo; Capcom did state, however, that the mode would only support local co-op, meaning no online 2-on-1 action.
If you're a fan of old-school Street Fighter, Ultra Street Fighter II looks as though it will scratch that itch when it launches. We highly recommend keeping an eye on it, as there are still some surprises left to reveal.
Comments (93)
It's silly since I won this game over and over.. but yes, I am quite looking forward to buying it again and hope Capcom gives us more "Street Fighter" in the future (even "Ultra IV").
I will support this game but only to let Capcom know that more Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, Power Stone, Project Justice, Plasma Sword, or even a Tatsunoko vs. Capcom 2 would be nice for the Switch. Don't let me down Capcom.
Wasn't a fan when it was released back roughly 10 years ago, not a fan today. Love me some 'traditional' SF, but that clean HD sheen as opposed to the more retro pixel look I favour. Any option to Switch? Some pun intended.
The price tag is $40. The lads on Digital Foundry were saying it's a port of the Xbox360 Live arcade game and back then it cost virtually nothing. Just a couple of extra characters and apparently a story mode have been added.
@Pazuzu666 just like the 10 years old hd remix on the PS3 or Xbox, you can switch between hd and retro
@Pazuzu666 yeah you can switch between old and new graphics, I wasn't a fan of ssf2thdr but I might give this a try
If they re-released all the street fighter alpha games on the switch it would be amazing
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Ouch!
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I doubt it will be that expensive. 10 years ago hd remix on the PS3 was 11.99.
@Pazuzu666
I've seen reports elsewhere that the HD look can be turned off and replaced with the original pixel look
@UK-Nintendo Digital Foundry said that $40 is its RRP. We'll see.
Definitely on my list to buy! I remember how excited I was when I got Super Street Fighter II on my SNES ... that was ages ago!
@SLIGEACH_EIRE lol. I thought they will bring it out only for the switch virtual console
How is this playable with with the joy-con when there is no D-Pad? It must play horrible when using that.
@motang those were the days. I bought my snes bundle boxed with street fighter 2 turbo.
Can't wait to have this. Hoping other Franchises from Capcom will get the HD treatment. Haven't been a big fan of 3D street fighter games.
@kobashi100 it is. You need the pro controller to play this. Dpad is definitely recommended.
Looking forward to this especially with talk of new modes and extras. It felt great when I played it at the Switch event
@SLIGEACH_EIRE What do they know?
@kobashi100 I played it with the stick and it felt fine actually. Maybe if you're deeply into fighting games you won't like it but for people like me who just like to casually play there's no problem
I'm going to try and actively support 3rd party games in the first year or so of the Switch's lifecycle. I may not necessarily love/want another SFII game but I want Capcom to see sales and a strong user base so they consider bringing franchises like Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, Mega Man and more to the Switch. I'll probably also grab the Bomberman game when I get my system, too. I plan on showing 3rd parties love and picking up more Nintendo 1st party games slower.
The game looks nice but what is up in the chance in graphics at around 2.08 in the trailer. Do hope we get other franchises from capcom besides Monster hunter as that franchise will make it way to the switch eventually
As said before, the fact the Switch is getting an outright old Street Fighter game after the PS4 got a brand new one - as controversial as it was - is kind of insulting.
@AlexSora89 not really. I think the Switch will have tons of games...but, different ones. It's gotta separate itself from the competition, so I think it will be the only place you can go for certain types of titles---this included.
@Frosty_09 I told them the same in the comments of the trailer on Facebook.
3rd Strike is my favorite SF.Having it in HD and portable would be awesome.
Biggest issue is the lack of a D-pad on the standard left Joycon making a Pro controller or arcade stick a must.
Still hope Nintendo releases a "single-player" left Joycons at some point in he future cos it means I'll never be able to comfortably play 2D games when in portable mode.
Oh that and the faux F-16 in Guile's HD stage; at least they kept it in the original graphics stage.
Was and remain mixed on HD graphics; they seem "flat". Much prefer the superb animated sprites of SFIII.
