Gather around, fans of motion controlled sports games! The Nintendo Switch finally brings us an upgraded version of one of the very first Wii games to release. That’s right, 16 years on from its initial release, Nintendo have revisited its family fun sport games with a few games returning, and others new to the format.



I would be lying if I said I used my Nintendo Wii very often, but one thing it does get dusted off a few times a year is the Wii Sports title - you know the one that was released with the console all those years ago? Tenpin Bowling is always a winner with family and friends, and the other sports have just enough to keep the entertainment going. It feels apt that a new release has finally come through to take its place, but does it add much in terms of value?

The short answer is “not really”. Nintendo Switch Sports is fun-filled entertainment but hardly adds anything innovative or overly refreshing to the party. In total, there are 6 sports to choose from all with some variation to their “standard” modes. Bowling, Tennis, Chambara (Sword Fighting), Badminton, Volleyball, and Soccer enter the arena.



Tenpin bowling is once again the highlight of the series for me. There’s something great about the simplistic control method which allows gamers of all types and ages to be able to partake without any real complications. Pick your character, aim where you need and throw - it’s really that simple. Players can add a touch of spin by flicking their wrists, or add a slight angle where needed, but for the most part it remains quite basic.

Tenpin bowling is once again the highlight of the series for me.

The difficulty does increase should you save a profile, but it never feels too frustrating especially for younger gamers who might be used to playing with the sides up. While Bowling has a “challenge” mode putting up some fun alternatives to the main game, there’s really not much difference between this and the 2006 version of the game… which perhaps says something for the new release.



Tennis is equally similar to its predecessor with a doubles only option available. Swinging around the Joy-Con never feels completely accurate or controlled and often makes little difference in terms of timing. In Tennis, you don’t have to move to the ball or anything, just pick a shot type and go for it. Tennis was quite bland in the original game, and it’s hard to describe it as much more this time around.

Chambara has a much more frantic feel to it and while it can be a matter of swinging the sword and hoping, there is definitely a bit more timing and finesse required when playing, especially if you are matching against a real player and not the AI. It’s a lot of fun and reminds me of the old Gladiator days although maybe a bit less intense. Timing your blocks and aiming your swipes are important which means it’s not just about flailing around aimlessly.



Badminton is easily the best of the new additions, and possibly the most impressive of all the sports to come to the series (including previous renditions). While it borrows from some of the tennis mechanics, it feels completely different in the way it plays. The timing is more important and the overall flow of the game even feels more realistic when compared to the on-rails feel of tennis. There is something about the physics of the birdie that truly increases the authenticity of the gameplay. That said, Switch Sports never claims to mimic the real sport, but rather create a simple and entertaining space to play the games in, and Badminton really nails that aspect too.

Still, there’s a bit more skill required for volleyball and that dynamic certainly makes it more enjoyable for older players.

Volleyball is probably the most “complicated” of the lot with players needing to learn the motions for setting, jumping and spiking which takes some getting used to. In volleyball you will also need to move into position which takes some getting used to because moving the joy-con stick while also preparing to react with the motion controls does not always feel intuitive. Still, there’s a bit more skill required for volleyball and that dynamic certainly makes it more enjoyable for older players. For younger players, and in groups, the gameplay doesn’t quite sync so nicely and can get a little bit frustrating when the motion sensors pick up the wrong movements.



Soccer is quite easily the worst of the games available. It goes for a floaty, almost Rocket League, effect but instead of your cars, you have your mii running around. The physics of the light ball and the movement of the players doesn’t make for an overly enjoyable game and while it has its moments where you can see what the developers were going for, at most times it feels so slow-paced that playing it is more of a chore than anything else, and for the majority of my time with the game, it’s the sport that I avoided the most. Soccer also has an alternative mode called “shoot-out” but to play it you need the leg band. Sadly I was not able to test this out, but a friend who bought the game with the band told me quite plainly to stay away from it at any cost.

Given the low requirements, the online gameplay is smooth regardless of the sport, and the various tournament types and challenges make for additional replayability.

Where Switch Sports does excel, especially compared to the original, is with the addition of online play. Given the low requirements, the online gameplay is smooth regardless of the sport, and the various tournament types and challenges make for additional replayability. Playing online also allows you to unlock new cosmetics for your created Mii character, adding further value for those that want the latest outfits or accessories. Online modes truly add to the overall experience as it goes almost without saying that Switch Sports is best played with others and with the online option available you never have to wait to have people over to experience that element of it. I will say, however, that playing with a bunch of people in the same room is still the ultimate way to play this kind of party game.



Nintendo Switch Sports, overall, fills a gap for those waiting so long for another motion controlled sports outing. Tenpin Bowling and Badminton alone almost make it worth the asking price, and the addition of online gameplay and cosmetic unlocks adds to the worthiness. The other sports have their positives and there’s more than enough to keep players busy for quite some time even if there are no major changes to the quality of the motion controls. For those looking for a quick, fun outing or those that have a constant need to challenge friends or family, you won’t be disappointed with what Switch Sports has to offer. However, for those looking for something with depth, great detail or something innovative, you are unlikely to find it here.



*Review code provided by Nintendo