For a while, there have been rumors of an upcoming successor to the Nintendo Switch. Some reports have claimed that Nintendo is getting ready to release the Nintendo Switch 2, while others have claimed that an upgrade in the form ofa Nintendo Switch Prois in the works. None of these rumors have been confirmed but, as Nintendo demonstrated during February’s Nintendo Direct event, there may not be a need for a successor just yet. Games showcased, such asNintendo Switch Sports, illustrate that the console is still capable of churning out new experiences and that its greatest titles might be in the future.
Nintendo Switch Sportsis fashioned afterWii Sports, a bestselling game on theNintendo Wii. LikeWii Sports,Nintendo Switch Sportslets players partake in virtual versions of popular sports such as tennis and boxing. The game makes use of the Nintendo Switch’s capabilities in unique ways and, if Nintendo makes the right moves, it could easily become a blockbuster hit for the hybrid control.
RELATED:Comparing Nintendo Switch Sports to Wii Sports
What is Nintendo Switch Sports?
One of the most successful games on theNintendo Wii isWii Sports. The game uses the Wii’s motion-sensing Wii Remote to allow players to control cute virtual versions of themselves as they play sports such as bowling, golf, and baseball to name a few. The game was a hit on the Wii, selling over 82.90 million copies, and this is in part thanks to the fact that the game was bundled with the console in many regions.
As the last Nintendo Direct revealed,Nintendo Switch Sportswill use the Nintendo Switch’s motion-sensing joy-con controllers, and it will feature many sports fromWii Sports, as well as new ones, including volleyball and badminton. Much likeRing Fit Adventure,Nintendo Switch Sportswill allow players to interact with their game in a way that promotes physical activity. For example, when playing soccer, players can strap a joy-con to their leg, and a kicking motion will cause their in-game character to kick the ball.
Nintendo Switch Sports Has a Ton of Potential
AlthoughNintendo Switch Sportscomes over four years into the Switch’s lifespan and is not bundled with the console, it still has the potential to be a bestseller like Wii Sports. During Nintendo Direct, Nintendo revealed that the sports available at launch will not be the only sports players are stuck with and, over time, more sports will be added via DLC. The first additional sport, golf, will be free. With DLC, Nintendo could greatly prolong the lifespan of the game and, should it charge for future sports, it could also be an enormous cash cow.
Many of thethings that madeWii Sportspopularcould work inNintendo Switch Sports' favor now. Gamers flocked toWii Sportsbecause it is a fun way to have indoor social activities with friends and family. Following the recent global pandemic, the desire for indoor social activities is greater than ever, andNintendo Switch Sportsis the perfect game to fill that niche.Wii Sportswas also popular because it allows players to keep active while they play games. The astronomic sales ofRing Fit Adventurein recent years demonstrate that the demand for such games has only increased, and this can benefitNintendo Switch Sports.
Compared to the PS5 and the Xbox Series X/S, the Nintendo Switch’s hardware may appear dated. However, this is not a problem for the Switch because it has never strived to offer the best graphics or the most frames per second. Instead, the hybrid console has aimed to provide unique gaming experiences that cannot be found elsewhere.WithNintendo Switch Sports, Nintendo has proven that it is not quite done innovating with the Switch, and the console is still capable of surprising gamers in interesting ways.
