Summary
- The Nintendo Switch lacks a strong lineup of sports games, despite its motion controls and online capabilities.
- There are several games on the Switch that provide a similar experience to Wii Sports, with intuitive controls and party elements.
- While some games, like Arms and Mario Strikers: Battle League, are worth checking out, others, like NBA 2K23 and FIFA 23, are criticized for their lack of innovation.
While the Nintendo Switch is home to a slew of great titles spanning many genres and styles, it's not exactly lighting it up in the sports department. This is somewhat ironic, considering the Wii's most successful game is a compilation of sporting romps. It's especially baffling, as the Switch's improved motion controls and online capabilities would seemingly make it a great platform for sports games. Yet, aside from a few outliers, Switch's library remains curiously thin when it comes to games that resemble the iconic Wii Sports.
Thankfully, there are more than enough games similar to Wii Sports on the Switch. All of these games provide a great sporting experience on the console, while also keeping in mind the intuitive controls and party elements that made Wii Sports so appealing in the first place. After all, the allure of playing fun sports-based party games on the Switch is highly alluring and something that most fans wouldn't want to miss out on in the slightest.
Updated on November 28, 2023, by Ritwik Mitra: Wii Sports is one of the most popular video games of all time. Sure, it may have been sold along with the console itself to inflate those numbers, but no one can deny that the title didn't deserve these high numbers for showing exactly what the motion controls of this console could achieve. Players can check out more titles in the same vein if they want to experience the same joy that Wii Sports gave them. *A video version of this article has also been added, highlighting ten games from the List.
24 Arms
A Boxing Game Featuring Fighters With Stretchy Arms
Arms
- Released
- June 16, 2017
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
Arms is a game that can be deceptively tiring if players try out multiple matches in a row. Each fighter in arms has its own unique eccentricities, with players having to curve and bend their punches to let their stretchy hands hit the opponent.
Arms is a great game, and it's a shame that the title didn't take off like other Nintendo properties. The game is perfect for Switch owners, especially those who love Wii Sports and its vast array of competitive games.
23 Mario Strikers: Battle League
A Stylized Soccer Game With Arcade Elements
Mario Strikers: Battle League
- Released
- June 10, 2022
- Developer(s)
- Next Level Games
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- Sports
Mario Strikers is a franchise that has been graced with several fun games that are worth checking out for fans of quirky soccer games. While many people would argue that Battle League doesn't justify the price point at which it's released, players who want to play an arcade-y sports title with their friends will be more than happy with what this game has to offer.
The game is simple to pick up, with players having to pass around the ball and use a bevy of tricks and techniques to get as many goals as possible. The action is frenetic and each and every match is a thrilling encounter that will leave most players on the edge of their seats after attaining victory!
22 NBA 2K23
A Fun, If Somewhat Safe, Basketball Game
NBA 2K23
- Released
- September 9, 2022
- ESRB
- E For Everyone due to In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Visual Concepts
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Sports
- Franchise
- NBA 2K
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Sports
The NBA games may have a rather divisive fanbase that hates the phoned-in nature of most yearly releases, but even its most outspoken critics can't deny that the core gameplay is a blast that leaves players wanting for more at every step of the way. While this is no excuse for full-price releases for each NBA game that doesn't really bring anything new to the table, superfans won't mind shelling out the big bucks to play the most recent title in online matches.
Players can control their favorite basketball team and run rings around their opponents as they get basket after basket. The game can be a bit challenging for newcomers, but it's not that hard to wrap one's head around the gameplay and how to make the best of any scoring opportunity. Even non-basketball fans can have a ton of fun with this amazing title!
21 FIFA 23
The Final EA Soccer Game To Use The FIFA Moniker
FIFA 23
- Released
- September 27, 2022
- Developer(s)
- EA Vancouver, EA Romania
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch, PC, Stadia
- Genre(s)
- Sports
The FIFA games are known by many as the best soccer gaming series out there that fans can check out, even if this game also has its fair share of critics who hate the fact that these titles are released annually with little to no improvements. Since EA failed to renew the FIFA license with the parent organization, most players can only hope that they are finally compelled to do something new and interesting so that EA Sports FC kicks off the ground running instead of signaling the end of this long-running football series.
FIFA 23 is a great send-off to the series' legendary run under this license, with the game featuring a wealth of improvements that fans had wanted for quite some time. While some people may argue that waiting so long for such basic improvements isn't acceptable, there's no denying that this was still a step in the right direction. With the wealth of game mods available in this title, it's easy to see why FIFA 23 has captured the hearts of fans all over the world!
