Wii Sports and its Resort successor were game changers for motion control entertainment. Sports simulators usually emphasize realism. And yet, Nintendo’s family-centric approach to the genre has infused a selection of competitive activities with accessible interactions, light-hearted artistic direction, and catchy jingles. Switch Sports attempts to reproduce that magic for a modern audience with sleek graphics, mini-games that feel distinctive but familiar, and avatar customization coupled with ranked multiplayer. Switch Sports is a slam-dunk pick for gatherings, but a lack of mechanical depth and repetitive content make the hands-and-legs thrill woefully short-lived.
The infectiously happy vibes of Wii Sports return as soon as Switch Sports boots up. A bright color palette and glorious musical crescendos complement the welcoming, enthusiastic atmosphere. Humanoid Sportsmates (selectable counterparts to Miis) with customizable cosmetics and the Spocco Square sports facility match the game’s improved aesthetic. Each arena features futuristic architecture, from platforms to turquoise pools to slick courts with stunning views of the city skyline. Switch Sports is undeniably a head turner, but these six mostly-empty zones lose their appeal after a few matches.
The same is true, albeit to a lesser extent, of the events scattered throughout Spocco Square. Offerings cater to all ages and abilities—some activities require simple wrist or arm movements, while others are suitably complex, fusing JoyCon movements with button presses. Tennis and bowling remain impressively polished; powerful slams and obstacle courses add a welcome challenge to the mix. Refreshingly team-oriented, volleyball emphasizes clear communication to block, receive or score. Chambara (Wii Resort’s Swordplay) suffers from tricky inputs at times, but is a sweaty romp, with most combat degenerating into chaotic, sword-clashing whirlwinds. Badminton is my favorite; The floating shuttlecock forced me to think about timing and shot combos, leading to some fantastic comebacks and heartbreaking losses. Conversely, the sprawling soccer field and grueling endurance bike meant I spent more time catching the ball rather than directly interacting with it. Additionally, the leg-strap-based “shoot out” mode – shooting an incoming ball into the net – faltered because it lacked the strategic intensity and exciting hyperactivity of other sports.
Switch Sports shines brightest in local and global playlists. Competing against loved ones brings equal amounts of ferocity and hilarity. Matchmaking with random players leads to exciting battles and free currencies. Every 100 points, I opened gift boxes and received random gear, including multicolored tennis rackets, clothing, and emotes, among many other personalized items. Luckily, those points come in bundles and are guaranteed regardless of the outcome, encouraging me not to lose hope or drop out of a game even when a loss was all but certain. While some cosmetic items were unremarkable – monochromatic orbs like silver earrings or black glasses – this simple progression system kept me engaged and eager to dive back into the action. Throw into Pro League, a ranked mode unlocked after completing any sport 10 times, and the online multiplayer becomes a proving ground for anyone looking to differentiate themselves from the rest. I’ve enjoyed testing my might against equally dedicated competitors and trying to outsmart/outplay them in down-to-the-wire rallies.
With a Golf update slated for Fall 2022, it’s safe to assume Nintendo sees Switch Sports as a worthy successor to Wii Sports. And in a way it is. A seemingly endless supply of rotating collectible packs and skill-based intensity make the game’s online multiplayer dynamic. Even classic sports like bowling and chambara are enhanced with elimination rule sets and attack/twin swords respectively. After a few entertaining hours, however, I experienced all of Switch Sports’ playable components, occasionally losing interest after long periods of play. Switch Sports isn’t stepping out of Wii Sports’ long shadow, but it’s still a solid runner-up.
