Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, exclusive to the upcoming Switch 2 console, offers a blend of familiar motion-controlled sports and new exploratory experiences. The game features 12 events, including six returning from Nintendo Switch Sports and six that haven't been seen since the Wii Sports Resort era.
During an hour-long hands-on session at Gamescom, players experienced a range of activities, from focused matches like table tennis and archery to more open-ended Free Play modes such as skateboarding, prop plane, and power boating. Table tennis, for instance, retains the core mechanics of its predecessors, translating paddle swings and wrist flicks onto the screen with the Switch 2's Joy-Cons. Thumb wrestling also relies on localized movement, with players gripping the Joy-Con vertically and using specific button presses and twists to outmaneuver opponents.
Archery requires players to adopt a stance using two Joy-Cons, one for aiming and the other for drawing the bowstring, with the game accounting for factors like wind and movement to add depth. Special rules in archery involve hitting designated colors on a target to score points, with penalties for hitting an opponent's color. Other modes, like boxing, offer options such as Island Crown mode, which presents 20 ranked opponents for solo play.
The Free Play modes highlight Wuhu Island, the tropical setting that has appeared in various Nintendo titles since Wii Fit. These modes allow players a set time to achieve the highest score through activities like flying a prop plane, which involves tilting and turning the Joy-Con to navigate through hoops and landmarks. Power boating requires players to grip the Joy-Con like handlebars and use body contortions to steer through waves and over ramps.
Skateboarding, identified as a standout by one playtester, uses a table to facilitate mouse-like controls with the Joy-Con. Players pull the controller to gather speed, flick it upward for jumps, and perform tricks on grind rails. This mode is described as a balance between leisurely exploration and competitive point scoring.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort aims to provide enough variety across its 12 events to maintain player engagement. The game is slated for release in time for the holiday season, with its full range of activities and replayability to be determined upon launch.