Here I will review Nintendo Switch Sports, the new game available on the Switch that allows you to “practice” a sport from the comfort of your couch.
Those who have known the Wii Sports game already probably want to get this new updated version. I will tell you frankly that I will not be here to discourage you. Nintendo Switch Sports is, in my opinion, the ideal game to have to bring life and laughter to your evenings with friends. Now let me give you a little more detail about my experience with the game.
Plus d’options
Nintendo Switch Sports offers many more options than its little brother offered on the Wii. You can now choose between 6 sports (soon 7, since golf is coming soon for free) against the 5 available on Wii. The sports are soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton and chambara (sword game).
Soccer
If you buy the game in physical version, it will come with a strap to hook a Joy-Con to your leg and you can play soccer as well. Otherwise, you also have the option of playing with the Joy-Con in your hands. You can choose between penalty shootouts or a real game of 4v4 soccer. Soccer is surprisingly fun even if, like me, you don’t have the leg strap. You’ve got a stamina bar to manage, and it’ll feel a bit like playing Rocket League in slow motion thanks to the massive size of the ball.
Volleyball
Volleyball is one of my favorite Nintendo Switch Sports games. The matches are played 2 against 2 and when you play with a friend you can really be proud of the good team moves that you achieve. Timing is everything with this sport and the game will require you to hit the ball three different ways depending on your position on the court. Beware of sore arms on the other hand when you get too involved in the games.
Bowling
Bowling is a classic taken from the old version and that’s good. If you want a more relaxed game without being rushed by the timing to play with friends, this is an ideal game. As on the Wii, you have to choose your angle and you can give a little twist in your wrist to achieve the perfect throw. The game also gives you two options, that of playing the classic way or that of playing in obstacle course mode.
Tennis
Tennis is also a classic taken from the old version, but improved this time. the timing and angle of your shot greatly influences whether your ball is out of play. The Joy-Con also registers the movements you make very well and therefore does not hit for nothing and at the angle where you want to send it.
Badminton
Badminton is a fun new sport that’s only played 1 on 1. You can throw hard, medium or, with the press of a button on the Joy-Con, short throws that go just across the net to take your opponent by surprise. A very simple little sport, but also very pleasant for those who want to play more relaxed.
Chambara
Finally, the chambara is a game of wooden swords which consists of pushing the opposing player out of the arena directly into the water. This sport is probably my least favorite sport because it looks a bit like boxing in the Wii version. We hit and we don’t really understand what’s going on, but it’s not a bad sport for all that. The goal is to strike at the same angle as the other holds his sword, not against, because the blow will be blocked, to make the opponent move back and win the game. You can choose between 2 options, either one or two sabers at a time and wooden or electric sabers that shock the opponent.
Gameplay
I enjoyed the gameplay of Nintendo Switch Sports, the motion control works much better than on the Wii and it allows you to really have control of your game. It is now much more difficult to put a bad blow on the back of the controls , in addition, the Joy-Con are very easy to calibrate in the event of a bug. Each game has its unique different movements which means that we don’t get bored and that we can get a good variety during the game. We also have the option of choosing the level of difficulty of the artificial intelligences, which makes all the difference when it comes to challenge. I must say that I can’t wait to try golf!
As for the rest, you can play in coop, alone or online very easily. The online mode allows us to connect with players quickly and test our new skills against strong opponents. For bowling, we find ourselves in a tournament of 16 people who play simultaneously so as not to wait forever. At each level, half of the players are eliminated. I really liked this principle of tournaments. In addition, by playing online you collect points which then allow you to win cosmetic items for your characters.
Impressions finales
Finally, I had a blast with Nintendo Switch Sports, but I’m aware that the asking price for the game is a bit excessive. If, however, you were a big fan of the one on the Wii and have that cash to spend, I highly recommend it. The controls work well and you are sure to have fun playing it with friends or family. It’s especially a game that plays well with children, just make sure to attach the Joy-Con to their wrists with the strap.
Otherwise you can always wait for a discount to get it. It can be very long when talking about Nintendo, but it’s also not a game whose novelty adds to the experience. It’s a nice little game that will stay good for years after its release and that you can bring out at parties or just to move around in your living room.