Best Nintendo Entertainment System fighting games

The Matrix has 18 fighting games on file for the Nintendo Entertainment System, released between 1985–1994. 13 of them support multiplayer, including 1 with co-op. They're ranked below by legacy score, so the games that shaped the genre on the NES come first, with lesser-known picks further down.

Fighting games pit two characters against each other in short one-on-one bouts. Depth comes from learning special moves, combos and each character's strengths.

Typical commitment: quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun). Tip: Pick one character and learn their basic special moves before branching out. Fighting games are at their best against a friend at a similar skill level.