Japanese	American	European
In Japan, this game is called Bare Knuckle II. The USA version renames it Streets of Rage 2. The European version almost uses the same title screen as the USA version, other than changing the number 2 to the Roman numeral II. This change did not carry over to the third game. Most of the changes listed below made to USA version also apply to the European version, aside from one involving Blaze's jump kick.

Japanese	American
The two player vs. mode is called "Battling" in the Japanese version and "Duel" in the American version.

Japanese	American
Adam's younger brother is called Sammy in the Japanese version and Skate in the American version.

Japanese	American	European
Blaze's jump kick has a different sprite depending on which version you are playing. In the Japanese version, you can see up her skirt. The American version edited her sprite so you can no longer see up her skirt. Edits were also made to her arms. Surprisingly, the European version does not feature this edit.

Japanese

If you pause the game and press the A button in the Japanese version, a counter will appear above your character's life bar which shows how many enemies you have defeated. This feature is exclusive to the Japanese version of the game.

Japanese	American
At the end of the last round, Mr. X can be seen smoking a cigar in the Japanese version. He doesn't do this in the American version.