Wuhu Island, a tropical paradise that served as the vibrant backdrop for Wii Sports Resort, is making a comeback in Nintendo Switch Sports Resort. The original Wii Sports Resort, a follow-up to the 2006 phenomenon Wii Sports, introduced the improved Wii MotionPlus accessory and was a significant hit for family and friends. Beyond its gameplay, the island itself became a memorable setting, reappearing in titles like Pilotwings Resort, Mario Kart 7, and Super Smash Bros.
During a recent demo at San Diego Comic Con, four of the twelve sports included in Nintendo Switch Sports Resort were available for play: archery, bowling, power cruising (a jet ski-like activity), and thumb wrestling. These experiences largely rely on simple motion controls using one or a pair of Joy-Con controllers, with occasional button inputs.
The 100-pin bowling mode returns from the original Wii Sports Resort. This classic iteration, where a single red pin marks the front of a larger group, was notably absent from the initial release of 2022's Nintendo Switch Sports. The developers appear to be addressing some of the content criticisms of the previous title, as Nintendo Switch Sports Resort launches with a full roster of twelve sports, matching the count of its Wii predecessor, though the lineup differs.
Among the new additions is thumb wrestling, a sport where players grip a single Joy-Con and move their hand back and forth to outmaneuver an opponent. A rapid shaking motion is employed to escape a pin. While engaging, its replayability is questionable compared to sports like swordfighting, which was a standout in the original Wii Sports Resort.
Archery, a personal favorite from the original, is also featured prominently. The wireless nature of the Joy-Cons allows for a greater range of motion in drawing the bow, and players can battle wind conditions to hit targets scattered across Wuhu Island's beaches. Additional courses on the island were not available during the demo.
Power cruising, a jet ski-based sport, was also sampled. While the experience was a solo time trial on a straightforward course, the mode is designed with multiplayer in mind, suggesting a more engaging experience against other players. The inclusion of jet skis can be seen as a nod to the classic Wave Race 64.
A notable aspect of Nintendo Switch Sports Resort is the varied ways players hold the Joy-Con controllers across different sports. This includes holding a single Joy-Con vertically for bowling, the specific grip for thumb wrestling, and holding a pair like handlebars for power cruising. The gyro aiming on the Switch hardware is also highlighted as a significant improvement over the first Switch model, allowing for more precise motion control.
Despite the enjoyable gameplay, there's a sentiment that the franchise's peak may have passed. Wii Sports' impact on the gaming landscape in the 2000s was immense, particularly its social appeal. While Nintendo Switch Sports Resort is expected to be a welcome addition to casual gaming rotations, the excitement is partly driven by nostalgia. The game utilizes generic "Sportsmate" characters, a departure from the iconic Miis that were integral to the original Wii Sports. While Miis are still playable in Resort, their prominence in the first Switch Sports was diminished, despite a resurgence in popularity with titles like Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.
Overall, the return to Wuhu Island in Nintendo Switch Sports Resort is a positive one. The concept of an island dedicated to competition remains appealing, and anticipation is high for exploring the remaining eight sports not experienced in the preview. It continues to serve as an excellent virtual vacation destination.