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- Best overall: Nintendo Astral Chain for Nintendo Switch
- Best budget: Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch
- Best premium: Nintendo Bayonetta 3 for Nintendo Switch
- Best for local groups: Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch
- ARMS is a motion-friendly Nintendo Switch fighting game, while PlatinumGames titles focus on stylish action and combat.
- Astral Chain is the strongest PlatinumGames pick for players who want a story-driven action adventure.
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offers a broad multiplayer alternative with 8-player battles.
- Choose by play style, local multiplayer needs, platform compatibility and whether you prefer motion or button controls.
Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch and PlatinumGames action titles suit different players, with ARMS built around 2-player arena fighting and games such as Astral Chain built around single-player action. Here's the bottom line: pick ARMS for motion-control duels, or choose a PlatinumGames game for a deeper action campaign.
We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make this Black Friday 2026 guide useful whether you are searching for ARMS, a PlatinumGames game or a nearby alternative. Nintendo does not package its PlatinumGames titles under one universal retail bundle name, so the picks below compare individual games and clear alternatives. Worth it for most players. The best choice depends on who will play and how.
How We Picked
- Compared each game's core genre, campaign focus and repeat-play appeal.
- Prioritized Nintendo Switch games with clear differences from ARMS and PlatinumGames action titles.
- Checked local multiplayer support and player counts where those features shape the buying decision.
- Favored recognizable physical or digital game editions with straightforward platform compatibility.
- Used published game details and owner-feedback themes rather than detailed claims.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Local players | Main format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch | Motion-control duels | Nintendo Switch | 2 | Fighting |
| Nintendo Astral Chain for Nintendo Switch | Story-driven action | Nintendo Switch | 1 | Action-adventure |
| Nintendo Bayonetta 3 for Nintendo Switch | Flashy combat | Nintendo Switch | 1 | Single-player action |
| Nintendo The Wonderful 101: Remastered for Nintendo Switch | Team-based action | Nintendo Switch | 1 | Action-adventure |
| Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch | Large local groups | Nintendo Switch | Up to 8 | Platform fighter |
| Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch | Family racing | Nintendo Switch | Up to 4 | Kart racing |
| Nintendo Bayonetta 2 for Nintendo Switch | Solo action | Nintendo Switch | 1 | Single-player action |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch is the best motion-fighting pick for players who want quick, readable duels. The game supports 2-player fights and uses extendable-arm combat with motion or button controls.
Best for: Motion-control fighting and local versus matches
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Local versus players
- 2 players
- Control styles
- 2: motion or button
- Distinctive long-range boxing combat
- Motion controls are optional
- Fast local versus rounds
- Less campaign depth than story-driven action games
Is the Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch is a strong choice for players who want a focused fighting game with motion or button controls. The Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch's 2-player local battles offer a clear alternative to PlatinumGames' story-driven action adventures.
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#2 · Top pick
Nintendo Astral Chain for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Astral Chain for Nintendo Switch is the best PlatinumGames story pick for action-adventure fans. The game pairs two controllable combat characters in a single-player campaign with investigation and combat sequences.
Best for: Players who want stylish action and a substantial story
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Main campaign players
- 1 player
- Playable combat units
- 2
- Distinctive partner-based combat
- Mixes investigation with action
- Strong single-player focus
- Not a direct substitute for a competitive fighting game
Is the Nintendo Astral Chain for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Astral Chain for Nintendo Switch is worth considering for players who want a story-led PlatinumGames adventure. The Nintendo Astral Chain for Nintendo Switch's partner-based combat and investigation sections offer more variety than ARMS, although the game is designed primarily for solo play.
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#3
Nintendo Bayonetta 3 for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Bayonetta 3 for Nintendo Switch is the best pick for players who want fast, flashy PlatinumGames combat. The game features 3 playable characters, giving action fans distinct combat styles across its campaign.
Best for: High-energy action and character variety
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Playable characters
- 3
- Main format
- Single-player action
- Expressive combo-focused combat
- Multiple playable characters
- Large-scale action sequences
- The Nintendo Bayonetta 3 for Nintendo Switch's combat style is more demanding than ARMS
Is the Nintendo Bayonetta 3 for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Bayonetta 3 for Nintendo Switch suits action fans who value combo depth, spectacle and character variety. The 3 playable characters add combat options, but players seeking simple local duels should choose ARMS instead.