@retro_player_22 Unfortunately Capcom has show little interest in making good use of it's classic licenses. Hence all the kickstarter games getting hundreds of thousands/millions of dollars to make copies of Capcom games. Money Capcom apparently doesn't want.
Heck, Megaman Legends had hundreds of thousands of people HELPING to make the game but Capcom still shut it down!
The character sprite looks so sharp.
But I don't like UDON style art for event, character portrait.
Too Western in my opinion.
Love to see SF II back on Switch.
But I will be happier if SF Alpha 3 and SF III 3rd Strike appear on Switch with HD Remastered.
@AlexSora89 Well Sony paid for the development. If Capcom released Streetfighter V to the Switch (or XboxOne who also didn't get it) Capcom would likely face a massive legal battle.
There may eventually be a new Streetfighter on the Switch, but it takes time to develop a new game. Capcom hadn't even finished Streetfighter V when it was released.
@Anti-Matter I'm not a big fan of the art style in general, the linework isn't all that great & then modern use of very thin lines reminds me of the more low budget anime we get now. Still... the game still looks fun!
I'm interested in the game but quite concerned about playing this game with an analog stick instead of dpad. I know there will be a Pro Controller but apparently it's going to be quite expensive
Tech throws?! Here is all of my money Capcom. Gonna need a HRAP As soon as possible.
I'll be having some of this
they really think of nintendo as the retro console, i think.
Unless there's a lot more to it I'll switch this. I already own the HD Remix on 360, on the Capcom Digital Collection disk.
Now if it was Ultra Street Fighter Alpha 3 HD Remix you would not be able to stop me from getting it at launch.
Will get this as long as Capcom is serious about the "Final" part of the title. Enough revisions of the same game, already!
@Pazuzu666
I do believe you can't switch between old pixelated graphics and this.
@HeroOfTime32
If this Street Fighter II re-release stays exclusive, it might - might - have some appeal. I'm not sure of its value otherwise. Heck, I'm not even sure of its value to begin with!
@steve_bowling it's 19 characters here, not 18. Don't forget Akuma.
@DanteSolablood
Which brings to another question - why can't Nintendo go the Bayonetta 2 route with other games?
I mean, other consoles are using exclusives like ammunition. If the new Bomberman is an exclusive, for example, Bomberman fans will buy a Switch. Doing the same with more games, even better with dormant franchises (such as a new Mega Man, an actual new actual Mega actual Man actually made by actual Capcom), would sell more consoles alone.
Must have for me!
A new ghosts n goblins would be nice please capcom
@FX102A This has been my issue since they've announced everything. I'm not going to be playing multiplayer out and about. I'd prefer a left joycon with a D-Pad or anything 2D is pretty much out. I have no time to play games at home much anymore and I'm not about to carry around a secondary pro controller with me everywhere I go.
The sprites are a bit too large. They should zoom out a bit so we can see more of the background. This comes very close to MUGEN which also has big sprites.. i hate that!
@EllenJMiller
Ooh...Alpha 3 in HD remastered ?!
I can fainted...
@WWammy
Uugh... spinning command button like Zangief better on Analog rather than D-pad. >_<
Dpad is still better because it allows for more precise movement even with the spinning pile driver @Anti-Matter
I'm not really interested in the dramatic battle, but it's good that the game will have online play. If more fighting games come to the Switch(not including Smash) I might pick this up along with a Hori arcade stick.
@DanteSolablood Hopefully that might be changing.They said a few months back they're looking to revive some of their old IP's.Maybe this new SF2 is the start of that.
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/05/capcom_could_be_planning_to_bring_back_old_ip
@OorWullie We can only hope, it seems mad that other games developers are making considerable amounts of money from Capcom's classic IP while Capcom tells fans to "speak to the hand."
Glad to read they may be open to making two 1m selling in a year instead of making one 2m selling game in four years.
