GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- is a 2D fighting game by Arc System that’s finally making its debut on the Nintendo Switch! Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Overview

What is GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-?

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- is a 2.5D fighting game developed and published by Arc System Works, initially released in June 2021 for PC, PS4, and PS5, with subsequent releases on Xbox Series X|S on March 7, 2023, and Nintendo Switch on January 23, 2025. The game takes place after the events of Guilty Gear Xrd, focusing on the final confrontation with That Man, a key figure in the series' overarching story.

With a roster of 28 characters, the game incorporates traditional 2D fighting mechanics alongside systems like Roman Cancels, allowing players to manage combos and tension. Players can select modes such as Arcade, Versus, or Online, choosing their fighter and stage to compete by depleting the opponent's health using a combination of attacks, blocking, and special moves.

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- features:
　⚫︎　2.5D fighting game
　⚫︎　Base Roster of 28 Characters
　⚫︎　Includes Season Pass 1-3 Content
　⚫︎　Rollback Netcode
　⚫︎　Story Mode
　⚫︎　Local and Online Multiplayer

For more gameplay details, read everything we know about GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-'s gameplay and story.

Digital Storefronts
Switch
Price		$59.99

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Runs Strikingly Well Docked and Undocked Includes Season 1-3 Content In-Depth but Easy to Pick Up Combat System A Visual Feast Even on Switch	No Crossplay Resolution can Sometimes Compromise Visuals

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Overall Score - 82/100

Fans can breathe a sigh of relief—GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- on the Switch isn’t a Heaven or Hell gamble. This port delivers a rocking experience that will have fans shouting, “Let’s Rock!” as they finally take GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- on the go. Arc System Works has done an impressive job of bringing the game to the handheld hybrid, nailing the essence of the original with sharp visuals, smooth 60 fps gameplay, and all the content from the base game along with Seasons 1-3. However, the port isn’t without its flaws. The visuals occasionally take a noticeable hit, and the absence of crossplay is a significant drawback, especially for competitive players. Fingers crossed that crossplay support arrives in a future update.

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Story - 7/10

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-'s story mode serves more as a four-hour cinematic experience, beautifully rendered using in-game graphics. It’s visually stunning, but I recommend newcomers take a moment to review the recap and glossary beforehand, as the plot can be a bit overwhelming to follow. While it’s an engaging watch with impressive presentation, I wish the story mode allowed to actually play these moments, especially considering it’s meant to be the culmination of the series’ long-running narrative.

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Gameplay - 9/10

If you’re new to fighting games or looking to dive into a fresh title, GUILTY GEAR STRIVE is undoubtedly one of the best choices. It strikes the perfect balance—easy to pick up but with enough depth to keep you engaged as you progress. Each character, from the returning Queen Dizzy to fan-favorite Sol Badguy, is uniquely designed, bringing their own distinct playstyles to the battlefield. On the Switch, the game holds up remarkably well, with no noticeable input lag, ensuring that every move feels precise and responsive.

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Visuals - 8/10

Hot take or not, GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- undoubtedly boasts some of the best visuals in the fighting game genre—or at the very least, the most creative. The game’s stunning 2.5D style masterfully blends 2D and 3D elements, showcasing jaw-dropping character designs and dynamic stages that radiate an extravagant, over-the-top anime aesthetic. The Switch port does an admirable job translating these visuals, retaining much of the grandeur that defines the game's look. However, there are some noticeable compromises. The resolution occasionally struggles, especially in handheld mode, which can dull the otherwise vibrant presentation.

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Audio - 9/10

The soundtrack of GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- is a masterpiece, celebrated for its electrifying rock and metal tracks that perfectly encapsulate the game’s intense atmosphere and distinct character personalities. Each track stands out, making it an absolute treat to listen to even outside the game. Personal highlights include “Find Your One Way” and the infectious “The Disaster of Passion,” with the former being Sol’s iconic theme.

