We all love to play sports with our thumbs, and while Nintendo's known for introducing new ways to game, the Switch is still somewhat lacking in the sports department. That's not to say there aren't plenty of great sports games on the Switch; rather, there aren't as many as, say, the PS4 or Xbox One. Where the Switch shines, however, is in its console exclusives. In fact, the best Nintendo switch sports games are often the ones that focus on Mario, Toad, Luigi, and all your favorite Nintendo superstars. Whether you're looking for football games, soccer games, or even hybrid golf simulators, the Switch's growing library has plenty of options (unless you're looking for wrestling games, in which case you're basically out of luck). You can play as your favorite athletes in FIFA or NBA 2K21, or put the peddle to the metal in Rocket League. In Mutant Football League, you can smash the living daylights out of your opponents as you coast into the end zone, and in Golf Story you can work on your putting skills while leveling up your character. What do you think are the best Switch sports games? Vote for the ones that make you work up a sweat (even when you're on the couch).
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Nintendo Sports Switch is a dynamic, motion-controlled game that brings sports to life right in your living room. The game utilizes the innovative Joy-Con controllers to simulate real-life movements, allowing players to engage in a variety of sports like tennis, boxing, and bowling.
The actual 2020 Tokyo Olympics may have been postponed, but you can still take in all the glory seeing Mario face off against Sonic. You can play in the story mode or battle against friends in 34 different events. It's a great sports game for players of all ages. As a traditional sports game, it offers a ton of different in-game options, and it that respect it's more akin to Mario Party. And like most Nintendo sports games, this one's best enjoyed with a few friends.
Harking back to the days of the Virtual Boy, the Mario Tennis franchise has been one of the greatest Nintendo sports series of all time. Mario Tennis Aces may just seem like a fun take on the world of tennis. However, it actually requires you to employ numerous strategies so that you can out-maneuver your opponents. The game also allows you to switch over to Swing Mode, letting you once again take in all Wii Sports has to offer. It's a charming game filled with your favorite Nintendo characters.
The 2K series is no stranger to the Switch, and NBA 2K21 includes more in-game features than ever before. The graphics are nothing short of stunning, and the framerate is impressively smooth even in handheld mode. While the gameplay is pretty similar to previous games, the new shot system definitely takes some getting used to. And while many critics have argued that the MyPlayer storyline is relatively light compared to recent years, it's still a blast to play. All in all it's no surprise 2K21 has become the definitive basketball game for the Switch.
Rocket League is one of the most unique sports games you'll find on the Switch. You can't exactly play the sport depicted in real life, and that's what makes it so entertaining. Plus, if you're willing to shell out for some DLC, then you can ride in some of the most famous vehicles of all time like the DeLorean from Back to the Future. All you have to do is kick back, relax, and take part in the most intricate game of soccer you've ever experienced. The Nintendo Switch (and all modern consoles, honestly), are pitifully lacking in the soccer department, and while Rocket League may not be as technical as, say, FIFA, it definitely gets the job done.
The seventh installment of the Mario Golf series tasks players to compete in rounds of golf as their favorite super Mario character. Following Mario Golf: World Tour in 2014, the game is the first Mario golf game for the Nintendo Switch.
Super Mega Baseball 3 takes the formula that worked so well for the series so far and brings into the Switch with stunning new graphics. With online and offline modes, you can improve our skills any way you like it. There's a ton of new character content as well as new stadiums and audio, so fans of the franchise will be very pleased with what they see on the Switch.
In the mood for some 2-on-2 bball action? NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 features an impressive roster of both current and classic NBA players. Combined with sleek graphics, improved controls, and tons of replay value, it makes for one of the better Switch sports games. That said, one of the biggest draws of this game is its multiplayer options, which include three-point competitions, custom matches, and more. Best of all, this game runs impressively smooth on the Switch's handheld version, making it a great pick-up-and-play sports game for when you're only looking to play for a few minutes and don't want to commit to hours of gameplay.
Super Mega Baseball 4 combines accessible controls with deep team and league customization options, offering a unique blend of simplicity and depth. Its cartoonish visuals and fun gameplay make it a must-play for both casual gamers and baseball enthusiasts.
Disney Speedstorm is a fast-paced racing game featuring a roster of popular Disney and Pixar characters. The game combines high-speed racing with magical power-ups for an exciting, family-friendly experience.
The third installment in the Mario Strikers franchise, Mario Strikers: Battle League is an over-the-top, chaotic adaptation of association football/soccer that features classic characters from the Mario franchise. Masterfully polishing what the previous games had brought to the table, Battle League ups the graphics, intensity, and wackiness to give players one of the most unique and fun association football/soccer games ever.
MLB The Show 23 continues Sony's beloved baseball simulation series with enhanced graphics and gameplay. Players can step into the shoes of their favorite Major League Baseball players and compete in realistic, high-stakes games.
EA Sports FC 24 is the latest installment in EA's renowned football simulation series. It offers an immersive playstyle with lifelike graphics, intricate gameplay mechanics, and an expansive roster of teams and players from around the world.
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is a remastered version of the classic kart racing game. With zany characters, inventive tracks, and explosive power-ups, it offers a thrilling and chaotic racing experience.
Go Vacation is a virtual resort game that offers a variety of leisure activities. From beach volleyball to snowboarding, players can enjoy a relaxing holiday experience in the comfort of their own home.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a remastered collection of the first two games in the iconic skateboarding franchise. The game maintains its original arcade-style gameplay, challenging players to pull off complex tricks and combos in a variety of urban environments.
