Hands-On With Motion Sports
Aiming arrows into multicolored targets in an archery-meets-darts game, wiggling Joy-Con controllers for thumb wrestling, skateboarding across Wuhu Island in mouse mode, and flying a plane like a model aircraft highlight how engaging active motion controls can be.
The upcoming $50 Switch Sports Resort game arrives as a Switch 2 exclusive. An early preview showcased nine of the 12 total included games, demonstrating that Nintendo's approach to motion gaming remains uniquely compelling.
Outside of niche hardware like the Nex Playground console and virtual reality setups, active physical gaming has largely faded from the mainstream market, making Nintendo's continued efforts notable.
Nintendo periodically returns to motion gaming. The original Wii Sports Resort launched in 2009 and served as the debut for advanced gyro-based motion-sensing controllers.
A Complete Party Package
While titles like Fitness Boxing, Just Dance, and Mario Party have maintained a presence on Nintendo hardware, Switch Sports Resort stands out as the most comprehensive motion party package.
Switch Sports Resort expands upon its predecessor by offering 12 activities compared to eight. It features a large island chain reminiscent of Pilotwings, allowing players to fly, jet-ski, or skateboard across environments filled with collectible items and secrets alongside traditional competitive sports.
New Activities and Additions
New gameplay additions include skateboarding, which utilizes the Joy-Con in a mouse-based sliding mode, and thumb wrestling. The latter functions similarly to a simplified thumb-based Punch-Out with tilting mechanics and power increases.
Returning favorites like Bowling receive upgrades such as a 100-pin mode absent from the original Wii version, while Archery gains a new darts-style competitive score-based mode alongside a single-player tournament option.
Local Multiplayer Focus
The core experience shines brightest in same-room multiplayer settings. The game channels the casual, interactive energy of the classic Wii era directly in front of a living room television.
A full review will follow closer to launch, highlighting whether these motion mechanics can inspire a broader return to active gaming.
