Nintendo Switch Sports: Everything you need to know

Nintendo Switch Sports Logo Image
Nintendo Switch Sports Logo Image (Image credit: Nintendo)

Wii...no, Nintendo Switch Sports is here! Nintendo's latest physical activity-focused game builds on its long tradition of sports titles using motion controls. There's a wide range of games to play, both against the AI and with your friends and family online. Whether you want to go bowling or relax after a long day with some tennis, you'll find something you're interested in. Here's everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch Sports.

What is Nintendo Switch Sports?

Nintendo Switch Sports is an active play game for the Nintendo Switch. It's a collection of different sports games that can be played by yourself, on teams, or in a complete free-for-all. Nintendo Switch Sports is a good addition to your family games on the Nintendo Switch available, regardless of how much you're into working out.

Nintendo Switch Sports Trailers

Nintendo first revealed Nintendo Switch Sports during the February 2022 Nintendo Direct. You can check out the reveal trailer for Nintendo Switch Sports below:

Is Nintendo Switch Sports just Wii Sports for Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo Switch Sports Tennis Image (Image credit: Nintendo)

No, Nintendo Switch Sports isn't just an updated version of Wii Sports, but it's definitely inspired by it. Nintendo Switch Sports is a fully new game, specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch. The original Wii Sports did get a remake, in the form of Wii Sports Club for the Wii U, but this isn't another re-release, it's a completely new game. With that said, given the content in the game, there are naturally a lot of similarities to Wii Sports and its subsequent sequel, Wii Sports Resort. There are even three games returning from these past two Wii Sports games!

Nintendo Switch Sports: List of games and sports

Nintendo Switch Sports Games Image (Image credit: Nintendo)

There are six games in Nintendo Switch Sports available now, with an additional seventh game coming in a post-launch update. The games available right now include badminton, bowling, chambara, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Most of these are fairly straightforward and self-explanatory, though for anyone that doesn't know, chambara is Japanese sword-fighting, and is often used in reference to samurai films.

The post-launch game revealed so far on the Nintendo Switch Sports product page is golf, which will be added in an update that is currently planned to arrive at some point in Fall 2022. Golf is another returning game, having featured prominently in both Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort. It's currently unclear if any other games will be added in post-launch updates, but the fact that Nintendo is willing to try out the idea means it's certainly a strong possibility that we could see other sports added over time, especially considering the wide range of options to pull from.

While most of these games are compatible with the regular Joy-Con controllers included with the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED consoles, it's worth noting that the soccer game requires a leg strap accessory.

Physical copies of the game include the aforementioned leg strap accessory, which is required in order to play soccer. Digital copies of Nintendo Switch Sports naturally do not include this, meaning you'll have to buy the leg strap accessory separately if you want to play Soccer.

Ways to play Nintendo Switch Sports

Nintendo Switch Sports Soccer Image

Nintendo Switch Sports Soccer Image (Image credit: Nintendo)

The fun in party games is playing along with others! Now with the Nintendo Switch's online capabilities, you're not restricted to only being able to play in the best form: when you have people locally. Players can choose to play solo, online, or local.

When is Nintendo Switch Sports' release date?

Nintendo Switch Sports Volleyball Image

Nintendo Switch Sports Volleyball Image (Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo Switch Sports has been released as of April 29, 2022. An update will be coming to the base game sometime in the fall, adding golf to the roster of available games to play. As of now, we're not sure if any other updates will come to the game or if Nintendo plans to add more sports, but we'll keep this page updated.

Alex Huebner
Contributor

Alex has been working with iMore as a Freelance Gaming Writer for three years. You can also find a few articles of hers on Android Central and Windows Central. She regularly covers Nintendo Switch games and accessories as well as iOS game apps. In addition to the Nintendo Switch, you may also find her playing on the PlayStation and PC. When she doesn’t have a controller in hand she likes to spend her time with her husband, son, and dogs, exploring new places, or hiding away with a book (or comic book). A few of her favorite games include the Zelda franchise, Little Nightmares, and Animal Crossing.