Since its launch in 2017, Nintendo’s hybrid Switch console has had numerous sports games, yetNintendo Switch Sportswas still a surprise. FromMario Tennis AcestoKnockout Fitness, and evenRing Fit Adventure, it seemed like the more years went by, the Japanese gaming company wasn’t going to bring the beloved hardware sports franchise back. The initial announcement ofNintendo Switch Sportsin February was a welcomed one for fans of the originalWii Sports.
Most Nintendo fans would sayWii Sportsis a classicthat played a part in their childhoods. With approximately 82.9 million copies sold worldwide as a console tie-in, it would have been a mistake for the company to ignore its best-selling game. Nearly 16 years later, Nintendo releasedNintendo Switch Sports, and although there are plenty of details to nitpick about, there are plenty more features thatNintendo Switch Sportsimproves.
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What Nintendo Switch Sports Does Better Than Wii Sports
Whilefirst impressions forNintendo Switch Sportswere positive, there were heavy comparisons between the two games. The very nature of the Switch compared to the Wii means its motion controls may not feel as accurate. But critiques aside, there are several things thatNintendo Switch Sportshas improved.
Nintendo Switch Sportsstill creates a fairly accurate motion-play experience - helping extend thelife of the Nintendo Switch. Players can no longer spam a swinging motion while they play Tennis, which felt akin to button-mashing in games likeStreet Fighter. Blocking in Chambara (previously Sword Fighting) is more noticeable, as the sword glows when a block is activated, allowing players to strategize better. This iteration of theSportsseries feels a lot more polished than its predecessor thanks to these kinds of visual flourishes alongside its gameplay.
In general, bowling onNintendo Switch Sportshas improved significantly compared toWii Sports. Movements need to be more meaningful, with fast throws equaling trick shots and slow bowls allowing for more accuracy. Although learning to bowl without releasing the ZR/ZL button is a hurdle, it’s a quick learning curve to prevent morescreens breaking during gameplay. Another addition to theSportsseries' bowling is the ability for players to bowl simultaneously using online or local multiplayer, rather than have to wait for individual turns.
However, the most considerable improvement made inNintendo Switch Sportscompared toWii Sportsis online play. Matchmaking has become a lot faster thanks to the addition of bots, so players no longer have to wait for two more people to show up. Despite the reputation of the Nintendo Switch Online service, there have only been sporadic reports of server connectivity issues, allowing for a much smoother online experience than its predecessor.
Pro League is another online-only feature that has mademultiplayer inNintendo Switch Sportsfun, with a highly competitive twist. Players start from Rank E and work their way to Rank A through consistent wins against other players worldwide. Although Pro League is only available to solo players, it adds a level of competition that wasn’t previously available onWii Sports. Hopefully, there will be a team-based Pro League in future updates, enabling players to compete alongside their friends. But for the time being, this has hit a sweet spot for the more competitive Nintendo players out there.
Despite the built-in faults ofthe Switch’s motion controls, making it less accurate than its older sibling even without potential Joy-Con drift, Nintendo has created aSportsgame that feels more polished than ever. WithNintendo Switch Sportshitting the top of the eShop in some markets, the company has an opportunity to make its game last a long time.
