When the first Nintendo Wii Sports (2006) came out, I was amazed at how fun playing Tennis was with the Wii Remote. It highlighted the true potential of using the Wii Remote and also the gaming platform overall. For the first time in my life, I thought this is it – this is the game that would let me exercise and have fun at the same time!
Years ahead, I was in awe with Nintendo Switch system upon launch and how revolutionary it was with Joy-Con controllers and its versatility to be played on-the-go and also on TV. But it’s definitely missing something.
After longing for something similar to the original Wii Sports back in Nintendo Wii for some time, we’ve finally got it. This, is Nintendo Switch Sports on the Nintendo Switch and it definitely brings back memories.
Sure, there might be bad memories such as people not using the strap and breaking their TVs by swinging the controllers but for most gamers who have the game, we have fun!
Nintendo Switch Sports is a game that utilises the Joy-Con controllers by using real-world movements and it will even detect how hard you swing the controller, how your wrist moves, and take them into account in the game.
There are varieties of sport activities you can play in Nintendo Switch Sports such as: Volleyball, Badminton, Bowling, Football, Chambara, and Tennis. There will be an update soon where Golf will be added in and we are hoping more fun games to be added in future updates.
So yes, the classic Tennis is back and it is as fun as before. You can play with up to 4 players (1 Joy-Con controller each) and the way you swing the Joy-Con will yield different shots. For example, you can do a lob shot, top spin, and even a slice by using different arm and wrist movements.
And finally, there is Badminton in the game. I play badminton every week and it’s rare to see a badminton game on any gaming platform anywhere. In Nintendo Switch Sports, unfortunately only up to 2 players can play but it is indeed a fun game still. It’s more like a faster-paced tennis with smashes and drop shots with the help of an extra button press while swinging.
We also tried Volleyball, which seems to be the favourite when my friends came over to play Nintendo Switch Sports during the review. It’s another up-to-4 players game and it is really fun because you have to work together with your partner in setting the ball up for a smash, blocking, and countering the enemies.
If you like to relax a bit, there is also Bowling (up to 4 players). You can choose whether you want to play turn by turn (like traditional bowling) or to save time, let everyone bowl at the same time. I’m amazed at how different swings can yield different things, including curving the ball by twisting your wrist.
I’ve then tried playing Football online and surprisingly (I wasn’t aware at first), you can play with up to 7 other people (8 players in total). Each controls a player in the game and you are free to run around the court while trying to kick and make a goal. You can jump with an extra push of a button, kick the ball by swinging the Joy-Con left or right (and if you have a Leg Strap – from the physical edition of Nintendo Switch Sports or if you have the Ring Fit Adventure game), and do a header by swinging the Joy-Con down.
I think I end up running around more than actually kick the ball, but I might need some more practice here.
Lastly, there’s Chambara, where you need to think and act fast to both attack and block by holding the Joy-Con at the right direction. It also highlights how responsive Joy-Con controllers are. This is probably my least favourite game within Nintendo Switch Sports (and it seems to have the longest queue online compared to others), but you may find it fun.
Speaking of playing online, you will earn in-game points as you play and win which you can use to unlock accessories and many others in the game for your character’s customisations. It’s not necessary obviously, but it’s a nice progression system to motivate you playing. You can select up to 3 games that you want to play so you can queue in all three and get to play faster. Unfortunately, you can’t unlock things when playing offline with friends.
There are short tutorials on how to play the games but I do wish there are advanced ones because I didn’t know that flicking your wrist for example, can do different things in the game, and many other tricks. Sure, you can find them on YouTube, but will be waiting for the official ones to be added into the game.
Nintendo Switch Sports Review Conclusion
Nintendo Switch Sports brings back the core of gameplay with the Joy-Con controllers where you can actually exercise a bit while having fun at the same time. I think it’s the best party game on the Nintendo Switch compared to the other games I have like the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Party, Mario Tennis Aces, and Splatoon 2.
Everyone can play as it’s not complicated to learn, but also it’s the competitive nature of the sport games themselves. Plus, nothing is more fun than swinging your Joy-Con away while shouting and laughing at the same time.
Check out Nintendo Switch Sports official website for more information.
Disclosure: Nintendo Switch Sports review licence was supplied for reviewing
