iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is the closest overall follow-up to SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance on Nintendo Switch 2. It keeps the side-scrolling ninja focus, precise movement and demanding combat, while adding two playable characters and its own tag-team mechanic. If what you liked most was movement and exploration rather than the ninja setting, Prince of Persia The Lost Crown is the better choice. For hand-drawn brawler combat, play Streets of Rage 4; for a large interconnected world, choose Hollow Knight; and for repeatable runs, choose Dead Cells.
This guide separates those recommendations by the part of SHINOBI you want to keep: ninja identity, tight platforming, visual style, exploration, or replayability. Every game listed has a Nintendo Switch release that Nintendo identifies as supported or available on Switch 2, although the published material does not establish identical enhancement features for every title.
What you are matching when you look for a game like SHINOBI
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a new 2D action platformer from the team behind Streets of Rage 4. You play Joe Musashi after he discovers that his village has been burned and his clan turned to stone. The game combines a katana, kunai, ninjutsu, Ninpo, amulets and Ningi tools with combo-focused melee fighting.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesNintendo describes more than a dozen visually distinct stages, platforming puzzles and hidden secrets. The campaign is structured around individual stages rather than a huge free-roaming map. A review by TechRadar characterizes its loop as platforming, light puzzle-solving and combat, with optional challenges and boss fights adding reasons to replay stages. That makes the ideal substitute depend on which part of the formula mattered most to you.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The official Nintendo Switch 2 release date is September 24, 2026. Nintendo says the Switch 2 version has a higher-resolution handheld presentation, describing the screen as being as sharp as a katana’s blade. That specific handheld-resolution statement is documented for SHINOBI; do not assume that every other game below receives the same visual upgrade.
Quick comparison: five strong alternatives
| Game | Best match for | Main difference from SHINOBI | Switch 2 status in the published product information |
|---|---|---|---|
| NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound | Ninja side-scrolling action | Pixel art and a different combat system | Switch version marked as supported on Switch 2 |
| Prince of Persia The Lost Crown | Acrobatic movement and exploration | A more ability-gated world with metroidvania-style traversal | Switch version marked as supported on Switch 2 |
| Streets of Rage 4 | Hand-drawn brawler combat | Beat-’em-up structure and less platforming | Nintendo Switch product listing; Switch 2 enhancement details are not stated |
| Hollow Knight | Exploration and discovery | A much more open, interconnected world | Nintendo Switch product listing; Switch 2 enhancement details are not stated |
| Dead Cells | Replayable action | Run-based progression and build experimentation | Nintendo Switch product listing; Switch 2 enhancement details are not stated |
NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound — the closest overall match
If your search is specifically for “best Switch 2 ninja games” or “side-scrolling ninja games on Switch 2,” start here. Ragebound is the only recommendation that matches SHINOBI on the central promise of controlling a ninja through a side-scrolling action game.
Why it fits
Nintendo presents Ragebound as a new side-scrolling entry from the team behind Blasphemous, combining old-school pick-up-and-play action with modern precision. You can play as two ninja characters, and its Ninja Fusion mechanic gives the combat a character-switching layer that SHINOBI does not use in the same way. The design target is easy to learn but difficult to master, which suits players who enjoyed learning enemy patterns, chaining attacks and refining movement.
What feels different
The pixel-art presentation is a deliberate contrast to SHINOBI‘s hand-drawn look. Its combat system is also its own rather than a replica of Joe Musashi’s katana, kunai, Ninpo and Ningi toolkit. Pick it for the ninja fantasy and precision challenge, not because every weapon or combo input carries over.
Who should choose it
- Players who want another clearly ninja-themed side scroller.
- Players who prefer a high mastery ceiling to a relaxed platformer.
- Players searching for something that feels closer to a traditional arcade action game than to a large metroidvania.
Nintendo lists the Switch version with Switch 2 support and a July 31, 2025 release date. The available information confirms compatibility, but it does not specify a resolution or frame-rate enhancement comparable to SHINOBI‘s documented handheld improvement.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Prince of Persia The Lost Crown — best for movement and exploration
Choose Prince of Persia The Lost Crown if your favorite moments in SHINOBI were running, jumping, solving traversal puzzles and reaching areas that initially seemed inaccessible. It is less similar in theme, but it is the strongest movement-focused alternative.
