Nintendo Switch Sports (Nintendo Switch)
Easy group motion sports led by bowling, with little to do alone offline.
The short version
- Families and groups playing together on one Switch
- Fans of Wii Sports bowling and tennis
- Players who plan to use the online modes
- You mainly play alone offline and want a long single player game
- You do not want to pay for Nintendo Switch Online to unlock rewards
What owners like
- Bowling is widely seen as the best sport in the set
- Easy for anyone to pick up, including people new to games
- Online modes such as survival bowling add variety
- Badminton and tennis play well with simple motions
Common complaints
- Little to unlock or progress through offline
- Volleyball and soccer drew the most criticism
- Some lag in online soccer and volleyball
- A modest number of sports at launch
Based on Nintendo's product page, the Wikipedia summary of critical reception (Metacritic 72, mixed or average), and the Nintendo World Report review.
Research scores
Scored from the maker's specs and what owners report. Drew's own notes and photos will refine these.
Ownership
Drew's hands-on notes for this product are on the way. Long-term updates will be added to this timeline.
What it does
A motion controlled sports collection for Nintendo Switch, played by swinging Joy-Con controllers, with eight sports after free updates added golf and basketball.
- Joy-Con motion controls for every sport
- Leg strap accessory for soccer, described by the maker as included
- Online play with Pro League ranking and weekly rotating cosmetic rewards
- Golf was added free in November 2022 and basketball in July 2024
- Mii and custom character support
A good pick for families and groups who want quick, easy motion games on one console, with bowling the standout. The trade-off is thin single player content, since most unlockables and progression sit behind online play that needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
How it compares
Specs
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch; the maker lists it for Nintendo Switch 2 as well
- Sports
- Bowling, tennis, badminton, volleyball, soccer, chambara (swordplay), golf, basketball
- Players
- 1 to 4 on one system; 1 to 2 per system online
- Play modes
- TV mode and tabletop mode
- Rating
- ESRB: mild violence, users interact, in-game purchases
- Download size
- 3.2 GB
- Released
- April 29, 2022
Questions
How many sports are in Nintendo Switch Sports?
Eight. It launched with six, and free updates added golf in 2022 and basketball in 2024.
Do you need Nintendo Switch Online?
Yes for online play and cloud save features, according to Nintendo. Local play works without it.
Does it come with a leg strap?
Nintendo's page refers to the included leg strap for soccer. Wikipedia says it ships with physical copies.
How many people can play?
Up to four on one system, and up to two per system online.
Is there a sequel?
Yes. Nintendo Switch Sports Resort is scheduled for Nintendo Switch 2 on October 22, 2026.
Sources
- Nintendo: Nintendo Switch Sports product page
- Wikipedia: Nintendo Switch Sports
- Nintendo World Report: Nintendo Switch Sports review
Researched 2026-10-02. We bought this product; our page is built from the maker's details and what owners report across reviews and forums. We never copy Amazon customer reviews.