Back in 2022, Nintendo attempted to revive the fun and charm of the motion-controlled Wii Sports era, but it didn’t quite live up to that lofty goal. Now in 2026, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort takes another swing at that same difficult feat with a clear focus on “more.” More sports, more outfits, more modes, and more collectibles. That doesn't always translate to a better package, with Sports Resort often feeling a wide ocean rather than a deep diving pool, but it more than makes up for it with a broad range of games ripe to bust out at the next big party. So while it may not clear the high bar set by the original Wii Sports in 2006, it still brings out the same child-like joy.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort is a collection of 12 different sports minigames, ranging from highly competitive one-on-one Table Tennis to leisurely cruising in a prop plane around Wuhu Island where they all take place. The quality of each game varies drastically. Archery is a standout thanks to its unique use of the Joy-Con controllers, while a returning sport like Basketball is largely untouched and still feels too choreographed – it's once again missing the freedom of movement and control I want so desperately from a potential party version.
The new sports can also be hit and miss. Power Cruising uses two Joy-Con held like you are gipping handlebars to simulate racing a jet ski, but those clunky controls don’t always work well, so it feels more like a gimmick rather than a fun sport. On the other hand (quite literally),Thumb Wrestling helps bring whimsy to the package. It’s extremely silly, but actually makes for some competitive matches – in my online sessions, I was pleasantly surprised with how strategy and tactics changed from match to match. Watching players develop new ways to trick and bait their opponents into getting caught in their trap was entertaining, and I found myself determined to never let anyone get the best of me.
Archery is easily the best sport offered in Sports Resort. With four different courses scattered around Wuhu Island, it feels the most well-thought out. I stretched out my arms in front of me, holding both Joy-Con perpendicular to the floor, then clicked the ZL button with my left hand and drew it back to my chest like I would draw a real bow. Using my right Joy-Con to aim at a distant target, it was satisfying every time I hit my mark. More challenging courses and hidden targets to find help flesh out Archery overall, which meant it provided hours of fun for my friends and I in a way many of the thinner options don’t.
As you might expect, playing through Sports Resort by myself proved to be a bit lackluster, as it lacks the competitive spirit so intrinsic to the games it recreates. Island Crown, a new mode that has you climb the ranks in nine of the 12 sports, pushed me forward with a little bit of structure and challenge, but even then I found my enthusiasm waning before too long.
Its loose story has you defeat challengers in order to eventually face the island champion, who – depending on the sport – will either taunt or cheer you on after every victory. Upon defeating one of the island champions you'll unlock a few more extra objectives in the given sport. Sometimes it's an Island Legend looking for a fight, others it’s a gauntlet of challengers that need to be defeated without losing. It's a decent distraction for those looking to casually play sports while your friends and family aren't around to party, and that’s about it.
But when they are around, Sports Resort is easily the game I want to break out. So much of the joy of these games is heightened when folks in the room are cheering, yelling, and getting so into it you need to remind everyone to keep the Joy-Con wrist strap on. This has always been the spirit of the Nintendo Sports games, and Sports Resort is one of the best versions of it around when you've got the crew to play.
Recruiting my roommates to run through the sports on a Sunday afternoon was an eye-opening experience. Games like Volleyball – which I found to be incredibly boring during my time with Island Crown and casual single-player – became electric back and forth rallies that lit up the room. Exhausted cheers, disappointing sighs, and questionable calls made even some of the more mundane sports like Golf feel exhilarating.And quick, snappy menus make hopping between sports seamless as well, which kept everyone from zoning out between rounds.
سەرچاوەی فەرمی بە زمانی ئینگلیزی: https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-sports-resort-review