A seemingly standard biking game that's surprisingly immersive, the premise of Lonely Mountains: Downhill is pretty straightforward: ride your bike downhill as quickly (and safely) as possible. You'll cross various forests, rivers, and teeny tiny mountain trails as you try your darnedest not to crash and burn. While the game works perfectly well while docked, it particularly stands out in handheld mode, as each new obstacle becomes even more hazardous.
V-Rally 4 is a dynamic and challenging off-road racing game. It features a variety of terrains and weather conditions, requiring players to adapt their driving style on the fly.
LEGO 2K Drive is a charming and fun-filled racing game that brings the world of LEGO to life. Players can race through imaginative tracks, collect LEGO bricks, and build their own custom vehicles.
NASCAR Rivals puts players behind the wheel in adrenaline-fueled NASCAR races. The game offers a realistic driving experience with high-speed competition and strategic decision-making.
GRID Autosport is a racing game that offers a mix of arcade and simulation gameplay. Players can participate in a variety of racing disciplines, from street races to endurance challenges, offering a diverse and thrilling racing experience.
WRC 10 The Official Game is a realistic rally racing simulator that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the World Rally Championship. It offers a detailed and authentic racing experience with a wide range of cars and tracks.
There aren't too many football games on the Switch, why is why Mutant Football League is such a gem. As the spiritual successor to Mutant League Football, it was developed by the same designer and features many of the same style and gameplay elements. Sort of like a hark back to the NFL Blitz days on the N64, Mutant Football League features over-the-top action with tons of bone-crushing plays. The game features 7-on-7 matches with teams comprised of cool and creepy mutants. The team names are both cooky and fun, and the gameplay is extremely intuitive. If you love ridiculously crazy sports games, you've love this.
If you thought golf was hard enough on its own, just wait until you get your hands on Golf Story. Instead of playing out like a traditional (translation: boring) golf simulator, this RPG sees you taking your tee skills to good use as you golf around alligators and all kinds of wacky obstacles. It's a lighthearted game for when you feel like unwinding on a lazy Sunday afternoon, plus it's versatile enough to appeal to both beginning golfers as well as seasoned pros.
OddBallers is a fast-paced multiplayer game where players compete in a variety of wacky challenges. Its unpredictable gameplay and comedic style make for a uniquely entertaining experience.
Players will have the opportunity to create and play as the next great tennis superstar in tournaments designed to test players' abilities and skills while striving for ultimate glory, the tennis world championship.
Inspired by Dodgeball, the team-based competitive multiplayer tasks players to attack enemies from the opposing team by knocking them out with a ball. Knockout City is an action-packed game where players can relive the days of playing dodgeball and play it to how they always imagined. Filled with vibrant colors and fast-paced gameplay, the game introduces a classic sport into a a highly replayable format.
What do you get when you cross a biking simulator with Fortnite-style gameplay and graphics? Urban Trial Tricky features deliciously cartoony characters as super addictive mechanics as you perform death-defying stunts. At times channeling the likes of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series (which is definitely a good thing), the game lets you execute gravity-defying moves as you launch your bike into the air. Unlike other sports games, this one's extremely accessible and refreshingly easy to pick up. You'll be doing double backflips in no time.
For an authentic baseball experience on your couch, it doesn't get much better than R.B.I. Baseball 20. It's one of the most authentic baseball games out there with improved capabilities, such as an easier time stealing bases. There are three different modes to play in: Exhibition, Franchise, and Home Run Derby. You can play as over 160 baseball legends like never before. Plus, it runs great in handheld mode.
FIFA 21 on the Switch is a tad different from its iterations on the Xbox One and PS4. While the base game remains more or less the same, there are some key modes missing from the Switch experience. Because it's a "Legacy Edition", it's basically an updated version of FIFA 19, and in that regard, it shares the same criticisms that many gamers hurled at its predecessor. While the handheld option doesn't quite translate as well as some other sports games, it's still a great kickaround game that really should be played on your television set.
When you’d rather forego all the fluff and instead dive into an official golf game, PGA 2K21 is where it’s at. It’s basically everything you could want in a golf game: great graphics, fluid controls, and tons of unique features to boot. And as far as sports games go, golf is a lot of fun to play on the go. At this point in time the 2K series has definitely found its stride, and the overall look and feel of 2K21 are more than enough to bring in a host of new converts. Best of all, 2K21 features more courses, more players, and more features than ever before. As far as golf games go, this one’s way above par.
AO tennis got its start back in 2018, with the latest to hit the shelves in early 2020. As the officially licensed game of the Australian Open, the series is a sleek departure from more cartoony games like Mario Tennis. Instead, it features extremely realistic graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as all the top players. With the option to create your own character, clothes, stadiums, and even sponsors, AO Tennis 2 has a lot to offer fans of the sport.
Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise is a fitness game that uses boxing movements synced to the rhythm of music. This sequel offers a fun and engaging way to stay active, making exercise feel less like a chore and more like a game.
WHAT THE GOLF? is a hilariously unconventional golf game that challenges traditional notions of the sport. Its wacky physics and unexpected surprises make each hole a unique puzzle to solve.
art of rally is a stylized racing game that pays homage to the golden era of rally racing. Its top-down perspective and minimalist art style create a unique driving experience that emphasizes precision and skill.
