Wii Sports wasn’t just a great surprise packaged with the Nintendo Wii; it was a benchmark for Nintendo’s motion controls and connectivity. Nintendo Switch Sports continues the Wii Sports legacy with some new sports, a beautiful facility, and endless hours of fun with friends. However, Wii Sports’ predecessor does suffer from a lack of content and missing features that would make this game a must-play on Nintendo Switch. Here is our SGO Nintendo Switch Sports Review.
Nintendo Switch Sports Review
Upon starting Nintendo Switch Sports, you are introduced to Spocco Square, a state-of-the-art sports facility that houses six of the game’s main sports. Spocco Square has six major buildings representing the types of sports in the game and showcases many amenities within the facility.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a free roam option in the game at launch. This is a minor letdown because you can see the detail and work that went into making the facility, and there is no way to appreciate it. However, a loading screen suggests shopping, restaurants, and jobs could be in a future update. It’s just a letdown that there isn’t a hub center for your Mii’s and Sportmates.
The Fantastic Six
Nintendo Switch Sports currently has six sports: Tennis, Chamara, Badminton, Soccer, Volleyball, and Bowling. Unfortunately, fan favorites like boxing and baseball are not present, and golf will be coming later this fall.
Tennis
Tennis triggers the most nostalgia for me. After a few swings of the racket, It felt like a game I’d been playing for years. This sport remains largely untouched and still feels the same as it did in 2006.
The only letdown with tennis is that you can only play two vs. two, and it would be nice to have the added option to play singles.
Chamara
It’s easy to see that Chamara replaced our beloved boxing. It’s virtually the same as boxing but with swords. Chamara is easy to play but requires timing and strategy. The objective here is to force your opponent off the platform into the pool below, but the tricky part is timing your swings while trying to block your opponent’s attacks.
A successful block will leave your opponent staggered and vulnerable to quick slash, but it can open you for a counter-attack if you commit too much.
Badminton
Badminton is probably the reason why there aren’t singles matches in tennis. But that’s for a good reason; this sport is fast-paced and probably uses the motion controls best.
Badminton requires timing and smart use of the drop shot. The result is quick, fluid, eye-catching gameplay that will get you in a competitive mood.
Soccer
This isn’t quite FIFA, but soccer is a standout sport in Nintendo Switch Sports. This sport plays like a slower-paced Rocket League, and I highly recommend it for online play. Playing soccer local is a bit weird because you have to play split-screen. In addition, the controls and overall gameplay are catered more toward Wii Sports veterans looking for a competitive game to play online.
Volleyball
Most of these sports can make you break a sweat, but volleyball really gives you a workout. Volleyball is broken down into three patterns of play that test your reactions and timing.
This sport is one of my favorites because it has players moving to different positions by blocking, bumping, setting, and spiking the ball. After you get the rotation down, the game is fast-paced and enjoyable.
Bowling
Just like tennis, bowling returns as another Wii Sports fan favorite. However, aside from traditional bowling, players can choose to bowl simultaneously and add obstacles to the mix.
Playing Like it’s 2006
Any minor caveats Nintendo Switch Sports has is pushed aside when playing the game with friends. The game is so damn enjoyable. The Wii Sports series does so well to get people who don’t usually play games to join in the action without feeling underskilled. Sports like badminton, Chamara, and bowling are where the party gets rocking.
My mother found Chamara very entertaining. The strategic gameplay mixed with the cartoony violence of battering your opponent is enjoyable for the masses. However, sports like soccer were a bit more complicated for someone who doesn’t play games; but she did get a kick out of the players flying into diving headers and landing hilariously on their faces.
Playing with a group of friends is where Nintendo Switch Sports shines the most.
Online is For the Solo Players
While you can play online with two players, solo players will get the most out of online play because you are rewarded for your time and skill. After each game, you earn points to progress to the next level, and then you are awarded a randomized item for your efforts.
This particular system is okay at launch, but moving forward, I would like to see more cosmetic items introduced along with a virtual currency to spend on those items. This will work well when Spocco Square is fully accessible, and players can shop at stores to purchase items.
Climbing the Ranks
Another perk of playing Nintendo Switch Sports online is being ranked in a particular sport. Switch Sports’ ranking system puts you against players in the same skill level as you. It keeps the game competitive among some of your favorite sports to play.
Verdict
Nintendo Switch Sports attempts to capitalize on the foundation Wii Sports made in 2006. The result is a game that launched in a bare state but can be improved in future updates. Besides the absences of baseball and boxing, the six sports on show here are smooth, responsive, and fun.
While Nintendo Switch Sports could do more for the players that play solo, the game is at its best when you play locally with friends.