The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) wasn’t just a haven for platformers and RPGs—it also threw some serious punches in the fighting game arena. In the early ‘90s, arcades were buzzing with competitive energy, and the SNES brought that same spirit home with a lineup of hard-hitting fighters. From arcade-perfect ports to console-exclusive brawlers, the SNES offered some of the best fighting game experiences of the 16-bit era.

Here are the 10 best fighting games on the SNES that every retro fan should have in their collection.

1. Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting

Developer: Capcom

Release Year: 1993

Street Fighter II Turbo was a game-changer—literally. It improved on the already revolutionary Street Fighter II with faster gameplay, the ability to play as the four boss characters, and enhanced balance. It captured the arcade magic and let players pull off Hadoukens from their living room couches. This is peak ‘90s fighting action.

2. Mortal Kombat II

Developer: Midway / Sculptured Software

Release Year: 1994

This was the version fans were waiting for. Mortal Kombat II on SNES was bloodier, faster, and far more faithful to the arcade than the first game. All the iconic fighters are here—Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Kitana—and the Fatalities are brutal (and finally uncensored!). If you liked your fighting with a side of gore, this was your jam.

3. Killer Instinct

Developer: Rare

Release Year: 1995

Rare’s flashy, combo-heavy Killer Instinct was ahead of its time. With its slick visuals, booming announcer voice, and futuristic characters like Fulgore and Orchid, the SNES port held its own despite coming from arcade hardware that was technically way more advanced. It even came bundled with a killer black cartridge and a CD soundtrack.

4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters

Developer: Konami

Release Year: 1993

Konami took the Turtles out of the beat-‘em-up genre and gave them a solid one-on-one fighter. Tournament Fighters was surprisingly deep, with sharp controls and unique special moves for each turtle and enemy combatant. Plus, it had some SNES-exclusive characters not found in the Genesis version.

5. Fatal Fury Special

Developer: SNK

Release Year: 1994

One of the better Neo Geo-to-SNES ports, Fatal Fury Special brought the classic Terry Bogard action to Nintendo fans. It featured a solid roster, great sprite work, and the signature two-plane fighting system that let players jump between background and foreground during battle—a unique feature at the time.

6. Dragon Ball Z: Super Butōden 2

Developer: TOSE / Bandai

Release Year: 1993 (Japan only)

While it never got an official U.S. release, this import favorite became a must-have for DBZ fans. Super Butōden 2 nailed the anime’s over-the-top style with massive screen-splitting special attacks and an epic roster including Goku, Gohan, Trunks, and Broly. If you imported just one fighting game, this was it.

7. ClayFighter: Tournament Edition

Developer: Visual Concepts

Release Year: 1994

For those who liked their fighters more tongue-in-cheek, ClayFighter delivered parody and personality. With a cast of clay-animated oddballs like Bad Mr. Frosty and Blob, it stood out as the SNES’s quirkiest fighter. It may not have the depth of Street Fighter, but it oozes charm.

8. Gundam Wing: Endless Duel

Developer: Natsume

Release Year: 1996 (Japan only)

Another import gem, Endless Duel surprised fans with its smooth animation, tight combat, and beautiful sprite work. Each Mobile Suit felt distinct, and the game’s pace and polish were top-tier. Despite being Japan-only, it gained a cult following in the West—and for good reason.

9. WeaponLord

Developer: Visual Concepts

Release Year: 1995

WeaponLord was dark, gritty, and ahead of its time. Focused on brutal weapon-based combat and deep mechanics, it was one of the first fighting games to incorporate parries and counterattacks in a meaningful way. Though it flew under the radar, it was a precursor to more complex fighters like Soul Calibur.

10. Ranma ½: Hard Battle

Developer: Atelier Double

Release Year: 1993

Another anime-based fighter, Ranma ½: Hard Battle brought the series’ quirky martial arts humor to the SNES. It wasn’t the most balanced fighter, but its cast of oddball characters and fun presentation made it stand out. For fans of the manga/anime, it was a treat.

The SNES may not have had the raw power of the Neo Geo, but it absolutely held its own in the 16-bit fighting game wars. Whether you were tossing fireballs, unleashing Fatalities, or stringing together crazy combos, the SNES had something for every fighting game fan.

What was your favorite SNES fighting game? Did we miss a hidden gem? Let us know in the comments!