20 Nintendo Switch Sports
The Much-Awaited Successor To Wii Sports
Nintendo Switch Sports
Wii Sports players have been waiting a long time for this one. On April 29th, 2022, the next evolution in the Wii Sports saga will finally kick off with the introduction of Nintendo Switch Sports. The spiritual successor looks and feels like the original in both style and substance, with many critics loving its spread of competitive mini-games. Although there are sure to be some flaws, like the glaring feedback from some fans about the "new and improved" NPC and character style, it's safe to say that those who live and breathe Wii Sports should find comfort in the latest release.
It remains to be seen if Nintendo will implement additional updates to the software and could possibly bring it into the new age by giving players even more games to download and enjoy as time goes on. Whether Nintendo Switch Sports will achieve the same cult following that Wii Sports did long ago is something that can't really be answered right now, although a lot of fans feel like Nintendo dropped the ball with this title in many ways.
19 Nintendo Labo
A Combination Of A Cardboard Kit And The Joycon's Motion Controls
Nintendo Labo
- Released
- April 20, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- toys to life
Those looking for a more complicated version of Wii Sports might want to check out Nintendo Labo, which sets itself apart thanks to its array of cardboard buildable controllers and housings. Many who fell in love with Wii Sports will remember the unique array of peripherals that could be purchased to turn the standard Wii Remote into a steering wheel, baseball bat, tennis racket, boxing gloves, and more. Nintendo Labo takes a similar approach but cranks it up to eleven by allowing players to customize their own controller housings.
The title comes with a cardboard kit that is used to create an array of things that will turn the Nintendo Labo games into something that feels truly interactive. There are additional kits that players can purchase that offer more games and unique housings, including a working VR headset and a "Robot Suit" made out of cardboard that should be worn when playing robot-style games found within the collection.
18 Instant Sports: Summer Games
A Simple Collection Of 11 Fun Multiplayer Sports Games
As will be the case with many on this list, Break First's Instant Sports Summer Games isn't exactly gaming perfection. Yet, those seeking a delightful multiplayer game resembling Wii Sports are likely to get a kick out of it.
The game certainly stands out when it comes to quantity, featuring a variety of single and multiplayer modes - supporting up to 8 players - and a whopping 11 sporting events. These include Olympic-style activities like relay races, javelin throws, high jumps, and archery, along with more typical sports like baseball and bowling. While these tend to be hit-and-miss, there are plenty of enjoyable options to choose from.
17 American Ninja Warrior Challenge
A Video Game Version Of The Hit TV Show Where Contestants Power Through A Physically-Taxing Course
If nothing else - this sports medley, based on the NBC TV show, is almost sure to provide some amusement and perhaps some yuks. Though the game is rather crude and basic, it's easy to forgive in this case, given its slew of unique events and multiplayer action.
For the most part, the game translates the tough physical challenges on-screen to button prompts, making for a fun, accessible little diversion. With its emphasis on timed button pecks, this one should satiate fans of Nintendo's underrated Rhythm Heaven franchise as well.
16 Fitness Boxing
Motion-Controlled Boxing Where Maintaining A Proper Rhythm Is Important
Fitness Boxing
- Developer(s)
- Imagineer
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- Rhythm
Those looking to get off that couch and burn a few calories while gaming... May want to look at Ring Fit Adventure first. Still, Fitness Boxing does prove an enjoyable alternative for those looking for another effort in the spirit of Wii Sports and Wii Fit.
The experience feels akin to a fusion of Wii Boxing and Just Dance - with its scrolling prompts, vibrant visuals, and lively tunes that keep players (literally) on their toes. The gameplay is fairly minimal, but it gets the job done when it comes to both fun and fitness.
15 Just Dance 2021
One Of The More Popular And Fun Dancing Games
Just Dance comes full circle after its breakout debut on Wii, with one of the strongest, most robust renditions ever on Switch. Just Dance 2021 goes out of its way to ensure there will be something for almost everyone, with its particularly diverse tracklist of over 40 hit songs.
This diverse mix ranges from Eminem's "Without Me" to "Blinding Lights" by the Weekend and "Rare" by Selena Gomez. And of course, the game supports Just Dance Unlimited, which opens up hundreds of more tracks to boogie to. Features like Kids Mode, quick play, and dynamic World Dance Floor competitions round out this colorful party game.