Wii Sports and the Resort sequel were the first moments for motion-controlled entertainment. Sports simulators often emphasize realism. However, Nintendo’s family-centric approach to the genre has permeated a range of competitive activities with accessible interactions, fun art direction, and catchy catchphrases. . Switch Sports attempts to recreate that magic for a contemporary audience with beautiful visuals, a small game that feels different but familiar, and avatar customization along with rated multiplayer. The Switch Sports is a great choice for gatherings, but the lack of mechanical depth and repetitive content makes the swings and kicks short-lived.
The infectious fun vibe of Wii Sports returned shortly after Switch Sports kicked in. A bright color palette and vibrant musical peaks complement the energetic and engaging atmosphere. The Humanoid sportsman (Miis’ selectable partner) with customizable cosmetics and Spocco Square sports facilities parallels the game’s enhanced aesthetic. Each arena boasts futuristic architecture, from platforms above the turquoise pools to slick courts with breathtaking views of the city skyline. Switch Sports is certainly eye-catching, but these six mostly vacant regions lose their appeal after a few matches.
The same can be said, albeit to a lesser extent, for the events dotted throughout Spocco Square. Services are aimed at all age groups and levels – some activities require simple wrist or arm swipes, while others are appropriately complex, incorporating JoyCon movements by pressing the button. Tennis and Bowling are still impressively polished; Powerful bumps and obstacle courses add a welcome challenge to the mix. Volleyball is team-oriented, emphasizing clear communication to block, receive or score goals. Chambara (Wii Resort’s Swordsmanship) sometimes encounters difficult input scenes but is a sweaty match, with most of the match being chaotic sword slashing. Badminton is my favorite sport; Floating shuttlecock forced me to consider timing and shot combinations, leading to some great comebacks and heartbreaking defeats. In contrast, the Soccer’s vast field and tiresome stamina wheel meant I spent more time trying to catch the ball rather than directly interacting with it. Furthermore, the footband-based “shoot out” mode – kicking a ball into the net – was delayed because it lacked the strategic intensity and hyperactivity of other sports.
Switch Sports shines brightest in local and global playlists. Competing with loved ones offers fierce and fun on an equal footing. Matchmaking with random players leads to exciting battles and gift currency. Every 100 points, I open the gift box and receive random gear, including multicolored tennis rackets, clothes, and emojis, among many other personalized items. Luckily, these points come in bursts and are guaranteed regardless of the outcome, encouraging me not to lose hope or quit early even if losing is everything. While some of the makeup was unremarkable – monochromatic pieces like silver earrings or dark glasses – this simple progression system kept me hooked and eager to get back into the action. Join the Pro League, a ranked mode that will unlock after finishing any sport ten times, and online multiplayer will become the proving ground for anyone who wants to stand above the rest. I would love to try my hand at equally dedicated contestants and try to outscore/beat them in live rallies.
With the Golf update scheduled for Fall 2022, it’s safe to assume that Nintendo sees Switch Sports as a worthy successor to Wii Sports. And in some ways, it is. The seemingly endless supply of rotating collectibles and skill-based intensity make the game’s online multiplayer dynamic. Even classic sports like Bowling and Chambara are enhanced with eliminations and double sword/feet rules, respectively. However, after a few hours of fun, I experienced all of the playable components of the Switch Sports and sometimes felt a loss of interest after a long period of gaming. Switch Sports hasn’t stepped out of the long shadow of the Wii Sports, but it’s still a solid runner-up.