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Value for Money - 8/10

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- on the Switch comes bundled with Season Passes 1-3, offering excellent value for money since each season would typically cost $25 individually. However, it’s important to note that this version lacks crossplay support, unlike other platforms. This limitation can make finding friends to play with more challenging, so it’s worth considering if online multiplayer is a priority for you.
That said, the standout feature of this port is undoubtedly the ability to enjoy GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- on the go. For fans who value portability, this version delivers a compelling way to experience the game anytime, anywhere.

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-

One Hell of a Heavenly Port!

Initially, Arc System Works claimed it would be impossible to bring GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- to the Nintendo Switch, and there were plenty of skeptics who doubted that the port would hold up without significant compromises. However, those concerns couldn’t be further from the truth. GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- on the Switch is undeniably a strong and well-crafted port, delivering impressive visuals, smooth gameplay, and nearly all of the content from its counterparts. While there are a few minor drawbacks—such as occasional resolution dips in handheld mode—these are issues that could potentially be addressed in future updates.

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Gameplay

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- is a 2D fighting game with a 2.5D art style and a modern approach to the traditional 1v1 fighting game formula. The gameplay utilizes six directional inputs, five attack buttons (Punch, Kick, Slash, Heavy Slash, and Dust), and a Tension meter, which influences advanced mechanics and strategy. Players can select from a roster of 28 characters, each with unique playstyles, and aim to progress through the game's ranking system, including the challenging Heaven rank.

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- sets itself apart with innovative mechanics that redefine the flow of battle. The Wall Break system is a standout feature, seamlessly transitioning fights to a new stage while rewarding players with a momentum boost, adding a thrilling layer of strategy and spectacle. Meanwhile, the Roman Cancel system brings incredible depth, allowing players to cancel moves to extend combos, create mix-ups, bait opponents, or escape unfavorable situations.

Looks and Plays Incredibly Well

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- runs an impressive 60 frames per second both docked and undocked—an incredible feat, especially given how rare it is for Switch ports to consistently hit that mark. From the moment I booted up the game and jumped into a quick Arcade match, everything felt smooth and fluid. Yes, there are occasional frame drops—mostly noticeable in menus where color outfits take a bit longer to load—but they’re few and far between.

Gameplay itself feels incredibly responsive, with little to no input delay or lag. Everything feels precise, and I didn’t experience any stuttering. This is especially impressive when playing in handheld mode, as the performance remains solid and fast, making even more complex characters enjoyable to use. I haven’t tried using an arcade stick on the Switch yet, but playing with Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller was seamless.

Visually, while the resolution takes a noticeable hit—resulting in some blurriness or slightly muddled textures—the game still looks fantastic, with vibrant character designs that pop and shine. Burst animations run smoothly with no noticeable frame drops, maintaining the game’s dynamic feel. Overall, it’s a solid performance, particularly for a Switch port.

An Incredible Roster of Unique Characters

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- boasts one of the best, yet underrated rosters in fighting games and gaming in general. Every character is uniquely designed, offering a wide range of playstyles and skill levels. From Sol, who channels the classic shounen protagonist vibe, to A.B.A, wielding a massive key and tied to her mysterious backstory, and my personal favorite, Elphelt—a charming idol-like fighter—each character is bursting with creativity. The designs are over-the-top, hilarious, and packed with in-depth lore, while their gameplay remains equally compelling.

What sets GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- apart is its perfect balance between accessibility and depth. I’m tired of fighting games that overwhelm newcomers with complex combos and an overwhelming number of moves. Thankfully, GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- takes a more approachable approach, making it an ideal starting point for those new to fighting games. The combos are easy to learn, limited but impactful, and the mechanics are straightforward.

Each character has a unique move pool, encouraging players to explore different playstyles. The training and mission modes do an excellent job of explaining core mechanics without sacrificing depth—while the game is easy to pick up, it still offers plenty of advanced techniques, like frame-perfect combos. It’s fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping, and keeps you engaged throughout.

If you’re a newcomer, I’d recommend starting with Sol Badguy, Ky Kiske, or May—they’re beginner-friendly and straightforward to get the hang of. Personally, I enjoy playing as Elphelt and Millia; each character offers something distinct and caters to different skill levels, so you can experiment and have fun finding your preferred style. I’m thrilled they included the Season Pass characters, bringing the roster up to an impressive 28 fighters. That’s a substantial lineup for a fighting game!

