Top 2D Ninja Games on Nintendo Switch: A Look at Side-Scrolling Stealth and Action Classics

Ninjas have captivated gamers for decades, blending mystery, skill, and agile combat into unforgettable experiences.

For fans of classic 2D side-scrolling action, the Nintendo Switch continues to serve as a premier platform, bringing both retro-inspired hits and modern interpretations of ninja adventures to the forefront.

This article highlights the best 2D ninja games available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, showcasing diverse gameplay styles and celebrating the legacy of legendary developers. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound — Classic Reborn From the acclaimed team behind Blasphemous, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound revives the legendary Ninja Gaiden franchise for a new generation of players.

The game unites the rich lore and challenging gameplay of the original 2D classics with the sophistication of more recent 3D entries, delivering an intense experience that pays homage to its roots.

Players are challenged to master precise timing, acrobatics, and deadly katana combat as they rise through the ninja ranks to become a true master.

This modern resurgence has generated excitement among fans eager for a faithful yet fresh take on a historic series. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance — Hand-Drawn Action Another icon makes a triumphant return with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, an all-new 2D action platformer developed by the visionary team behind Streets of Rage 4 at Dotemu.

Upon discovering that your village has been destroyed and your clan turned to stone, you set out on a relentless quest for vengeance.

The hand-drawn art style and fluid combat breathe new life into SEGA’s celebrated franchise, blending nostalgic charm with contemporary flair. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection — Turtle Power Unleashed Konami’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection assembles thirteen beloved TMNT games from the 8-bit, 16-bit, and arcade eras into one definitive package.

This collection boasts quality-of-life improvements including online play for select titles, save-anywhere functionality, a rewind feature, and a trove of historic TMNT media.

It has been praised for preserving the series’ arcade roots while making classic gameplay more accessible for today’s audience. Shadow of the Ninja Reborn — A Futuristic Remake Fans of the original NES classic will find much to love in Shadow of the Ninja Reborn, a high-octane remake that stays faithful to the dark and futuristic setting of the original while vastly expanding the available arsenal.

Players wield katanas and other powerful weapons as they battle their way through a dystopian cityscape, all revamped for the modern Nintendo Switch hardware. Modern and Indie Ninja Excellence Indie hits such as The Messenger and Mark of the Ninja: Remastered transform the genre.

The Messenger begins as a straightforward action platformer, then evolves into a time-traveling epic with humor and inventive gameplay; free downloadable content further enhances its value.

Mark of the Ninja: Remastered tasks players with mastering stealth tactics and environmental puzzles, standing out for its clever design and intense stealth action. Rounding out the lineup is The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors, where players control android ninjas in a cooperative brawler set in a gritty future, and Katana Zero, a neo-noir action platformer that fuses high-speed swordplay, time manipulation, and a mysterious storyline for a truly unique adventure. With a diverse selection of 2D ninja games, the Nintendo Switch continues to be a haven for fans of side-scrolling action, combining classic franchises with bold new visions from today’s most respected and imaginative developers.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Shinobi Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Vengeance Stealth Shinobi: Art of Vengeance developers Ninja Gaiden Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection Shadow of the Ninja Reborn The Messenger Mark of the Ninja Remastered The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors Katana Zero Blasphemous Dotemu Konami Streets of Rage 4