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#4
Nintendo The Wonderful 101: Remastered for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo The Wonderful 101: Remastered for Nintendo Switch is the best PlatinumGames pick for players who enjoy unusual team-based action. The game lets players command a group of 100 heroes through large-scale battles.
Best for: Fans of inventive action and crowd-control mechanics
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Heroes in the team
- 100
- Main format
- Action-adventure
- Original crowd-command combat
- Bright superhero presentation
- A distinct alternative to standard fighters
- The controls take time to learn
Is the Nintendo The Wonderful 101: Remastered for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo The Wonderful 101: Remastered for Nintendo Switch is a good fit for players who want an unusual PlatinumGames action system. Commanding a team of 100 heroes feels very different from ARMS, and the distinctive controls reward patient learners.
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#5
Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch is the best multiplayer alternative for groups who want a large roster and varied battle rules. The game supports up to 8 players in a single match.
Best for: Group battles and Nintendo character matchups
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Maximum players
- 8 players
- Core format
- Platform fighter
- Large cast of playable characters
- Supports big local groups
- Flexible battle settings
- The Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch's platform-fighting rules differ from ARMS boxing
Is the Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch is a versatile choice for groups, with matches supporting up to 8 players. Pick ARMS for focused one-on-one boxing; choose Smash for broader character matchups and flexible party battles.
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#6
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch is the best easy-to-share alternative for players who prefer racing to fighting. The game supports up to 4 players on one system in local TV mode.
Best for: Family game nights and approachable local competition
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Local TV players
- Up to 4
- Core format
- Kart racing
- Easy to understand for new players
- Strong local multiplayer focus
- Race formats offer quick rounds
- Racing rather than action combat
Is the Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch is a reliable option for shared play, especially when players want racing instead of combat. Local TV mode supports up to 4 players on one system, while ARMS focuses on versus fighting.
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#7
Nintendo Bayonetta 2 for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Bayonetta 2 for Nintendo Switch is the best earlier-series entry for players who want PlatinumGames action in a compact, combat-first package. The game centers on 1 main playable character and solo play.
Best for: Players exploring Bayonetta's action gameplay
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Main playable character
- 1
- Main format
- Single-player action
- Fast combo-driven combat
- Strong fit for action-game fans
- Solo focus avoids multiplayer setup
- Does not offer ARMS-style local versus play
Is the Nintendo Bayonetta 2 for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Nintendo Bayonetta 2 for Nintendo Switch is a worthwhile pick for solo players who want stylish PlatinumGames combat. The game emphasizes one-on-one action against enemies rather than local player-versus-player matches, making it a different kind of purchase from ARMS.
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What is the difference between PlatinumGames Pack and ARMS?
Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch is a fighting game, while PlatinumGames titles such as Astral Chain and Bayonetta 3 are action adventures built around solo campaigns. The comparison is about play style, not identical genres.
ARMS centers on arena duels, extendable-arm attacks and either motion or button controls. PlatinumGames offers several distinct experiences: Astral Chain pairs investigation with partner-based combat, while Bayonetta 3 emphasizes fast combos and spectacle. The Wonderful 101: Remastered adds team-command mechanics.
Choose ARMS when the main goal is direct competition with another player. Choose a PlatinumGames title when you want an action campaign with progression and a stronger solo focus. For a Black Friday 2026 shortlist, compare each game's format rather than treating the developer's catalogue as one product.
Which game is best for local multiplayer?
Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch is the strongest local-group pick, supporting up to 8 players in a match. Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch is better for focused 2-player duels.
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch gives families another accessible option, with up to 4 players in local TV mode. Each game suits a different kind of gathering: Smash offers character battles, Mario Kart offers racing, and ARMS offers motion-friendly boxing.
PlatinumGames games in this guide are primarily solo experiences, so check the player count before buying for a group. A story campaign makes a better personal adventure; a multiplayer-focused game gives more immediate shared play.
Which PlatinumGames title should you choose?
