Capcom’s digital preservation strategy has found its ideal platform in Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. With three collections launched between 2022 and 2025, the Japanese company not only rescued forgotten franchises: it also established a new standard for classic fighting game re-releases.
2022: Building the Foundation with Capcom Fighting Collection
The first Capcom Fighting Collection laid the groundwork for the project in June 2022. Ten titles spanning from the mid-90s to the early 2000s, with Darkstalkers as the absolute protagonist: five games from the series (including versions that never left Japan) make up half the package.
Hidden Gems Beyond Darkstalkers
The lesser-known titles turned out to be the real surprises:
- Red Earth: Combines RPG with one-on-one combat
- Cyberbots: Mech battles where pilot and robot choice defines your style
- Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo: Competitive puzzle game with chibi aesthetics
- Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix: Cartoonish fighting loaded with references
- Hyper Street Fighter II: Definitive version allowing you to choose between different editions
Featured Technical Characteristics
- Over 500 concept artworks
- 400 restored audio tracks
- Rollback netcode for online play
- Interactive museum
- Visual filters and quick save
2025: Variety and Experimentation in Fighting Collection 2
Capcom Fighting Collection 2 completed collection with eight titles that prioritize diversity over thematic coherence. The heart consists of crossovers Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000 Pro and Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001, considered genre peaks for their ratio system and fighting styles.
The Return of Lost Gems
Project Justice stands out as the hidden jewel: a Rival Schools sequel that combines anime aesthetics with three-person team fights and unique narrative elements. Its assist system and art direction make it an irreplaceable piece of Capcom’s catalog.
3D Experiments That Defined an Era
3D experiments also have space:
- Power Stone and Power Stone 2: Chaotic multiplayer proposal with interactive arenas
- Plasma Sword: Expands the Star Gladiator saga with sci-fi combat
- Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper: Definitive arcade version with complete roster
- Capcom Fighting Evolution: Experimental crossover between multiple franchises
Special Extras: Over 700 illustrations, 300 arcade tracks, and two original CAP-JAMS themes exclusive to the joint bundle.
Discover all the must-have releases for Switch and Switch 2 in 2025.
Nintendo Switch 2: The Perfect Evolution for Classics
Capcom has understood that Switch 2 is ideal. Beyond the fighting collections, the platform includes:
- Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
- Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers
- Street Fighter 6: Years 1-2 Fighters Edition (confirmed for Switch 2)
- Multiple Mega Man and Resident Evil compilations
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (new IP)
The result: Switch 2 becomes an interactive museum of Capcom’s history, with over 40 years of gaming condensed into a single platform.
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The Industry Standard
These three collections establish a new standard in digital preservation:
What They Do Right
- Impeccable technical preservation with rollback netcode
- Valuable extras (concept art, music, development documents)
- Respectful online modernization of original material
- Inclusive accessibility without sacrificing authenticity
Features for Beginners
- Training modes with visible hitboxes
- Simplified controls and one-button specials
- Adaptive difficulty settings
- Quick save at any moment
The Future: Remakes or Sequels?
The positive reception of franchises like Project Justice or Power Stone could even open doors to sequels or remakes. In an industry where digital preservation remains problematic, Capcom demonstrates how to do it right: with respect for original material, real added value, and an eye toward keeping these experiences alive for future generations.
Capcom’s strategy goes beyond nostalgia: it’s a model of how digital preservation can be both profitable and culturally valuable. In this way, it establishes a standard that the rest of the industry should follow.