Why it fits
Nintendo describes Sargon using sword combat, acrobatic movement, time powers and super abilities across multiple biomes in a Persian-inspired world. Hidden treasures, quests and ability-gated routes make exploration a core activity rather than a short diversion between linear stages.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What feels different
SHINOBI emphasizes a sequence of visually distinct stages and is described as more linear than Hollow Knight. The Lost Crown instead asks you to remember blocked paths, acquire a new ability and return later. The result is a broader metroidvania structure with more backtracking and more reasons to inspect the map.
Who should choose it
- Players who value acrobatics as much as attacking.
- Players who want puzzles, quests and secrets integrated into the main world.
- Players who prefer a long exploration arc over a sequence of self-contained stages.
Nintendo marks the Switch version as supported on Switch 2. Published information confirms support but does not state a special Switch 2 visual mode, so treat compatibility and enhancement as separate questions when checking your regional listing.
Streets of Rage 4 — best for hand-drawn brawler combat
Streets of Rage 4 is the most direct recommendation for readers who were drawn to SHINOBI‘s hand-drawn animation and punchy close-range fighting. Nintendo identifies SHINOBI as coming from the team behind this hit brawler, making the visual and combat connection especially relevant.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why it fits
The game delivers belt-scroller beat-’em-up combat built around groups of enemies, positioning and attack timing. Its hand-drawn presentation is the closest stylistic match in this list. If you enjoyed clearing a screen with a flowing sequence of strikes and then preparing for the next encounter, the transition is immediate.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →What feels different
This is a beat-’em-up rather than a platforming action game. You should expect less emphasis on precision jumps, hidden platforming routes and obstacle-course traversal. The level structure is designed around moving through combat arenas, so it will not replace SHINOBI‘s stage puzzles or ninja tools one for one.
Who should choose it
- Players who prioritize hand-drawn art and impact-heavy melee exchanges.
- Players who want a brawler format rather than a platformer.
- Players looking for a co-op-friendly action experience; confirm the exact local or online options in the edition available to you.
Nintendo has a Switch product listing for Streets of Rage 4. The supplied product information does not state a distinct Switch 2 enhancement, so verify the current eShop or physical listing for your region before buying.
Hollow Knight — best for deep exploration
Hollow Knight is the least direct mechanical substitute, but it is the best answer when “games like Shinobi: Art of Vengeance” really means “a 2D action game with secrets and a world I can get lost in.” TechRadar specifically uses Hollow Knight as a contrast, describing SHINOBI as more linear.
Why it fits
You explore an interconnected world, discover routes that lead back to earlier areas and use new abilities to reach places that were previously out of reach. Discovery is the reward: maps, hidden rooms, optional encounters and environmental clues make progress feel less like selecting the next stage and more like assembling the shape of a lost kingdom.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What feels different
The tone, protagonist and combat language are different from Joe Musashi’s ninja arsenal. Hollow Knight also expects more patience with navigation and uncertainty. It does not provide the same hand-drawn visual identity or straightforward stage-to-stage rhythm as SHINOBI.
Who should choose it
- Players who want exploration to be the main event.
- Players who enjoy finding their own route instead of following a mostly linear sequence.
- Players who want a substantial metroidvania experience with ability-driven progression.
Nintendo lists a Switch product for Hollow Knight. The published material establishes the product’s availability but does not specify a Switch 2-specific resolution or performance upgrade.
Dead Cells — best for replayable action
Pick Dead Cells when the part of SHINOBI you want to preserve is fast action and the satisfaction of trying one more run. It is a broader action-platform alternative, not a ninja replacement.
Why it fits
Its run-based structure encourages repeated attempts, experimentation and adaptation. You return to the action, test different equipment combinations and learn from each failed or completed run. That makes it a good complement to a stage-based game with optional challenges and bosses, especially if you enjoy replaying content to improve your execution.
