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For most players, start with NARUTO X BORUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS. It is the broadest current package: Bandai Namco lists more than 130 characters, a condensed Naruto history, an original Boruto story, offline and online play, Simple Control, and versions for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Choose NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4 Road to Boruto if you want the strongest late-series and next-generation story focus. Choose NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER if your priority is dedicated 4-versus-4 online team combat rather than a campaign.
This guide separates those experiences, maps the story order, explains the platform and learning-curve differences, and clarifies what is actually known about the next dated Naruto product.
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Quick answer: which Naruto game fits you?
| What you want | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One current all-rounder | NARUTO X BORUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS | More than 130 characters, condensed series history, an original Boruto story, offline and online modes, and Simple Control. |
| A late-series story campaign | NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4 Road to Boruto | It is the STORM route’s next-generation-focused entry and is the better fit when story continuity matters more than having the newest package. |
| Online games with friends | NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER | Its main identity is head-to-head 4-versus-4 team combat with Flag, Barrier and Base Battles. |
| A chronological replay | STORM 1 through STORM 4, then Road to Boruto | The official series guide presents these entries as the story path from Naruto through Shippuden and into the next generation. |
| Playing on Nintendo Switch | STORM CONNECTIONS | The publisher lists a Switch release, while the listed Shinobi Striker platforms are PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Steam. |
Why STORM CONNECTIONS is the safest recommendation
A large roster for versus play
The publisher lists more than 130 characters. That breadth makes Connections the easiest single purchase to recommend when you want to switch between Naruto eras, assemble unusual matchups and avoid buying several older entries just to access different fighters. The number is a publisher-listed roster figure, not a claim that every character has identical move sets, story importance or competitive strength.
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Connections combines a condensed history of Naruto with an original Boruto story. The History mode gives you a compressed route through major events rather than asking you to replay every plot beat at the pace of the individual STORM games. The Special Story is separate material set in the Boruto era, so it works as new content after you understand the basic premise.
#1 Best Overall
- Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Naruto's Debut!
- THE LARGEST ROSTER OF PLAYABLE CHARACTERS EVER - Largest roster of characters to play as than any Ultimate Ninja STORM game in the past
- New additions include the brothers who started legendary ninja clans, Ashura and Indra Otsutsuki, more to come
- For the first time in one game, relive selected scenes from Naruto’s childhood until his final battle with Sasuke through anime scenes & battles
- Players of past Ultimate Ninja STORM games can see it all with updated graphics. Plus, experience a new Boruto story exclusive to the game
That structure is useful when you are waiting for a future release and want context quickly. It is not the ideal substitute for a complete chronological playthrough: compression means that scenes, battles and transitions are presented more selectively than in STORM 1–4.
Offline and online options
Connections supports both offline and online play. You can therefore use it as a solo story and fighting game, then take the same roster into multiplayer without changing to a separate team-objective title. Bandai Namco’s published materials do not specify a cross-play policy, matchmaking population or online performance target, so check the current platform listing and service status before buying specifically for ranked or long-term online competition.
Simple Control lowers the first hurdle
Simple Control is explicitly designed to make actions easier. That matters if you are new to arena fighters, are introducing the series to a younger player, or want to concentrate on character choice and timing before learning a larger command set. Experienced players can use the standard control approach instead; Simple Control is an accessibility and onboarding option, not a replacement for understanding spacing, defensive timing and resource management.
The story-first route through the STORM games
The official STORM lineup guide maps the games to Naruto’s timeline. The most coherent story route is not necessarily the newest-to-oldest purchase order; it is a chronological sequence.
Rank #2
- The Largest Roster of Playable Characters Ever: This game has the largest roster of beloved characters to play than any Ultimate Ninja STORM game in the past. New additions include the brothers who started legendary ninja clans, Ashura and Indra Otsutsuki. Stay tuned for more playable characters!
- The Story of Naruto and Sasuke’s Rivalry Combined into One! For the first time in one game, relive selected scenes from Naruto’s childhood until his final battle with Sasuke through anime scenes and in-game battles. Players of past Ultimate Ninja STORM games can see it all with updated graphics. Plus, experience a new story exclusive to the game.
1. STORM 1: the Naruto-era foundation
The first STORM entry covers the original Naruto period. It establishes the arena-fighting presentation, the early Team 7 relationships and the series’ initial combat vocabulary. Start here if you want to see the visual and mechanical foundation rather than jumping immediately to the largest roster.
2. STORM 2: the transition into Shippuden
STORM 2 moves into Naruto Shippuden’s early material. Playing it after STORM 1 preserves the character introductions and escalating stakes that a condensed retrospective cannot fully reproduce. The value of this step is continuity: you see how the cast, conflicts and abilities develop instead of receiving only a highlight reel.
