There’s no denying it’s a classic, whether you owned a Wii or not, there’s no doubt you will have come across the endlessly fun tennis or bowling gameplay of the Wii that made working out fun. (OK, I mostly played sat down, but still…) Despite the Nintendo Switch having been out since 2017, and the Ring Fit being released in 2019, we are just now getting news of Nintendo Switch Sports – classic Wii Sports gameplay on the Switch.

The Nintendo Switch Sports sports

Tennis

It’s back. One of the most memorable games from the original Wii Sports, tennis featured somehow relaxing gameplay of swinging your arm around in the hopes of a successful tennis match. With Joy Cons working in much the same way as Wii Remotes, Nintendo Switch Sports Tennis will feel familiar for those that have played before, and simple to pick up for those who haven’t.

Bowling

We didn’t know Wii Sports would be so ahead of the game. In an age where going out and socialising is not as safe as we once thought it was, why not go bowling from the safety of your own home? Wii Sports Bowling definitely felt like the fun outsider, as it doesn’t really feel like a sport at all, and scoring a strike still feels just as great in a virtual bowling lane.

Chambara

Gladiators ready? Use your Joy Cons as both offence and defence in chambara, as you try to hit your opponents off their perfectly safe, virtual platform with your weapon, while also using it to shield yourself from their incoming blows.

Badminton

Badminton is just one of three new sports announced as part of the Nintendo Sports revamp. Likely to feel similar in gameplay to tennis, you’ll want to make sure you’re more on the ball (or should that be shuttlecock?) in badminton as you can’t let it touch the ground.

Volleyball

While the trailer suggest there’s a distinct lack of beach scenery, Volleyball still looks like it should be another fun addition to the Switch Sports lineup. Again, use your Joy Cons to replicate real-life Volleyball moves such as bumps and spikes in order to get the win against your opponents, either in local or online play.

Soccer

As if the Nintendo Direct announcement of the upcoming Mario Strikers Battle League wasn’t enough, soccer fans get twice the kick out of the broadcast with the Switch Sports reveal. Soccer is a new sport to come to the Nintendo Sports title, and makes full use of the Joy Con leg strap, meaning you can really feel like you’re out on the pitch. You can also play soccer using the Joy Cons in handheld, proving players with the best of both worlds.

Golf

Finally, Golf will be added to Nintendo Switch Sports in an update coming later in the year.

Nintendo Switch Sports open playtest

As part of the Nintendo Direct announcement, Nintendo’s Shinya Takahashi also revealed details about an upcoming open online play test for Nintendo Switch Sports. Open to players who have a current Nintendo Switch Online subscription, the play test will feature online matchmaking and gameplay for tennis, bowling and chambara and will take place between February 18th and 20th, 2022. Find out more and sign up at sports.nintendo.com.

Nintendo Switch Sports release date

Get working on those front-hand and back-hand swings, Nintendo Switch Sports comes to consoles on April 29th, 2022. In the meantime, get signed up for that playtest and get in on the action before the game’s full release.

Nintendo Switch Sports brings a Wii classic to current consoles

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