What feels different
Dead Cells is organized around runs and build experimentation rather than a fixed sequence of ninja stages. The changing emphasis means you are managing a build and responding to what a run offers, not simply mastering Joe Musashi’s established set of katana attacks, kunai, Ninpo and Ningi tools.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Who should choose it
- Players who want a game that remains interesting after the first clear.
- Players who enjoy experimenting with different equipment and combat approaches.
- Players who prefer short, repeatable sessions to a single linear campaign.
Nintendo has a Switch product listing for Dead Cells. The available listing information does not establish a separate Switch 2 enhancement, so check the current regional product page for the exact compatibility label.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose by the feature you valued most
| If you valued this in SHINOBI | Choose first | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja identity and side-scrolling combat | NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound | It is another precision-focused side-scrolling ninja game with two playable characters. |
| Acrobatic movement and traversal puzzles | Prince of Persia The Lost Crown | Its movement abilities, time powers and ability-gated routes make traversal central. |
| Hand-drawn animation and brawler impact | Streets of Rage 4 | It shares the visual lineage and concentrates on close-range beat-’em-up combat. |
| Secrets and a world to map out | Hollow Knight | Its interconnected metroidvania structure is much deeper and less linear. |
| Replayability and experimentation | Dead Cells | Runs and build variation make repeated play the core loop. |
Difficulty, mastery and campaign shape
These games differ as much in how they ask you to improve as they do in their settings. Use the following framework before choosing.
- Most directly mastery-driven: NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound presents itself as easy to learn but hard to truly master, making precision and challenge the headline.
- Most movement-driven: Prince of Persia The Lost Crown places acrobatics, time powers and ability-based traversal alongside combat.
- Most encounter-driven: Streets of Rage 4 focuses your attention on enemy groups, spacing and combo rhythm.
- Most discovery-driven: Hollow Knight makes navigation and uncovering an interconnected map central to progress.
- Most repetition-friendly: Dead Cells builds its identity around runs, adaptation and changing builds.
SHINOBI sits between these approaches: it combines platforming, light puzzles, combo combat, optional challenges, secrets and boss fights in a more linear stage structure. No single alternative reproduces every part of that mix, so select the game whose dominant activity matches what you actually want to do for the next several hours.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteSwitch 2 compatibility: what is confirmed and what is not
The published information distinguishes between a Switch release that is supported on Switch 2 and a specifically documented enhancement. For SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, Nintendo explicitly states a higher-resolution handheld presentation and gives the Switch 2 release date as September 24, 2026.
Nintendo marks the Switch versions of NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound and Prince of Persia The Lost Crown as supported on Switch 2. The product information for Streets of Rage 4, Hollow Knight and Dead Cells establishes Nintendo Switch listings, but it does not state equivalent Switch 2 enhancement details. Before purchasing, check the label shown for your region and edition, especially if you are choosing between a physical cartridge and a digital listing.
A practical way to pick your first download
- Write down your non-negotiable. If the word “ninja” is essential, choose NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound. If it is only the combat that matters, continue to the next step.
- Choose your preferred map shape. Select a mostly linear stage flow with Ragebound or Streets of Rage 4; choose interconnected exploration with The Lost Crown or Hollow Knight.
- Decide whether you want a finished run or an ongoing loop. A fixed campaign points toward Ragebound, The Lost Crown or Streets of Rage 4. Repeated, variable attempts point toward Dead Cells.
- Set your visual priority. Streets of Rage 4 is the hand-drawn brawler choice; Ragebound uses pixel art; the others pursue different fantasy or illustrated styles.
- Confirm the current Switch 2 label. Compatibility and enhancement are not interchangeable. Check the Nintendo listing for your territory and edition before checkout.
Bottom line
For the closest mechanical answer to “games like Shinobi: Art of Vengeance,” buy NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound. It preserves the ninja, side-scrolling and precision-action identity while offering its own two-character Ninja Fusion system. Choose Prince of Persia The Lost Crown for acrobatic exploration, Streets of Rage 4 for hand-drawn brawling, Hollow Knight for a deeper interconnected world, or Dead Cells for replayable runs and build experimentation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