@shonenjump86 Apparently Neo Geo games are coming in March starting with "King of Fighters '98" through something called Arcade Archives.I think they're remastered too and have online rankings.Not sure about online play though? Waku Waku 7, Shock Troopers, World Heroes Perfect and Metal Slug 3 are other Neo Geo titles on the way.Looking at the amount of Arcade Archive releases on the other consoles,we're in for a lot of retro classics on a consistent basis.
@OorWullie
Whoa, I would definitely pick up those Neo Geo games.
I'll stick with the Capcom Vs. Marvel games. I really enjoy the Street Fighter Series, but I already have SFII in many different forms and they will be enough for me.
A Nintendo Switch exclusive that is more complete than Street Fighter V on PS4 and Windows 10 (PC)... I am completely sold to the extreme. I'm definitely gonna buy the Nintendo Switch and some games including Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers!
Looking forward to playing as Violent Ken and Ryu 2 Dope.
@DanteSolablood Yep,it's hard to understand their logic.When it comes to classic IP's,very few devs can compete with them but they don't use them.Games like this Ultra SF 2 probably hasn't cost them much to make and will surely bring in a profit.Even making official retro sequels like Mega Man 9 & 10 are surely low risk investments.What about a Final Fight 4 or Ghouls & Ghost 2?I'm sure there is a big audience there for games like that.
@Jamotello Actually, it's the 30th Anniversary of the Street Fighter franchise... and also the 25th Anniversary of Street Fighter II: The World Warrior for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
@retro_player_22 I can vouch for that. Capcom needs to bring back all their IPs and put them on switch.
WHERE IS FINAL FIGHT HD REMIX?
@OorWullie If I remember correctly Streetfighter X Megaman was a fan game that Capcom gave official license too. But that wasn;'t until after they received a torrent of hatemail/petitions.
I only know this because I started a Lets Play a few years back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON-Fx-HL8Vs
@Pazuzu666 Yes there is! You can switch between the HD visuals to Super Turbo's look if you like.
The more Street Fighters Capcom make the more I will buy.
Well it is Street Fighter so I am going to buy it. I hope the hori controller and arcade stick are reasonably priced as well.
@retro_player_22 I also hope games like Power Stone makes a comeback on The Switch
I understand how this could be considered a slightly lazy move by capcom but I'm such a shameless street fighter nut, owning multiples of the same versions on many different systems, that I'll definitely be picking this up. It almost feels like street fighter 2 is coming home after 25 years after its original release on the super famicom. I still remember actually getting my hands on an imported copy a day before the Japanese release way back in 1992, halcyon days although it did interfere with my college work!
@OorWullie that's great news about the arcade archives. They've already released a ton of great retro arcade games on the ps4 such as double dragon 1/2 and some of the SNK games. I'm really looking forward to this now. A Hori arcade stick is now a must.
I'm loving the article's art, in like how these roster pictures usually don't account for how crowded it would be to fit everybody this close together, but then you have Cammy pushing Balrog's face aside just so she can fit in, in that pose nonetheless
@retro_player_22 They seem to have forgotten about Project Justice. I honestly cannot fathom how they haven't released yet even the cheapest re-release of it on any console.
@EllenJMiller I would like for it to happen, but I seriously doubt they'll ever repeat the effort poured into SSF2T HD; I remember reading about it when it came out, and it was insane. I'd settle for just a plain arcade port of any Alpha game or SF3 on the switch.
@Miketeevee76 Yep, I'm looking forward to them. I wasn't aware of Arcade Archives before but saw them mentioned after the presentation and had a look into them.Ever since the few VC arcade titles we got on Wii, one of my biggest wishes was to see it expanded but it never happened with Wii U.If Switch receives the same amount support the other consoles have, I'll be a happy man. Hopefully we'll get some mid 90's Sega Arcade classics too.
@AlexSora89 Portability and there is no version of SFIIHD on current consoles. The game is still played heavily.
Capcom, you can sneak 3rd Strike in there too if you want. I won't mind.
I'll wait to buy this but I probably will eventually, either when it's on sale or when I have nothing left to play. Can't go wrong with Street Fighter, no matter which version!
