Nintendo Switch Sports, released in April 2022, attempted to combine the original formula that made Wii Sports such a massive success around its core gameplay, combining it with some new additions and online features that incentivize players to keep coming back. In addition to its offline 4 player staples, the new online ranked modes and new cosmetics make for the definitive version of the game.
Comparing returning favorites such as bowling and tennis, and new ones like badminton and chambara, how do they stack up against one another? What lends itself best to ranked modes, and which shouldn’t return in the future?
7/7 Soccer
One of the more unique ideas introduced, Soccer is the only sport so far that incorporates the included leg strap accessory, which is sold with physical copies of the game, and was previously only compatible with Ring Fit Adventure.
Soccer has options for up to 4v4 games, but both the core gameplay of playing soccer with an oversized ball, and even using the incredibly finicky leg strap, are incredibly half-baked. The motion detection for kicking does not allow for much more nuance than simply kicking directly in front of you. It was worth a try, but it’s safe to say soccer will not be returning in later titles — at least not in the form it is in right now.
6/7 Chambara
Another disappointing new inclusion is chambara. While sharing some similarities to the swordplay minigame in Wii Sports Resort, the goal in chambara is to wield your choice of sword and back your opponent out of play and into the water. This can be done by landing a blow on your opponent. The easiest way to do this is to counter your opponents swing by holding your sword perpendicular to them and leave them open for an attack.
The core gameplay loop of this cat and mouse game, matching your moves against one another, makes the game feel like an above average Wii Play minigame rather than a full-fledged sports game.
5/7 Golf
Added in late November, Golf has benefited greatly from the switch to the joycons, as the Wii remote only allowed for so much control when it came to motion. The courses are direct copies of those included in Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort. The online inclusion incorporates the same bowling feature of having everyone swing at once, making for a speedy experience.
Despite the lack of bells and whistles, Golf still delivers a good experience no matter how you are playing it, and it is a welcome addition to the Switch Sports roster.
4/7 Tennis
Another of the classic Wii Sports modes returning, tennis may have the fewest additions made of any sport in Switch Sports. With no real added bells and whistles, tennis was probably the most at risk of feeling like a bland copy and paste addition. Thankfully, the added flexibility of the joycons motion controls have had the biggest impact on tennis of the sports featured this time around.
The game’s ability to recognize varying types of swings like backhand and forehand based on the positioning of your body make tennis more involved than ever.
3/7 Badminton
Another strong addition to Switch Sports, the only major downside is the inability to play 2 on 2. Badminton incorporates the usual rally back and forth in tennis, but it also introduces more advanced gameplay mechanics like spike shots and the drop shot, which makes for a better competitive experience online.
The mix of varying power shots such as regular volleys, spiking a high birdie by swinging early, and taking advantage of the opponents positioning make this a much faster paced experience than tennis.
2/7 Volleyball
The most welcome addition to Switch Sports is volleyball. Volleyball could have passed for an original game in Wii Sports, given its smooth controls, easily mimicked gestures, and fun competitive gameplay loop.
The act of bumping, setting, and spiking, as well as the natural teamwork that goes into playing with someone — either next to you in the room or online — makes volleyball the perfect example of what makes a great Switch Sports game mode. The more advanced control options such as the quick attack and the slide attack have confusing timing and feel inconsistent to pull off, but they hardly ruins the experience.
1/7 Bowling
The returning king of Wii Sports, you could argue this is the single game that sold 100 million Wiis. While the offline modes do see challenge lanes return in improved form, the 100 pin challenge mode is not included.
It does make up for this with several terrific quality of life features, like the ability for everyone to bowl at once, the more nuanced controls using the joycon to add spin, and even 20 player online matches. While bowling has far more serious contenders this time around, it still holds the undisputed crown when it comes to the genre.
