Best Shmups on Nintendo Switch that Every Shoot-Em-Up Fans Should Play [2023]

Joseph Henry, Tech Times 14 July 2023, 11:07 am

Shoot-em-up games or shmups have been the staple titles since the release of early consoles. When Spacewar erupted in popularity, many gamers were searching for more similar games.

As modern consoles arrive, some people tend to forget that shmups exist for a reason. In the era where role-playing games (RPGs), first-person shooter games(FPS), and survival games, a sizable number of fans still want to play these titles.

For Nintendo Switch enthusiasts, you will surely love a quick throwback to some of the best Shmups. Of course, your nostalgia won't be put in vain and you're going to play them this time with a modern twist.

Best Shmups on Nintendo Switch

(Photo: Nintendo)
Heads up Nintendo Switch gamers, check out some of the best Shmup games here!

GALAK-Z: The Void: Deluxe Edition

Space shooter games are not always for everyone's taste. It takes a little time to get used to them given that they are simpler to play than most games nowadays.

One of the most exciting shmups to try on Nintendo Switch is GALAK-Z which features rogue elements in its gameplay. Although it's a slow-paced game, you can enjoy defeating enemies with your customized spaceship.

It's simply designed for those who have very long patience. Nevertheless, it will quickly bore you if you don't have a love for this genre, but the rewards are still amazing.

Psyvariar Delta

This 2000 arcade shoot'em up game is all about shooting projectiles at your opponents. It's raining guns and bullets once you enter the dangerous battlefield of Psyvariar Delta.

The Switch version of this shmup is straight-up improved thanks to the DLC which offers visually-appealing graphics and extensive in-game mechanics.

Overall, this is a decent shooter game for all ages especially shmups are rarely released on Switch. If you haven't played any one of them yet, this might hook you up in an instant.

In the meantime, fans anticipate the release of the remake for Psyvariar 2: The Will to Fabricate. Who knows if we could get this in Nintendo Switch 2?

AngerForce: Reloaded

Switch-based shmups are underappreciated given that many players love RPGs and MOBAs the most. Apparently, you might test some waters with AngerForce: Reloaded if you're planning to play your first-ever Switch-based shmup title.

With its rich Campaign mode, you will be magnetized to play for long hours. It's not the most intense game on the planet, but the story challenges will make you play it more often.

SEGA AGES Thunder Force IV

Sega Ages Thunder Force remains as one of the most popular shmup ever made. It's been around for decades and yet, we are still seeing it in its fourth installment.

Its eye-catching visuals paired with smoother controls are enough to steal your interest. There are features that are reminiscent of its past versions, but scrape them off this time since you will heavily invest your time with its all-new online ranking mode.