Motion controls have been synonymous with Nintendo ever since the company popularized the control scheme with the Nintendo Wii. Some may scoff at motion controls, but they are often a great way to introduce non-gamers to games and add immersion for more experienced players. Luckily for us, Nintendo hasn't forgotten about motion controls just yet. The Nintendo Switch has many motion control games, and some of them are even some of the best games on the system. Here are the best motion control games on the Switch.
Featured favorite
Ring Fit Adventure is unlike any other fitness game we've seen. Using the special Ring-Con, traverse 100 levels across 20 worlds, using real-life exercises to battle with a bodybuilding dragon. Burn calories and level up your character at the same time, and if adventure is not your thing, you can turn to quickly play for quick, traditional mini-games guaranteed to help you break a sweat.
Unleash the beast
If you enjoy a workout with your game, why not try Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise? The sequel to Fitness Boxing might not look too much different visually, but it packs a variety of new kickboxing workouts that are sure to help you break a sweat. Grab those Joy-Cons and swing to the beat!
The best kart racer, period
I'm not a driver myself, but Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's gyro controls make me feel like, just maybe, I might be able to do it. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an updated version of the WiiU game that came out back in 2014. With improved visuals, new characters, and all the previous game's DLC included, there's no better kart racer for those who love to drive.
Pop, lock, and drop it
Do you ever get a funny feeling? Something inside of you forcing you to move? Like you gotta bust a move on the dance floor with no dance floor insight? Well, Just Dance 2021 is perfect for you. The latest entry in the series, Just Dance 2021, lets you sway, jump, and groove to the beat of some of the most popular pop songs from around the world.
Is this supposed to hurt?
Medical school isn't for everybody, but that doesn't mean you can't practice complex medical procedures in the comfort of your home! Surgeon Simulator CPR is the perfect showcase of the Switch's motion controls with full motion control functionality and local co-op play.
The cavalry has arrived
The insanely popular hero shooter, Overwatch, has come to the Nintendo Switch, and while it may not look at good as other versions, it has one difference that other versions are lacking – and that's gyro controls. Take your aim to the next level with more precise controls.
A party like no other
Ain't no party like a Mario Party cause a Mario Party forces you to compete in outrageous mini-games for coins and stars. In this installment, players must make use of their Joy-Cons for almost everything, so it's another showcase of the tiny controller's versatility.
Make a mess
Nintendo's premiere shooter, Splatoon 2, is still one of the most popular releases on the Nintendo Switch, and it's easy to see why. Splatoon is not like other shooters – your objective is not to take out the other team but to make a bigger mess. Use the game's gyro controls to splatter paint all over the map and secure victory for your team of squid kids.
A Joy-Con showcase
Released alongside the Switch, 1-2 Switch was a sort of tech demo packaged as a full game. Featuring tons of mini-games that made use of the Joy-Cons many features, if you want to showcase what the Joy-Cons were capable of, this game was made for that.
An ace on the court
Mario is a regular jack of all trades – plumber, doctor, master of ceremonies, and tennis superstar. Mario Tennis doesn't do much to move the series forward, but it's a solid tennis game in its own right, and it makes use of the Switch's motion controls to simulate the feeling of smacking a tennis ball on the court.
Raise Hell
When 2016's Doom revival was released, no one expected the graphically demanding shooter to make it onto Nintendo's handheld. Now, years later, its sequel makes the same impossible leap to the Switch, sticking the landing in almost every way. Use the gyro controls in conjunction with the control stick to emulate that keyboard and mouse accuracy.
Stretch out those ARMS
Who needs joysticks with arms like these? ARMS can be played entirely with motion controls and literal punching. By tilting them in a particular way, you can guard or grab, too. Bring a friend over with another pair of Joy-Cons, and the two of you can stand on opposite ends of the room and have an actual punching match without ever punching one another.
Healthy competition
We may never see Mario and Sonic in a proper platforming title, but they're always down for some friendly competition when it matters most, and that's at the Olympic Games! Take advantage of motion controls and complete for the gold as one of your favorite Mario or Sonic characters.
Make your body the controller
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These are the best motion control games on the Nintendo Switch. Any time we scoff at the idea of motion controls as a system gimmick, Nintendo turns back around and surprises us with incredible games that use the feature. You can't go wrong with any of these choices, but our favorite is Ring Fit Adventure. Taking advantage of the Joy-Cons in unexpected ways, Ring Fit Adventure is more than just exercise; it's a full-blown, fully realized action-adventure title.
But for those interested in solely fitness, Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise is a solid choice that will help you reach your fitness goals. Sync up with the music, and punch to the rhythm of the beat. Even cooler, if you have the first Fitness Boxing game, you can transfer your progress and goals into the new game, so it'll be like you didn't miss a day of your workout. Be sure to grab an extra pair of Joy-Cons so a friend can join in on your workout.
