“Nintendo Switch Sports”: the virtual sports game returns

The “Wii Sports” collection of sports games was originally conceived as a free add-on to introduce the new controllers for Nintendo’s Wii console, released in 2006. With its simple gameplay, the title brought friends and family together in front of to the TV in the living room.

Now, Nintendo is bringing back the sports franchise for the current generation of its Nintendo Switch. The new video game, renamed “Nintendo Switch Sports”, returns with a compilation of up to six games, including tennis and bowling, as well as sword fighting, which was already present in Wii Sports Resort. With football, volleyball and badminton, three new disciplines are offered.

The movements are controlled with the help of the Joy-Con controls of the Nintendo Switch, and the gameplay remains the same. The controls are used to imitate the movements of each sport, for example, swinging tennis or badminton rackets, or throwing balls. In soccer, you can even use your own foot to simulate shooting with a strap that fits around your leg and is supplied as a companion to the Joy-Cons.

“Nintendo Switch Sports” unfolds its full potential in multiplayer mode, with several players facing each other or in teams in front of a screen with a Joy-Con each. The online mode also has its appeal: as you climb the rankings, you can unlock new outfits or sports equipment.

In terms of exercise, Nintendo Switch Sports probably won’t be able to replace a full training session on the tennis court or soccer field. But for an entertaining and fun competition in the living room itself, the new installment is a good substitute.

“Nintendo Switch Sports” is available for Nintendo Switch.

dpa