Shoot ’em ups have seen their ups and downs in popularity over the years, but the Nintendo Switch was particularly kind to one of gaming’s first breakout genres. So kind, in fact, that it can be difficult to choose from the massive selection. With an assortment of big-name classics, revivals, and indie shooters, there’s something there to scratch any shooting fan’s itch across both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. We’ve picked out 20 of the best Switch shoot ’em up games to play on Switch and Switch 2 for your consideration.
Gradius Origins
Konami and M2’s newest collection is incredible with its plethora of versions, accessibility options, and brand-new game included. If you’ve ever been interested in Gradius, there’s no better way to check out the games and even play a new take on Salamander with M2’s Salamander III. While these games are hard, M2 has shipped different versions with difficulty options and training for specific games to ensure you get the most bang for your buck here. As someone who hadn’t played Gradius before, Gradius Origins is a near-perfect collection as far as I’m concerned, and it plays great on Switch and Switch 2 with my arcade controllers.
Toaplan Arcade Collection Vol 1 and 2
I’m cheating with this entry because not only am I including two releases in one spot, but two different collections together. A little while ago, BitWave slowly released Toaplan’s shmups on PC through standalone games and bundled release. These included Flying Shark, Tiger Heli, Batsugun, Truxton, Hellfire, Zero Wing, and many more. While they had issues at launch, the major ones have been addressed, leaving some sound issues still present. Now, Clear River has released them on Nintendo Switch in two bundles.
These bundles, priced at $35 each or $70 for both, include all of those games with a bit more input lag compared to PC based on feel, but with a much nicer presentation for selecting the games and the game settings. This isn’t to say that they feel laggy, but that you should expect a bit more lag on Switch as with most shmups.
Darius Gaiden (from Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade)
Yes, I’m recommending buying the full Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade release just for Darius Gaiden. It is that good. Darius Gaiden is the third main entry in the series. Despite launching in 1994, it is a timeless classic with its sublime music, the ability to capture midbosses, and much more. It is also a gorgeous shmup and one of M2’s best releases yet.
Danmaku Unlimited 3
Doragon Entertainment’s Danmaku Unlimited series has been a lovely blend of classic bullet hell experiences, but in a more approachable package. Danmaku Unlimited 3, in particular, is a great introduction game for bullet hell shmups, and it also happens to just be a plain awesome experience with a fantastic soundtrack on its own. If you’ve ever felt like shmups look too intimidating, this is the one to try.
Radiant Silvergun
One of the holy grails of the SEGA Saturn import library, Radiant Silvergun can now be easily obtained without selling any of your organs. Developed by Treasure, Radiant Silvergun gives the player access to multiple weapons at once, each mapped to its own button. It also features an amazing soundtrack by Hitoshi Sakimoto of Final Fantasy Tactics fame. The joy in this game is learning where and when to use each weapon, and it’s something you don’t see in many other titles in this genre.
Ikaruga
Call it a second swing or a spiritual follow-up, Ikaruga is Treasure’s other well-known shoot ’em up. This one draws ideas from an earlier action-platformer from the developer, Silhouette Mirage, which used a color-based system for attacking and defending. You need to alternate between black and white to maximize damage while keeping yourself safe from incoming enemy barrages. Ikaruga is often cited as a favorite by people who aren’t usually into shoot ’em ups. If that’s you, then this might be a great place to start.
Rolling Gunner
I won’t mince words: Rolling Gunner is a real challenge, especially if you dip into its Overpower DLC. But it’s a challenge worth taking on, because this is a seriously fun game. Its bullet hell sensibilities call to mind some of Cave’s legendary shooters, and that’s no coincidence as some former Cave staff worked on Rolling Gunner. The gimmick is in the title, as you have a gun that “rolls” around your ship, shooting in multiple directions. Master it and you might survive.
Crimzon Clover – World EXplosion
Crimzon Clover is one of the more intense games on this list, but this Switch version of the game has plenty of options and modes so that players of all skill levels should be able to find the right temperature for their tastes. Perhaps more importantly, it gives you a lot of tools for improving so that you can get more experienced if you desire. The Break system encourages you to push your luck, and you’ll be rewarded greatly if you get away with it. The boss battles in this game are a genuine spectacle as well. An excellent Cave-style vertical shooter.
Deathsmiles I – II
Unfortunately, there aren’t as many Cave games on the Switch as there used to be due to some unfortunate delistings. Of the remaining selection, Deathsmiles I – II is probably the one to dive into. You get Deathsmiles, Deathsmiles Black Label, and Deathsmiles II all in one handy package. Black Label is the best of the bunch, but they’re all worth spending time with. The gameplay is excellent and the gothic aesthetic is quite striking. Naturally, you’ll be dealing with the signature high level of bullet hell chicanery that made Cave famous, but there aren’t many feelings in gaming better than surviving a curtain of brightly colored death dots by the skin of your teeth.
G-Darius HD
You can find just about the entire Darius series on the Switch, and you can have fun with almost any of them. The two crown jewels of the franchise are Darius Gaiden (which can be found on Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade) and G-Darius. This HD version includes both the spiffy new remaster and a version closer to the original. Either way, it’s a great game. The enemy capture mechanic keeps the gameplay interesting while the sights and sounds engage your senses.
