Is The New Marvel Vs Capcom Fighting Collection On Switch Worth It If I Already Have Mvc2

If you're a longtime fan of crossover brawls and high-octane tag-team combos, chances are you've spent hours mastering Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes. It's a cornerstone of the genre—beloved for its chaotic six-character teams, jazzy soundtrack, and deep mechanics that still hold up today. So when Capcom announced the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics for Nintendo Switch, many veterans were left wondering: is this re-release truly worth your time and money if you already own and love MVC2?

The answer isn't a simple yes or no. It depends on what you value—nostalgia, accessibility, preservation, or pure gameplay variety. This article breaks down every angle: the included titles, enhancements, online functionality, and how they compare to your existing setup. Whether you’re playing on an old Dreamcast, emulating through ROMs, or clinging to a PS3 digital copy, we’ll help you determine if upgrading makes sense.

What’s Included in the Fighting Collection?

The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection isn’t just a remaster of MVC2—it’s a curated package of seven classic arcade fighters from the late '90s and early 2000s. Here’s the full lineup:

• Marvel Super Heroes (1995)
• X-Men vs. Street Fighter (1996)
• Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (1997)
• Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes (1998)
• Captain Commando (1991)
• Mega Man: The Power Battle (1995)
• Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters (1996)
• Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000)

This breadth is significant. While MVC2 stands as the crown jewel, the earlier entries trace the evolution of the series—from the beginnings of the CPS-2 engine to the introduction of assist mechanics and tag-team dynamics. For collectors and historians, this compilation is a time capsule of Capcom’s golden era of arcade design.

Tip: If you’ve never played X-Men vs. Street Fighter or Marvel Super Heroes vs. SF, those games laid the foundation for MVC2’s team mechanics. They’re worth experiencing in official form.

Key Enhancements Over Original Releases

Owning MVC2 on an older platform doesn’t guarantee a smooth experience today. CRT televisions are rare, and emulation legality remains murky. The new collection addresses several pain points with modern features:

• Online multiplayer with rollback netcode (a major upgrade over MVC2’s original lack of net play).
• Display options including screen filters, border art, and aspect ratio toggles.
• Training mode improvements like move lists, frame data overlays, and input display.
• Saved replays and spectator mode for studying high-level play.
• Single-cartridge download play for local multiplayer without requiring each player to own a copy.

Rollback netcode, in particular, transforms the experience. Previous digital versions of MVC2—like the PS3/Xbox 360 release—used delay-based networking, which made online matches frustrating outside of perfect conditions. Rollback allows for smoother, more responsive fights even with moderate latency.

“Preserving these titles with proper netcode isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about keeping competitive communities alive.” — Alex Rivera, Competitive Fighting Game Analyst

Comparison: MVC2 in the Collection vs. Previous Versions

To assess whether the collection adds real value, let’s compare key aspects across platforms.

Feature	Original Arcade/Dreamcast	PS3/Xbox 360 Digital (2012)	Switch Collection (2024)
Visual Fidelity	Standard definition, CRT scanlines	Upscaled, some filtering	HD with smoothing, borders, filters
Online Play	None	Delay-based netcode (poor)	Rollback netcode (excellent)
Input Lag	Minimal (arcade hardware)	Moderate (console ports)	Optimized for modern displays
Gameplay Accuracy	Perfect	Nearly perfect	Frame-perfect emulation
Extra Features	None	Leaderboards, Trophies	Replays, training tools, museum content

The Switch version clearly surpasses previous console releases in both functionality and accessibility. Even if you own the 2012 digital version, the rollback netcode alone may justify repurchasing—especially if you plan to play online regularly.

A Realistic Scenario: Why One Player Upgraded

Consider Mark, a long-time MVC2 player who kept his Xbox 360 running solely to access his digital copy. He loved the game but rarely played online due to lag and disconnections. When the Switch collection launched, he hesitated—until he attended a local tournament where organizers used the new version for single-cart play.

He tried it and was immediately impressed by the smoother netcode and intuitive menu system. More importantly, he could now practice with friends locally without needing multiple consoles. Within a week, he bought the Switch version and retired his aging 360. For him, the convenience, reliability, and social flexibility outweighed the redundancy.

His story reflects a broader trend: players aren’t just buying the game—they’re investing in a sustainable way to keep enjoying it.

Is It Worth It? A Decision Checklist

Use this checklist to evaluate whether the collection makes sense for you:

• ✅ Do you want reliable, modern online play with rollback netcode?
• ✅ Are you tired of relying on emulation or aging hardware?
• ✅ Do you value having all seven games in one officially licensed package?
• ✅ Do you play locally with friends who don’t own MVC2?
• ✅ Would museum content (art, music, dev commentary) enhance your appreciation?
• ✅ Are you concerned about software preservation and supporting Capcom’s retro efforts?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the collection likely offers tangible benefits beyond what your current MVC2 setup provides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my progress or DLC from the 2012 MVC2 version?

No. The Switch collection does not support cross-progression or legacy DLC. All content starts fresh, though no additional purchases are required—the full roster and modes are unlocked from the beginning.

Does the collection include any new characters or balance changes?

No. The games are emulated faithfully, preserving original mechanics and rosters. There are no new characters, stages, or rebalancing patches. What you get is authenticity, not reinvention.

How much storage space does it require?

Approximately 6.5 GB. Given the pixel-art nature of the titles, the footprint is minimal—smaller than most indie games on the eShop.

Final Verdict: Value Beyond the Single Title

If your only goal is to play MVC2, and you already have a functional, satisfying way to do so—whether via original hardware, emulation, or legacy console—you might not need this collection. But that narrow view overlooks what the package truly offers: a preserved, future-proof, socially viable way to engage with a legacy series.

The inclusion of rollback netcode transforms MVC2 from a local or emulated experience into a living online community. The extra titles provide historical context and nostalgic side quests. And the Switch’s portability means you can take MVC2 to tournaments, hangouts, or travel—without lugging around old consoles or risking legal gray areas with ROMs.

Moreover, purchasing the collection supports Capcom’s continued investment in retro releases. After the success of the Capcom Arcade Stadium series and the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, this title signals that demand for curated, well-presented classics remains strong.

💬 Still on the fence? Try watching a few matches using the new online mode. If smooth, low-lag team battles with global players sound appealing, then yes—it’s worth it. The past has never played this well in the present.