Reviews are rolling in for Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, with critics generally finding the game to be a fun and engaging successor to the Wii Sports series. The collection has earned an aggregate score of 79 on Metacritic, a notable improvement over its predecessor, Nintendo Switch Sports, which scored a 72. This reception aligns closely with the original Wii Sports Resort, which achieved an 80 on the review aggregation site.
Some reviewers have lauded the game for its variety and improved motion controls. Kurt Indovina of GameSpot awarded the game a 9/10, describing it as a "greatest hits of the series' best sports." Indovina highlighted how the tighter controls made familiar concepts feel fresh, evoking the same sense of wonder experienced with the original Wii Sports. "As someone who played the original Wii Sports when it first released, and was awed by the rudimentary real-life movements being mimicked on screen, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort allowed me to feel that all over again as an adult," Indovina wrote.
Beyond the more traditional sports, the inclusion of open-world exploration on Wuhu Island has been a particular point of praise. Matt Wales of Eurogamer gave the game four stars, singling out the skateboarding minigame as a standout. He commended its responsive controls, which utilize the Joy-Cons in a "mouse mode" configuration, creating an immersive experience as players navigate the island. "It's wonderfully responsive and surprisingly invigorating as you careen around Wuhu Island, the haptic rumble of wheels-on-tarmac perfectly completing the illusion," Wales noted.
However, some critics have pointed out the inherent limitations of the minigame format. Brian Shea of Game Informer, in an 8/10 review, noted that while the single-player Island Crown mode is enjoyable, the relatively shallow nature of some minigames can lead to diminishing returns for highly skilled players. Shea found that sports with more unique or unpredictable elements, like bowling with off-the-wall variants, were more compelling than those with simply higher-skilled opponents. "I just wish Nintendo injected more fun twists to keep the experiences fresh," Shea stated.
IGN's review, scoring a 7/10, acknowledged the minigames can be hit-or-miss but emphasized that the game truly shines in its multiplayer aspect. Critic Jesse Vitelli suggested that the social experience elevates even the less compelling minigames. "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," Vitelli wrote. "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."
Polygon's own review called Nintendo Switch Sports Resort a "masterpiece" of casual gaming. While it may not be a contender for major awards, the consensus suggests that the game offers a high level of entertainment, particularly for group play, making it a strong addition to the Nintendo Switch 2's library.