The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid gaming console that was launched in 2017 and serves as a successor to Nintendo’s older Wii gaming consoles. It combines the features of different gaming consoles, making it a versatile device. The console features a portable tablet that can be connected to detachable joy-con controllers, and it can also be connected to larger screens for a more traditional gaming experience. As it is the successor of the Wii console, it allows users to play games interactively, like the Wii.
After the Nintendo Switch’s success in the market, Nintendo introduced its Wii Sports series to the Nintendo Switch platform as “Nintendo Switch Sports,” which was launched in April 2022. It is a party game that can be played with family and friends. The Nintendo Switch Sports game includes six games, which are continued from the previous titles Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort. These include soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, and Chambara (swordplay). Three of these games (tennis, bowling, and sword fighting) were previously featured in the Wii Sports series.
Compared to Wii Sports Resort, which had thirteen games, Nintendo Switch Sports lacks variety. However, it was recently announced that a golf DLC will be released later this year, so we can hope for new games to be added in the future.
Nintendo Switch Sports Trailer
The game allows players to play with friends or be paired randomly with other players online. It also has rewards and achievements that can be unlocked by players. Like other online games, Nintendo Switch Sports has leaderboards, called leagues, and players can reach the top tiers, such as the pro league. The points earned can be redeemed in the online shop for items such as outfits, gear, and other avatar upgrades, which are mostly cosmetic and do not affect gameplay.
Regarding avatars, Nintendo Switch Sports uses Miis, which are fully customizable from the player’s menu at any time. This means players are not stuck with a character they choose at the beginning of the game.
6 Games in Nintendo Switch Sports
Like the Wii Sports Resort series, which was based on an island resort, Nintendo Switch Sports is based in a multi-sports facility called Spocco Square. These minor backdrops give a more immersive feel to the game. Another feature is the Joy-Con controllers’ interactive response, which varies with the different sports you play. You can feel a vibration-like response each time you hit the ball with the racket or while sword-fighting.
The game offers multiple gaming modes, including 1v1, 2v2 dual, and a free-to-play mode for everyone, such as bowling where players can play freely without having to wait for their turn. To access the online features, you need to have a Nintendo Switch Online membership and a Nintendo Account, which you can obtain after taking the membership. If you do not wish to pay for games, check out these Free to Play Nintendo Switch Games.
A leg strap is required to play the shootout game mode, the same one used in Ring Fit Adventure. The leg strap accessory is sold separately, but if you buy a physical copy of the game, it comes with the leg strap accessory included in the box.
1. Badminton
Badminton is considered the easiest game to play in Nintendo Switch Sports, whether with friends or online players, thanks to the joy-con controllers’ intuitive controls that make movements much easier. Another advantage is that there are many different movements possible, and if you time your movements and swings correctly, you can catch your opponent off guard.
One notable feature is the drop shot, which you can initiate by pushing the trigger while returning the shot. This move can make the other player rush to the net, leaving them confused, and you can then smash it for a point. However, the game can only be played in 1v1 mode, and the winning score cannot be defined by the player, which means the game can go on until one player accepts defeat.
2. Tennis
Tennis in Nintendo Switch Sports is similar to the one in Wii Sports but with improved graphics. The gameplay is much faster than badminton and can be played in teams, with a 2v2 match mode available. It’s suitable for playing with friends at home or teaming up with friends to play online.
3. Chambara
Chambara, which is Swordplay, requires you to learn how to block attacks and time your attacks properly. Your goal is to attack your opponent and knock them into the pool around the arena. This game requires patience and good timing. A few hits can knock you down into the pool, and the same goes for your opponent. The falling animation is quite funny and is an improvement over the Wii sports series, where the other player just falls down from the arena.
4. Volleyball
Volleyball can be challenging for players at the beginning due to the numerous moves, and the player has to time their shots accurately to deliver a perfect strike. The game mostly depends on coordination among team members, and once the player gets the hang of it, the game becomes easy to play. The game automatically shuffles the player in all the different positions, from server to blocker, so they have to be aware of their position and other team members as well. The intuitive motion controllers work differently for different games, and this one focuses more on the timing of shots rather than the motion of the player.
5. Soccer
In soccer, you can play in either 1v1 or 4v4 mode. Playing soccer feels like playing Rocket League, where the ball is twice the size of the player and moves very fast when hit. Most of the time, you will spend chasing the ball blindly just to score a last-minute goal. It can get really messy, with slow play and a fast-moving ball. 1v1 is okay, but in a 4v4 match, it’s total chaos.
The leg strap accessory that comes in the box with a physical copy of the game is only useful for the shootouts game mode. Although they have said they will update the game so that the leg strap can be used in team games, until then, it’s not worth it.
6. Bowling
Bowling is arguably the most satisfying game of the series. It was already great in the Wii Sports series, but it’s even better in the Nintendo Switch Sports. People loved bowling in games like 51 Worldwide Classics, and this one does not disappoint. You have full control over the ball and how it rolls, and the physics are just amazing. You don’t have to wait for your turn to bowl since up to six players can bowl simultaneously. The game also has a challenging game mode called Special Lanes, in which the player has to bowl against obstacles in the lanes.
The game’s graphics and AI are very nicely done, and even the NPCs (or audience) are seen doing different things, not just cheering. Since Spocco Square is a multi-sport facility, the NPCs are seen moving, talking, or shopping, which is an interesting detail in the game. The game’s nostalgic music also reminds you of the Wii Sports series, and it’s lovely to just sit and listen to the track while in the game lobby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Switch Sport worth it?
Well, it really depends on your taste, however, from a neutral viewpoint the Switch Sport is not worth it.
Is Nintendo Switch Sports fun alone?
Sure, Nintendo Switch Sports can be quite fun even when played alone.
How many games are there on Switch Sports?
Switch Sports features 6 games so far: Tennis, Badminton, Soccer, Volleyball, Chambara, and Bowling.
Can you play Nintendo Switch Sports online?
Certainly, but you can only play Nintendo Switch Sports online with an Online Membership.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of our article on Nintendo Switch Sports Review. We hope you found this post informative. If you wish to share your feedback regarding this post or give any suggestions in general, feel free to comment down below. We will meet you soon with more game reviews, till then, Happy Gaming!