Ray’z Arcade Chronology
Taito has more than the Darius series up its sleeves, of course. While a short-lived series, the Ray games played around with three dimensions in some interesting ways. You get all three games in this set. The first game, RayForce, is probably the most mechanically sound, but the sequels have some very interesting ideas that make them well worth playing as well.
Drainus
A lot of the games in this list are best enjoyed by focusing on trying to improve your scores. It’s where the genre tends to find its longest legs, after all. Drainus can be played for score, but it’s really more about the journey from start to finish. The main gimmick here is your ability to absorb enemy attacks and launch them back. You can survive taking hits here and there, so this ends up being a bit more forgiving than most games in the genre. A stellar entry point to the genre for those in search of one.
Raiden IV x Mikado Remix
The Raiden series is well-represented on the Switch, with a handful of games to choose from. While some might prefer to go with the original game via Arcade Archives, I find that Raiden IV x Mikado Remix does a nice job of balancing the old and the new. There are plenty of modes to try, with the Overkill mode offering the most thrills. In Overkill, you’re given big score bonuses for blasting as many shots as possible into defeated foes. There are also three distinct ships and characters to try out, adding to the variety.
Terra Flame
Indie developer Terarin has several shoot ’em ups available on the Switch covering a variety of inspirations. Many of his games evoke the PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 era of shooters, with a focus on timed Caravan modes and a general aesthetic that screams Compile. Terra Flame is of this mold, and it offers a reprieve for those who find themselves overwhelmed by bullet hell games. A fair warning, however: once you try one Terarin game, you’ll want to play them all.
NeverAwake
NeverAwake is the least conventional game in this selection. It plays well, has a fascinating atmosphere, and is very unique. Its levels are sometimes very brief since you don’t always have to fully explore them to finish them. You get a fairly interesting story here, and it’s exciting trying to guess what will happen next. The unlockable challenges and leaderboards are the cherry on top of this bizarre sundae. Definitely one to check out for those seeking something a little different.
Cotton Fantasy
Cotton has had a major comeback in the last several years. Once a franchise where most of the entries were rare and cost a fortune to buy, Cotton now not only has all of its classic entries rereleased but also has this great new original game. The silly theme and furious action make for a curious blend, and Cotton Fantasy doesn’t miss a single step in carrying that legacy forward. If you enjoy this game, make sure you also check out the equally enjoyable Cotton Reboot.
Kyukyoku Tiger-Heli -Toaplan Arcade Garage-
It’s too bad that more of M2’s excellent shooting game collections haven’t left Japan, but I suppose we should be happy even one managed it. This collection includes legendary arcade developer Toaplan’s hit games Tiger-Heli and Twin Cobra, with additional games and ports available via paid DLC. These games are a bit older, but their charm is significant and it’s brought out further by M2’s careful handling. The extra modes and features greatly enhance the package and really help these games shine their brightest.
Devil Engine: Complete Edition
Devil Engine is a slick shooter with a lot of appeal for fans of games like Thunder Force. Great graphics, excellent music, and rather easy-to-understand mechanics make this immediately engaging, while the high level of challenge and assortment of unlockables will keep you coming back. This isn’t a game to take lightly, and you’ll probably have to put in some serious practice if you want to get anywhere. That might be a plus or minus depending on your tastes, but do keep it in mind.
R-Type Dimensions EX
For its age, it’s remarkable just how great R-Type feels to play today. You can play the first two R-Type games in this package, swapping between fancy new graphics and the original look with the press of a button. The atmosphere, pace, and set pieces are all fantastic, and the journey of playing through both games feels epic. If you haven’t played R-Type before, you should. If you have played R-Type before, aren’t you about due for a replay?
Arcade Archives Shoot ’em Ups
Hamster’s Arcade Archives series has quite a few notable shmups on it, including Darius, Gradius, Metal Black, Thunder Cross, X Multiply, Terra Cresta, Image Fight, and much more. These are worth keeping an eye on for the rare discounts they get. The barrier to entry ranges from $3.99 to $7.99, depending on whether you buy them normally or wait for a sale, but you will likely find something you enjoy here for sure.
Bonus: Mushihimesama
I was in two minds about whether to include Espgaluda II or Mushihimesama here from Live Wire’s ports. I went with the latter because it is more accessible. I recommend playing both, but you should start with Mushihimesama AKA Bug Princess. This insect-themed shmup is chaotic and a great introduction to proper bullet hell. The reason this is a bonus game and not in the main list is because it is no longer available for purchase digitally. It is available physically, though, in some regi,ons and is worth tracking down a copy for.
Bonus: M2 ShotTriggers Japanese exclusives
While Tiger-Heli (as Shaun covered above) is available on the eShop, it is a shame that M2’s other ShotTriggers lineup hasn’t made its way to the eShop in the West. Gems like Esp Ra De Psi, Dodonpachi DOJ, Aleste Collection, and more are only available in Japan. If you ever feel like buying the equivalent of an expensive gourmet meal for shmups, the M2 ShotTriggers lineup is waiting for you, albeit in Japan. I decided to include these as a bonus because they require using the Japanese eShop or importing the physicals from Japan.
Those are our picks, but how about yours? What are your favorite shoot ’em up games on the Switch or Switch 2? Head down to the comments and let us know so that we can all enjoy even more shooters!
Article compiled by Shaun Musgrave and Mikhail Madnani
