Best NeoGeo games for Nintendo Switch in 2023
Catch up on some of the classics.

Nintendo has been regularly releasing classic NES and SNES titles via Nintendo Switch Online, making the console much more appealing for nostalgic gamers. Adding to that library is a collection of titles from NeoGeo, a gaming console released in 1990 by SNK Corporation.
These re-releases are naturally really old games, meaning they perform extremely well on the Nintendo Switch. If you've already played through the best Nintendo Switch games from more recent years and now want to catch up on gaming history, these are the best NeoGeo Nintendo Switch games.
Metal Slug
Metal Slug wasn't the first game to have mechanics that would later be referred to as "run and gun" but it certainly aided in the genre's popularity. Players step into the shoes of the Peregrine Falcon Squad, which is trying to recover the titular Metal Slug weapon. If you enjoy modern spins on this genre such as Cuphead, it's worth checking out Metal Slug.
Metal Slug
If you have never spent time with this run and gun classic then now is your chance. Metal Slug is one of the original, proto-bullet hell arcade games. It's frenetic, fast, fun, and well worth the price of admission.
Buy from: Nintendo
Blazing Star
While not as popular or well-received as some of the other games in this list, Blazing Star is a 1998 shoot em' up. Players choose between cyborgs with different advantages and disadvantages, piloting ships and taking out the forces of a malevolent AI.
Blazing Star
If you are in the market for a shooter with super tight controls, blazing-fast challenging gameplay, and bizarre translations, then Blazing Star is the name of the game for you. For many years it has been considered a top-tier shooter.
Buy from: Nintendo
Big Tournament Golf
Originally released in 1996 under the name Neo Turf Masters, Big Tournament Golf is interesting, because it's a very rare example of a NeoGeo game that wasn't some flavor of shoot em' up. If you're interested in a game of golf — or simply want something different than the rest of the NeoGeo titles — then you should check it out.
Big Tournament Golf
Perhaps you are wanting to try a NeoGeo title that isn't a fighter or a shooter. That doesn't leave a whole lot of options available to you. However, Neo Turf Masters is a great way to spend some time if you are a fan of golf games. This classic NeoGeo title is challenging and has some gameplay that has actually held up quite well over the years.
Buy from: Nintendo
King of Fighters 98'
King of Fighters is a classic SNK fighting game franchise, and if you want to see an iconic part of the history of fighting games, then you should try it out. King of Fighters 98' benefits from polish after the developers received feedback on prior games. Hop in with a friend and play a few rounds!
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.
Buy from: Nintendo
Pulstar
If you like R-Type, then you'll love Pulstar. There are noted similarities between the games, and Pulstar fulfills the time-honored tradition of letting players hop into a spaceship and try to shoot down alien foes while also being ludicrously outnumbered.
Pulstar
Pulstar is something of a spiritual successor to R-Type, with extreme similarities in gameplay and overall design. Either way, it's a great shoot 'em up and a great way to spend a few bucks.
Buy from: Nintendo
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
As one of the many games in the iconic Fatal Fury series, the 1999 game Garou: Mark of the Wolves follows a mostly new cast, though of course Terry Bogard returns. The gameplay remains tight, with new mechanics that encourage careful defensive play. After all these years, a sequel is finally on the way, so now is as good a time as any to brush up on your skills.
Garou: Mark of The Wolves
If you're familiar with the army of fighting games that came out for the NeoGeo, then you are undoubtedly well aware of Garou: Mark of The Wolves. The ninth title in the long line of Fatal Fury 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.
Buy from: Nintendo
Shock Troopers
Like many similar games of its time, the 1997 title Shock Troopers is a run and gun that is meant to be replayed. Setting it apart, Shock Troopers allows players to choose different characters, each of which have distinct bonuses. Players are also able to pick the path they'd like, increasing the replay value as there are different regions and levels to play through.
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.
Buy from: Nintendo
Old games, fresh fun
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New games for Nintendo Switch can be pricey, so between big purchases you can have some more affordable fun by checking out a true classic. The best NeoGeo games for Nintendo Switch let you play through a bit of video game history and see how much graphics and some genres have evolved.
Start with Metal Slug, the first game in the run-and-gun series that ran from 1996 to 2009, and command the Peregrine Falcon Squad as they try to recapture the titular stolen weapon. The NeoGeo was perhaps best known for fight games and if you want to see why you should pick up King of Fighters '98, which is also part of a storied series. With each title priced at less than $10, you won't be risking much so this is a great way to try out something new.
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- Samuel TolbertContributor