Become a pro in different sports
The most important aspect of Nintendo Switch Sports is of course the different sports. The sports in this game will be different from the previous game, Wii Sports. For example, Wii Sports had boxing, baseball, golf, tennis and bowling. Only the last two sports mentioned will be in Nintendo Switch Sports when the game comes out. Later this year we can get started with golf, because it will be added to Nintendo Switch Sports later in 2022.
Fortunately, new sports have taken their place for boxing and baseball. In Nintendo Switch Sports we can indulge in volleyball, badminton, football and Chanbara (a kind of sword fighting). You can also play the sports in different ways. In football, for example, in addition to the standard four against four, it is also possible to play one against one. You can also choose not to have to run across the field at all, but just challenge each other with shoot-outs at the goal.
Nintendo Switch technology in full glory
The way you play the sports has become a lot more advanced due to the technology of the Nintendo Switch compared to the Wii. So are the motion controls a lot better and in badminton, for example, you can clearly see that the arm of your character also exactly imitates the arm movement of the player. This allows you to make much more use of techniques instead of just beating wildly around you. In bowling, the direction of the throw can be different if you tilt your hand while throwing. The only sport that still feels the same as on the Wii is tennis. Tennis has therefore remained very simple and this also provides some variation, since badminton is pretty much the advanced version of this.
By playing Nintendo Switch Sports you actually get the feeling that you are moving. It also pays to make large movements, this makes the technique that your character uses a lot more effective. It is not as intensive as with Ring Fit Adventure, for example, but you do get the feeling that you are moving while playing Nintendo Switch Sports.
Quick to learn for everyone
The sports in Nintendo Switch Sports are a bit more complicated than what we are used to from Nintendo’s sports games. Fortunately, you are not immediately thrown into the deep end. Every time you create a new character and start a sport with this character for the first time, you get a short but clear tutorial. In this tutorial a new player learns what all the buttons do for the chosen sport. In addition to the buttons, the tutorial also teaches you a few useful techniques, but also how to time certain actions properly. In volleyball, for example, timing is very important, when you throw the ball up and smash. That’s why whenever you need to do something in the tutorial, dashes will appear above your character’s head, indicating that you need to perform the technique at that time. Nintendo Switch Sports remains accessible just like its predecessor and is therefore easy to master.
The world around you is alive
The iconic Wii Sports Miis have been replaced by ‘sports mates’ in Nintendo Switch Sports. These new characters show a lot more emotion when they are exercising. For example, the Miis had no real arms or legs, but the sports mates have been made more humane. They also show emotion in their faces. The sports mates can look extremely happy when they have won, but also disappointed when they have lost.
The backgrounds are also full of all kinds of other sports mates† These look at how you are playing sports with your opponent and also cheer you on. In addition, there are also sports mates who just walk by or who are busy with other activities in the background. This makes the world and the environment already alive through its design even more alive. The world in which you play sports is therefore very cozy and atmospheric.
Challenge people around the world
You can play the Nintendo Switch Sports in different ways. You can try to beat the computer on your own, compete in the living room with one to four friends or join forces with your friends to destroy the computer.
If you prefer to play alone, but want to play against other real players, there is the so-called worldwide mode in Switch Sports. In this mode you can play alone or with a friend against players around the world. In worldwide mode it is also possible to buy clothes and cosmetics for you sports mate free to play. This gives you an extra reward while you are working out.
It is only possible to play against players online when you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The worldwide mode can be played without a Switch Online subscription, but then you also play against the computer just like with the local mode. You can still unlock clothes for your character.
Nintendo Switch Lite falls by the wayside
Nintendo Switch Sports is unfortunately only playable on the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch OLED. If you have a Nintendo Switch Lite, it is therefore not possible to play the game. You actually have to move and can only play when you hold a controller in your hand. People who have a Lite console are therefore unfortunately left out.
Nintendo Switch Sports comes out at the end of the month on April 29. The game is already available at various stores and in the Nintendo eShop to reserve.
