In 2006 the world woke up to a new way of playing. No matter the age or prior experience, the Wii invited everyone to stand up off the sofa and swing into action with tennis, bowling, or boxing right in the living room. It was a game changer — a simple gesture could trigger big adventures. The revolutionary idea of playing a video game with a flick of the wrist helped Nintendo’s Wii Sports captivate 82.9 million households and redefine home entertainment.
The next big wave arrived with Switch Sports, built around the precision of Joy-Con motion control. The goal was clear: let players move their bodies naturally to enjoy six distinct sports, uniting friends and family around the TV or online on their screens. The experience promised genuine movement, easy accessibility, and a playful competition that anyone could join.
Change Sports brings together six match formats: tennis, bowling, chambara a sword duel, volleyball, badminton, and soccer. In tennis, players hold the Joy-Con and swing in rhythm to send the ball where they intend. Bowling invites a shared challenge, with tournaments that can host up to sixteen players online. There are also solo trials, where players dodge moving obstacles, roll through narrow corridors, and tackle other dynamic tasks that test timing and reflexes.
Chambara, a one-to-two player sword game, offers a fun test of speed and strategy. Facing off on a virtual platform, players aim to topple their opponent into the water below. Three weapon styles provide different twists on the action, including a twin-sword setup that requires coordinated use of both Joy-Cons to deliver rapid, sweeping strikes.
Volleyball supports up to four players locally, using the Joy-Con to lift, set, and spike with precision. Rising arms at the perfect moment allows players to block and counter the opposing team, turning defense into an offensive swing. In badminton, one or two players wield the controller like a racket, delivering powerful hits and precise drops while keeping the shuttle from touching the ground, crafting moments of control and anticipation.
Soccer brings teams together in matches ranging from one-on-one to four-on-four. A free software update released during the summer introduces a leg strap for enhanced control in gameplay, while a fall update adds golf as an additional sport option. Players can enjoy every sport solo or gather friends for local matches, turning any living room into a lively arena. When physical meetups aren’t possible, online play is available for private sessions and randomized opponents. Avatars or “Sports Buddies” can be customized, adding a personal touch to the competition, and the overall experience emphasizes social play, accessibility, and intuitive motion control. — Attribution: Nintendo materials