‘Arms’ on Nintendo Switch: Why It’s Nothing Like ‘Virtual On’

Ever since Arms was announced for Nintendo Switch, some folks have been comparing it to the classic arcade title Virtual On. But let me tell you, if you’re coming into Arms expecting that same Virtual On experience, you might be in for a surprise. These games may share a couple of surface similarities, but they’re worlds apart in actual gameplay.

I get where the comparison comes from. Arms uses both Joy-Cons, which might remind people of the iconic TwinSticks setup in Virtual On. But having played both—Arms at a Nintendo event in Tokyo and every Virtual On game (I even owned an original Virtual On arcade cabinet!)—I can assure you, they’re quite different.

In Arms, the gameplay locks your view firmly onto your opponent, so there’s no turning or breaking away. You’re circling each other in this tight orbit, with a focus on timing and positioning, but it’s all in a much more simplified setting. Virtual On, on the other hand, is all about spatial strategy. You’re dashing in vectored paths with your opponent often off-screen, relying on your instincts and timing to line up attacks from a distance or quickly close in for a melee. That kind of mental tracking and dashing is just not part of Arms.

Take a closer look, and Virtual On goes even further with this strategic depth. It divides combat into two clear ranges: long-range for dash attacks that need exact timing, and close-range melee, where movement and positioning add complexity. The lock-on feature in Arms doesn’t allow for that level of freedom; it keeps you firmly locked on to your opponent with every move.

But does that make Arms any less of a great game? Absolutely not. Arms brings its own charm to the Nintendo Switch, particularly with the Joy-Con controls and local multiplayer—a perfect match for the Switch’s social, flexible gaming style. It’s a genuinely fun experience, and it’s unique in its own way.

For those of you who do want to revisit Virtual On after all this, the original is available as a digital port on PS3 and Xbox 360, with Oratorio Tangram and Virtual On Force also available on the 360. If you’re a fan of fast-paced arcade combat, they’re worth checking out!