@Ryu_Niiyama

Now, if only there were more SF games crammed in, that would change the situation a fair deal. And I would react accordingly.
There's certainly nothing wrong with putting this out on Switch, it's a classic for a reason. I just hope it has more to do with the PS4 exclusivity deal than whether the system can handle it that the first thing announced is a re-release of a classic and not at least a variation on SFV.
It nearly sends the message that the Switch isn't powerful enough to handle that, so here's a spiffed-up version of a game the SNES could do. What about SF IV? That was on 3DS so there shouldn't be a reason they couldn't . Just from a marketing perspective, you don't want to give people the impression right out of the gate that this new console is best suited to older games or that since it's semi-portable that it's more capable of Smash Bros 3DS than Smash Bros Wii U.
The problem I have with this game is (well, besides the fact that I can't play with the stiff controls very well) they're selling it as a game with new characters, but the characters are just pallete swaps of existing characters, which I'm sure took very little actual effort to do.
I would have been much more impressed if they took the time to create two NEW characters for the game, anyone from future Street Fighter games (perhaps a new Street Fighter V character, and one from a previous game) and condensed them down to the platform. Imagine characters like Hakan, F.A.N.G., Alex, Rashid, or any of the other memorable characters from future games being brought back to change up the game. I'd be much more eager to support it!
Any word on pricing?
Day one
The combo timing in "Street Fighter IV" is still too strict for my tastes. I prefer the combo systems in series like "Dead or Alive" or "Naruto: Clash of Ninja." Although they aren't strictly 2D fighters like Street Fighter, the combo system could still translate just fine.
My dream 2D fighter would have Street Fighter like special move inputs, a lenient combo system as already mentioned, over the top super moves that are still pretty well balanced along with the rest of the gameplay, and neutral position blocking (with the usual ideas of throws and guard breaks to balance it).
@UK-Nintendo I bought the Japanese version of SF 2 Turbo as soon as it came out (with an adapter). I still remember the cheat to make it go even faster.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE That's asinine >.>
I like the look of this, but absolutely not worth paying the RRP, unless it were a collection of the older games ... I guess we should be thankful it still has more content than SFV at launch!
@NovaPrime lol. I think everyone knew the cheat that time. The game was a blast and still is. I have it still on my Wii, virtual console.
Why has nobody mentioned the first-person hi-res clip near the end of the video anywhere?!
If its $40, there's more coming than what has been announced. I for one am very excited about this release!
@Agent721
I hope they announce more features, as I'm really hoping to pick this up when it comes out.
Adore this game, it's fitting it comes to the Switch. But the price needs to be right and it will be interesting to see how the younger gamers will take to the older format.
@blowback1976
They keep hinting more is coming, so hopefully they'll do a full reveal soon. SFII is truly the only fighter I've ever loved and I still love to play the original a few times a year. Right now, the fighter I come back to the most is Killer Instinct on the Xbone, but I am really looking forward to hoping back into SFII with the Switch.
@retro_player_22 Tatsunoko was such a good game!! Sadly, filled to the brim with characters seldom seen in the West. In Latin America, these characters were far more common.
@AlexSora89 It is not. Sony paid for it to happen. Nintendo never does.
@RetroGamingBlog I'm not that iinteretst even though I'm a fan. But let's be honest: a remake is not a good fit to a new console, unless said remake is brimming with new content. I'll buy it in a heartbeat if it comes at 20 bucks or less, with tons of content, 30 bucks tops.
Hype day one!!
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Well Digital Foundry should stick to hardware specs then. It has already been confirmed to have different mechanics. The HD character models are being reused, that's it.
@maceng
They should start.
@Pazuzu666 Yes, there is traditional Pixel option.
@maceng it's the best iteration of street fighter for me personally - it fits well for the play style of the Switch which is pick up and go. But the control method will be an issue unfortunately. Joy cons lack of d-pad spell trouble.
At the end of the trailer there is a very short 3D animated scene in first person view showing Ryu hitting Bison with a Hadoken. What's that about?
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