3. STORM 3: the wider Shippuden conflict
STORM 3 continues the Shippuden story and broadens the scale of the conflict. It belongs in the middle of a chronological replay, not as a substitute for STORM 4. If your goal is simply to reach the late-series material quickly, you can skip ahead, but doing so removes the connective tissue that makes the final arc more meaningful.
4. STORM 4: the late-series conclusion
STORM 4 is the late-Shippuden endpoint of the main numbered sequence. Choose it when you want the climax of Naruto’s original story in the STORM format. It is the logical destination for a player who has already completed the earlier campaigns or who values the final-era battles over a broad retrospective.
Rank #3
![NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS - [PlayStation 5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XnXNbUBoL._SL160_.jpg)
- NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS
5. Road to Boruto: the next-generation continuation
Road to Boruto follows the main STORM story with a next-generation focus. It is the specific recommendation for readers asking, “Should I get Storm 4 or Connections?” when their real priority is Boruto-era story material. Connections is broader as a current package; Road to Boruto is more focused as a continuation of the late-series route.
6. Connections: a condensed route plus an original story
Connections can function as an introduction or refresher after the numbered games. Its History mode compresses the Naruto story, while its original Boruto story provides separate material. Treat it as an accessible overview and modern all-rounder, not as a replacement for every chapter in the chronological games.
Storm 4 Road to Boruto versus Storm Connections
| Decision point | Road to Boruto | Storm Connections |
|---|---|---|
| Primary appeal | Late-series and next-generation campaign focus. | Current all-round package covering a condensed history and original Boruto story. |
| Best for | Players following the STORM story route and prioritizing the Boruto-era continuation. | Players who want one purchase with a very large roster and both solo and multiplayer options. |
| Story approach | Continuation after the numbered STORM entries. | Condensed Naruto history plus a separate original Boruto story. |
| Roster emphasis | Not stated in Bandai Namco’s published materials. | More than 130 characters listed by Bandai Namco. |
| Controls | Not stated in the published materials. | Includes Simple Control, designed to make actions easier. |
| Platform information | Official store listings include the title; exact platform coverage varies by edition and should be checked before purchase. | Listed for Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC. |
The practical choice is straightforward. Buy Road to Boruto for a campaign-led continuation; buy Connections for the widest current feature mix. If you have never played a STORM game and do not know whether you prefer story or versus play, Connections is the lower-risk starting point because it includes the condensed history, the large roster and Simple Control.
Why Shinobi Striker is a different kind of Naruto game
Built around 4-versus-4 objectives
NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER is not simply another story-driven STORM entry. Bandai Namco describes it as high-stakes ninja combat in head-to-head 4-versus-4 online battles. Its named objective modes include Flag, Barrier and Base Battles. Teams are asked to coordinate around an objective rather than only defeat opponents in a sequence of one-on-one arena fights.
Rank #4
- New Generation Systems - With the power of the new generation systems, this brand new game will take players through an incredible journey of beautifully Anime-rendered fights!
- Change Leader System - Recreate all the legendary teams from Naruto Shippuden or create your own team! Players will be able to switch characters during the fight!
- New Features - Enjoy fast-paced fights with the Wall-run!
- Incredible Roster - The most impressive collection in the history of Naruto games will span the Naruto Shippuden story arc and capture the latest character appearances from the anime.
- Original Voiceover Support - Includes the Japanese, American, Mexican and Brazilian voiceover cast!
Movement is part of the combat
Shinobi Striker emphasizes wall-running, chakra-jumping and grappling. Those systems change how you approach a fight: vertical routes, escapes and rapid objective rotations matter alongside attacks. Players who enjoy movement, map awareness and role coordination may find it more engaging than a conventional campaign fighter.
What the learning curve feels like
- Movement: Learn wall-running, chakra-jumping and grappling before trying to optimize attacks.
- Objectives: Understand what Flag, Barrier and Base Battles ask your team to hold, capture or protect.
- Roles: Coordinate your character’s contribution with the rest of the team instead of selecting a powerful fighter in isolation.
- Communication: Team awareness matters because a win can depend on a rotation or rescue rather than the most damage dealt.
This makes Striker the best answer to “Which Naruto game is best for playing online with friends?” when everyone wants a dedicated team activity. It is a weaker fit if your group wants to watch a campaign, replay anime scenes or fight locally without relying on an online team environment.
Platforms and compatibility
The listed platforms are PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Steam, with compatibility on current consoles. Nintendo Switch is not listed for Shinobi Striker in the published platform information. Confirm the store page for your specific console and any online-service requirement before purchase.
Platform comparison
| Platform | Storm Connections | Shinobi Striker |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | Supported | Not listed in the published platform information |
| PlayStation 4 | Supported | Supported |
| PlayStation 5 | Supported | Compatible through the current-console listing; verify the edition and service details |
| Xbox One | Supported | Supported |
| Xbox Series X|S | Supported | Compatible through the current-console listing; verify the edition and service details |
| PC | Supported | Steam supported |
Platform is a real separator, not a minor specification. A Switch owner has a direct Connections path but no listed Striker version. A group split between console generations should verify each participant’s edition and online access before assuming that everyone can join the same session.
