Nintendo Switch Sports Resort is a strong collection of mostly fun sports that make the most of the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2’s motion controls without feeling gimmicky. Though a couple of the games are a bit too simplistic, the best of the bunch more than make up for it by offering smooth, creative versions of activities like archery and skateboarding that you can enjoy in the comfort of your living room.
I have countless fond memories of playing Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort as a preteen, because it was probably the most accessible game of all time. Everyone I knew, from my fellow hardcore gaming enthusiasts to my grandparents who never touched a controller, could jump in and have a blast, a sensation I feel future attempts from Nintendo and the like never fully replicated. I think Nintendo Switch Sports Resort has a solid chance of getting newcomers comfortable with a console in a similar way, since the included sports are straightforward and amusing, much like those seventh-generation classics.
Wii are so back.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort offers a wide range of activities, from intense games of tennis and thumb-wrestling to leisurely island explorations on jet skis and seaplanes. Most of these activities are incredibly enjoyable, offering surprisingly accurate versions of larger-scale sports like archery and boxing. I never ran into any issues with the motion controls, as swinging a golf club and tossing a bowling ball felt nearly as natural and fluid as in real life. This is one of those moments when I realize how far motion controls have come, the Joy-Cons are so much smaller than Wiimotes yet wildly accurate.
The more leisurely, laid-back exploratory activities are wonderful in their own right, and exploring the island to find photo spots and other collectibles feels remarkably relaxing. Soaring through the skies and shooting down balloons is a particular favorite of mine, though the creativity behind using a Joy-Con in Mouse Mode to emulate the feeling of pushing yourself forward on a skateboard is worth mentioning, too. It’s rare to see such a unique use for one of the Switch 2’s most handy new features, so I appreciate the way it’s used here.
Another surprising winner is thumb-wrestling, which probably sounds a little dull but is shockingly exciting and delightfully goofy. A fair amount of strategy goes into thumb placement and timing, plus a mechanic that lets you make your thumb larger by risking your position, making it one of the highlights of Nintendo Switch Sports Resort. I was a little sad that there wasn’t a sword-swinging sport like in the original Wii Sports Resort, but thumb-wrestling is a pretty dandy replacement.
I’d say basketball and volleyball are the weakest sports in the collection, as they shrink the base sports and simplify them into almost turn-based minigames. It’s hard to describe, but playing them feels like you’re being put into very specific, narrow roles (serving, dribbling, blocking, throwing) with no ability to diversify or change your style or pace. They’re a tad too simplified to really capture the spirit of the games they emulate, which is a shame given how enjoyable and popular both sports are off-screen.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort rewards you for pretty much everything.
The game’s progression system is a rewarding bonus, giving you new customization items and currency for playing different sports and pulling off specific feats. It’s a neat way to make solo play more enjoyable for those who won’t play with others as much, while also making character customization surprisingly robust. You can pick all sorts of clothes and sports accessories for your avatar, which is appreciated in a game where you and your family and friends will likely want to play as yourselves.
I’ve come around to the less-traditional, Mii-adjacent style of Nintendo Switch Sports Resort and its predecessor, as it feels more colorful and less immediately silly. I appreciate being able to choose a Mii for your avatar, since I’ll definitely do that now and then for the sake of nostalgia. The island is extremely colorful and lively, giving off a cozy summer feeling that I’ll thoroughly enjoy as I enter the dark Canadian winter – nobody quite pulls off the “summer vibes” like Nintendo. Finally, I dug the songs (including a pleasant remixed medley of iconic tracks from previous Wii Sports games) and sound effects, which strike a perfect balance between cartoony and laid-back.
Great
The Final Word
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort mostly nails the casual fun of motion-controlled arcade sports anyone can enjoy. Though a couple of activities are a little too simplified, most are stellar and control perfectly. The character customization and progression system add even more to the package, making it a great pick for family and friends at the holiday gatherings you’ll likely be attending in the coming days.