Nintendo Astral Chain for Nintendo Switch is the balanced pick for players who want story, investigation and action in one game. Nintendo Bayonetta 3 for Nintendo Switch is the sharper choice for fast combat and dramatic set pieces.
Nintendo The Wonderful 101: Remastered for Nintendo Switch has the most unusual combat concept, asking players to command a large team. Nintendo Bayonetta 2 for Nintendo Switch suits players who want another solo action entry with a combat-first focus.
Pick based on the kind of challenge you enjoy. Astral Chain rewards players who like varied activities, Bayonetta rewards combo-focused play, and The Wonderful 101 rewards players who are willing to learn an unconventional control system.
Is ARMS still a good Nintendo Switch buy in 2026?
Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch remains a good buy for players who want a distinctive fighting game with 2-player local battles. Motion controls are optional, so the game also works for players who prefer traditional button inputs.
ARMS is at its best when players enjoy learning attack angles, movement and timing. Its specialized arena-fighting format is less suitable for shoppers who want a long story campaign or a broad collection of multiplayer modes.
Compare ARMS with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate before choosing a fighting game for a group. ARMS has more focused boxing-style combat, while Smash supports larger matches and a wider range of battle setups.
What should you compare before buying a game on Black Friday?
Nintendo Switch shoppers should compare player count, preferred controls, campaign style and edition format before choosing a game for Black Friday 2026. A good pick matches how the household actually plays.
Check whether the game is a solo adventure or a local multiplayer title. Confirm that the edition is for Nintendo Switch and that the console's available storage suits the download or game card. For a gift, consider whether the recipient prefers action, racing or versus competition.
Avoid choosing only by developer or franchise. PlatinumGames covers several types of action, and ARMS fills a specific fighting-game niche. A quick check of the product's exact title and platform helps prevent buying the wrong version.
Buying Guide
Choose a genre before a franchise
ARMS is a fighting game, while PlatinumGames entries span action-adventure and combo-driven action. Start with the play style the recipient enjoys, then narrow the choice to a title.
Check the player count
ARMS supports 2-player local versus play, Smash supports up to 8 players, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports up to 4 players in local TV mode. Match the game to the group size.
Pick controls that feel comfortable
ARMS offers motion and button controls. PlatinumGames action titles use different combat systems, so check gameplay details and owner feedback if the recipient prefers simple controls.
Confirm the exact Nintendo Switch edition
Check the full product name, platform and physical or digital format before completing a Black Friday 2026 purchase. Similar series names do not guarantee the same game or edition.
Match the game to the occasion
Choose a solo PlatinumGames adventure for personal play, or pick ARMS, Smash or Mario Kart for shared sessions. The right game depends on how often the recipient plays with others.
FAQ
Is ARMS a PlatinumGames game?
No. Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch is a Nintendo fighting game. PlatinumGames is a separate game developer known for action titles such as Astral Chain, Bayonetta and The Wonderful 101. The two options serve different play styles rather than belonging to one shared game series.
Which is better, PlatinumGames Pack or ARMS?
Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch is better for motion-friendly versus battles, while a PlatinumGames title is better for solo action campaigns. Choose Astral Chain for story and investigation, Bayonetta 3 for fast combat, or The Wonderful 101 for unusual team-based action.
Can you play ARMS without motion controls?
Yes. Nintendo ARMS for Nintendo Switch supports button controls as well as motion controls. The game remains focused on arena fighting either way, so players can choose the input style that feels more comfortable for their local versus matches.
Which Nintendo Switch game is best for more than 2 players?
Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch is the top choice in this guide for larger groups, with matches supporting up to 8 players. Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch also works for local groups, supporting up to 4 players in TV mode.
Which PlatinumGames game should beginners choose?
Nintendo Astral Chain for Nintendo Switch is a strong starting point for players who want a story-driven action game with several kinds of gameplay. Players focused on fast combos should consider Nintendo Bayonetta 3 for Nintendo Switch instead.
Are these games suitable for Nintendo Switch?
Yes. Every game listed in this guide is a Nintendo Switch title. Before buying, match the complete product name and edition to the console and choose physical or digital format according to your preference.