Best Value
- Rediscover the Naruto Story! Get the first 3 Naruto Storm games in one complete set including all the DLC from Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 Full Burst.
- Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 and Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 Full Burst now available on PS4
- Begin your journey through Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm with 100 compelling missions and original animated TV series storyline, up to the Sasuke retrieval arc.
- Enjoy the battle system and online mode from Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2
- Prepare to defend Konoha in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 against the Masked Man and Nine-Tales with the instance awakening.All the DLC content included in Full Burst
Choose by the way you plan to play
If you want a solo Naruto week
- Start with Connections’ History mode to refresh the major Naruto and Shippuden events.
- Play its original Boruto story when you want material that is not just a recap.
- Use offline battles to test characters without committing to online matchmaking.
This plan gives you a fast overview and a large selection of fighters. It does not reproduce the full scene-by-scene progression of STORM 1–4.
If you want the complete story journey
- Begin with STORM 1 for the original Naruto period.
- Continue through STORM 2 and STORM 3 for the expanding Shippuden material.
- Finish the main arc with STORM 4.
- Add Road to Boruto for the next-generation continuation.
This route takes longer and may require more than one purchase, but it is the clearest way to experience the chronology represented by the official lineup guide.
If your group wants online sessions
- Choose Connections if you want conventional Naruto fighting with offline and online options.
- Choose Shinobi Striker if everyone wants team objectives and movement-heavy matches.
- Confirm that every player is on a supported platform and has the required online access.
- Agree on whether your group prefers character-versus-character rounds or Flag, Barrier and Base Battles before buying.
If you are introducing a new player
Connections is the gentler starting point because Simple Control is explicitly intended to make actions easier. Begin with offline matches, then move to online play after the player can perform basic attacks, movement and defensive actions comfortably. Striker can be approachable for a coordinated group, but its movement and objective demands mean that a newcomer must learn the map and team role as well as the controls.
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What the sales figure says—and what it does not
The series has substantial staying power. Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. stated on December 20, 2024: “The Naruto Ultimate Ninja STORM Series has recorded over 30-million-unit sales worldwide.” That is a franchise-wide sales figure for the STORM series, not a guarantee of current matchmaking activity, a ranking of individual games or a promise of future content. It does explain why the STORM format remains the most visible place to start while waiting.
Buying now while waiting for the next release
Check the edition and platform first
The official Bandai Namco store lists standard editions of Connections for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch, along with PC/Steam and other editions. Prices and stock change, so verify the live listing for your region rather than relying on an old price or assuming that a package includes every add-on.
Match the purchase to your waiting period
- Waiting only a few weeks: Connections’ History mode is the quickest refresher, while a short run through offline battles lets you sample the roster.
- Waiting months: The chronological STORM route gives you a longer solo project, and Road to Boruto extends it into the next generation.
- Waiting with a regular group: Pick Connections for standard fights or Shinobi Striker for recurring 4-versus-4 objective nights.
Do not treat the next dated product as a video-game release
VIZ announced a worldwide June 2027 launch for the NARUTO CARD GAME, with Naruto, Sasuke and Gaara starter decks, the “Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!” booster set and an official playmat. That is a future physical card-game product, not a dated successor to Connections, Storm 4 or Shinobi Striker. It should not be used as evidence that a new Naruto video game will launch in June 2027.
Quick Recap
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying Striker for a story campaign: Its defining format is online 4-versus-4 objective combat, not the chronological STORM campaign structure.
- Expecting Connections to contain every story scene: Its History mode is condensed by design.
- Assuming Road to Boruto is the broadest package: Its strength is the late-series and next-generation focus; Connections has the larger publisher-listed roster and wider feature mix.
- Ignoring the platform split: Connections is listed for Switch, while Shinobi Striker’s published platform list is PS4, Xbox One and Steam with current-console compatibility.
- Reading sales as a live-service guarantee: More than 30 million STORM units sold worldwide demonstrates demand over time, but it does not establish present-day population or cross-platform matchmaking.
- Using an old store price: Prices and stock are volatile; check the current regional listing before checkout.
Final decision framework
Answer these questions in order:
- Do you need Nintendo Switch support? If yes, Connections is the listed choice among the games covered here.
- Is story continuity your top priority? Follow STORM 1–4 and add Road to Boruto.
- Do you want one modern package with the broadest roster? Choose Connections and use its History mode as your entry point.
- Will you regularly play in a four-person online team? Choose Shinobi Striker if objective modes and acrobatic traversal appeal to the group.
- Are you buying specifically for a future Naruto game? Treat the June 2027 card-game announcement as separate from video-game release planning.
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.
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