Nintendo Switch Sports
- April 29, 2022
- Nintendo
Nintendo Switch Sports sticks wisely to the winning Wii Sports formula, while adding a slick online multiplayer mode.
Get moving in Nintendo Switch Sports with Golf, Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton, and Chambara (swordplay) using Joy-Con controllers! Controls are intuitive, so you can hit the court (or lanes, or field, or arena) and get started. With controlled motions you can curve your bowling ball, add spin to a tennis shot, or even use a Joy-Con with the included Leg Strap accessory to kick th…
Nintendo Switch
Reviews
- Nintendo Switch Sports offers a fun and nostalgic experience reminiscent of the original Wii Sports, making it a great party game for family and friends.
- The game features smooth motion controls and charming graphics, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
- The addition of online multiplayer allows for competitive play and the opportunity to unlock cosmetics, adding a layer of engagement for players.
- The game feels incomplete at launch with only six sports available, lacking the variety and depth found in Wii Sports Resort.
- Progression and cosmetic unlocks are tied exclusively to online play, which can be frustrating for players who prefer offline gaming.
- Some sports, like soccer and volleyball, have been criticized for their slow pace and lack of dynamic gameplay, leading to a less engaging experience.
- gameplay11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay is reminiscent of Wii Sports, focusing on exaggerated motion controls that prioritize timing over athleticism, making it enjoyable for multiplayer sessions. However, some users find the mechanics overly simplified and the offline modes lacking depth, with certain sports like volleyball feeling slow and almost turn-based. While the online experience promises to leverage the easy-to-learn, hard-to-master gameplay, concerns about its long-term appeal remain due to its basic offline offerings.
“Sure, the mechanics of the game are more about timing than actual athleticism, maybe even more so than its predecessor Wii Sports, but it's so much fun to play with others.”
“Whilst the offline offering is a little bit basic, what's on offer online will take advantage of the easy to play, hard to master gameplay mechanics.”
“The motion-control gameplay is still just as fun as ever, although its simplicity may limit appeal and longevity.”
“The game mechanics are over-simplified.”
“The gameplay is slow.”
“Volleyball is so slow and offers no dynamic gameplay and comes off almost turn-based.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received positive feedback, with many users noting the vibrant colors and improved HD visuals compared to previous titles like Wii Sports. The return of Mii avatars alongside the new anime-style Sportsmates adds charm, although some players feel the overall graphical upgrade may not be enough to justify the game's existence for those who already own Wii Sports Resort. Overall, while the graphics are considered a significant improvement, the content may leave some players wanting more.
“Great graphics and colors, very responsive and immersive.”
“It’s definitely a huge step up graphic-wise and playing-wise.”
“Nintendo Switch Sports is a fun and nostalgic romp that offers nicely-upgraded visuals and well-implemented motion controls.”
“At launch, aside from the updated HD graphics and the ability to play online, I don’t see a reason to pick up this new game unless you don’t have Wii Sports Resort, a Wii, or Wii U, or are too lazy to take it out of storage.”
“At this point, two hours in, I’ve seen enough, and here’s what I have to say: what I expected would be a reskin of Wii Sports (better graphics, better motion controls, maybe some new sports that weren’t in the original) ended up being a huge disappointment.”
“Now, let's address the graphics.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its celebratory and nostalgic quality, enhancing the overall experience and evoking fond memories of previous titles. While some players find the music overwhelming due to the lack of an option to mute it, many appreciate its modern touch and integration with the gameplay, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a significant and enjoyable aspect of the game.
“It's like having a soundtrack that turns every moment into a mini-celebration.”
“While Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort are embedded in the history books for one of the greatest games of all time, its music composition and the amount of memes created, Nintendo Switch Sports defines a nostalgic feeling. Yet, in my opinion, it also has that modern touch that makes it feel like a brand new game. You won’t regret buying this.”
“No option to silence the drowning music either.”
“Oh, and the music!”
“The music, the sports, the gameplay?”
- replayability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Overall, reviews highlight a mixed perception of replayability in the game. While some users express disappointment in the limited offline options and lack of variety in sports, others appreciate the charm and potential for endless replayability, particularly through online multiplayer features. Suggestions for improvement include the return of minigames and enhanced offline content.
“Limited replayability options without online.”
“Where I find issue with it is in the lack of replayability and variety for its sports, especially in an offline setting.”
“While some new aspects feel undercooked and the online multiplayer’s reward economy feels imbalanced, Nintendo Switch Sports still has that undeniable charm and endless replayability that we remember.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, especially when playing solo, as it requires repetitive engagement in only six sports to earn mediocre rewards. The lack of diverse game modes and the necessity to grind through online play for unlockables detracts from the overall experience, making it feel less rewarding compared to previous titles like Wii Sports Resort.
“This won't matter so much if you're with friends and family and they're all helping you play and they're winning for you too and then you'd have racked up so many points that you're smiling, and you have all this in-game merch and customizable items, but if you're like most people and just playing by yourself with no help, this can be tedious playing these 6 sports over and over against online players to win prizes that are just okay.”
“Only 6 games is a downgrade from Wii Sports Resort; all unlockables are gated behind grindy online play, and there's a lack of extra game modes and match options.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding for rewards makes the experience feel more like a chore than fun, especially when the prizes aren't worth the effort.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a lighthearted sense of humor, highlighted by whimsical customizable characters, amusing interactions, and entertaining controls and animations that add a playful touch to the overall experience.
“On top of that, there are small silly things sprinkled throughout the game, with customizable Miis, funny interactions, and amusing controls and animations.”
“The humor in this game is top-notch, with clever dialogue and hilarious situations that keep you laughing.”
“I love how the game doesn't take itself too seriously, with quirky characters and absurd scenarios that add a delightful charm.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is enhanced by its fantastic motion controls and varied sports, which create an engaging experience. Additionally, the character customization options and detailed, wholesome backgrounds contribute to a deeper emotional connection for players.
Critic Reviews
Nintendo Switch Sports sticks wisely to the winning Wii Sports formula, while adding a slick online multiplayer mode.
90%Nintendo Switch Sports
I’m aware that this review may come off as particularly negative even though I’ve really had a lot of fun with the game so far. That’s only because it’s so frustrating to know this could have been a fantastic comeback. It had so much potential and was coming off the back of a nostalgia nuke – a total game-changer. To see that squandered on another lukewarm shell experience with the promise of more to come over months or perhaps years is terribly disheartening. The whole thing has made me really nervous for the state of the upcoming Mario Strikers sequel. Please please please don’t half-bake the game I’ve been waiting half my life for a new version of. I want a full campaign, a bunch of characters, and solid online networking. I need the gameplay to be strategic and skillful. I’m begging you, don’t ‘Switch Sports’ Battle League.
60%Nintendo Switch Sports Review
Nintendo Switch Sports is here, and it clearly has one goal in mind: to capture the joy that Wii Sports brought us way back in 2006 in a new, modernised package. Does it succeed? Not quite, but it’s a valiant effort.
70%