No Crossplay is a Huge Letdown

Arc System Works had already announced that this version would lack crossplay, but they did include rollback netcode—a feature that I’m genuinely thankful for. Rollback netcode is crucial for ensuring stable and responsive online multiplayer experiences in fighting games, and it definitely elevates the overall gameplay. For newcomers, this means improved latency handling, making online play much smoother.

That said, it’s a major disappointment that crossplay wasn’t implemented. This would have made the rollback netcode even more impactful, allowing players to connect with others on different consoles or PC. Fighting games thrive on multiplayer, and having the ability to play with friends across various platforms should be a standard feature in 2025.

It’s unclear why crossplay isn’t available here, especially since other ports—like those on other consoles—do have it. It’s a real letdown, as longer matchmaking times and the inability to play with friends on other systems feel frustrating. Other free-to-play games on Switch like Apex Legends manage crossplay without needing dedicated platform-specific services, so it feels like a missed opportunity here. Hopefully, Arc System Works will address this in future updates.

Is GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Worth It?

A Great Port With Really One Major Drawback

If crossplay is a feature that’s important to you in fighting games—something that I know quite a few players value—then as it stands, I can’t fully recommend GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- on the Switch for those types of players. Currently, you can only play with other Nintendo Switch users, and we all know how lackluster the experience can be with Nintendo Switch Online.

That said, if you’re not that type of player, this is a fantastic port and worth purchasing. At $60, it offers great value with all the content included, and being able to take it on the go is a huge bonus. It’s one of the more impressive Switch ports that holds up well, and with enough community demand, crossplay could potentially be added in the future. For newcomers, it’s a solid fighting game to dive into, and even local play is immensely enjoyable.

Also Queen Dizzy, the first Season 4 character, is completely free to download on the Switch version—unlike other ports.

Digital Storefronts
Switch
Price		$59.99

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- FAQ

Is Queen Dizzy a Free DLC Character for Guilty Gear Strive Switch?

Queen Dizzy is FREE to Download to now for Guilty Gear Strive Switch!

Will Guilty Gear -Strive- Include Crossplay in the Future?

It's still unclear whether the Switch version will include crossplay like the other ports did.

Who are the Playable Roster in Guilty Gear Strive Switch?

You can choose from the roster of 28 characters:

Base Roster:

　⚫︎　Sol Badguy
　⚫︎　Ky Kiske
　⚫︎　May
　⚫︎　Axl Low
　⚫︎　Chipp Zanuff
　⚫︎　Potemkin
　⚫︎　Faust
　⚫︎　Millia Rage
　⚫︎　Zato-1
　⚫︎　Ramlethal Valentine
　⚫︎　Leo Whitefang
　⚫︎　Nagoriyuki
　⚫︎　Giovanna
　⚫︎　Anji Mito
　⚫︎　I-No

Season Pass 1:

　⚫︎　Goldlewis Dickinson
　⚫︎　Jack-O' Valentine
　⚫︎　Happy Chaos
　⚫︎　Baiken
　⚫︎　Testament

Season Pass 2:

　⚫︎　Bridget
　⚫︎　Sin Kiske
　⚫︎　Bedman?
　⚫︎　Asuka R♯ / Asuka R. Kreutz

Season Pass 3:

　⚫︎　Johnny
　⚫︎　Elphelt Valentine
　⚫︎　A.B.A
　⚫︎　Slayer

Season Pass 4:

　⚫︎　Dizzy
　⚫︎　Venom - Early 2025
　⚫︎　Unika - Spring 2025
　⚫︎　Lucy - Summer 2025

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GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Product Information

Title	GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Switch
Release Date	January 23, 2025 (Nintendo Switch)
Developer	Arc System Works
Publisher	Arc System Works
Supported Platforms	Nintendo Switch
Genre	Fighter, Multiplayer
Number of Players	1-2e
ESRB Rating	T
Official Website	GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Website

Uriel Rodriguez

Writer | Gamer | Self-Proclaimed Digimon/Sujimon/Persona/Palworld/Pokémon Master