Is Nintendo Switch Sports worth buying? We’ll help you decide

The reviews for Nintendo Switch Sports are in, but is the game actually worth buying? Despite generally strong reviews, the answer is vague for most players.

While Wii Sports is a generally beloved game that enjoyed mainstream notoriety in the 2000s, its sequel doesn’t lean on the original for much inspiration. It mostly features a new lineup of sports, which is a bit disappointing for those who are just looking for a modern version of the original Wii Sports. Not only that, but the improved technology of the Nintendo Switch compared to the Wii doesn’t necessarily translate to a better experience here.

Making matters even trickier is the fact that Nintendo Switch Sports isn’t technically done in its development yet. Though the game has shipped, multiple new sports are set to be added in the future. Speaking to both of these matters is that the first addition to Nintendo Switch Sports is golf, which will come out at an unknown point in the future. Golf is one of the most anticipated games for most Wii Sports veterans, and having to wait until an unspecified time to get it, without any reviews of the new version of golf beforehand, could by tricky for some players.

So what does this game actually have to offer? Should you really buy Nintendo Switch Sports? 

Most players shouldn’t buy Nintendo Switch Sports… yet

Nintendo Switch Sports is a solid party game, but lacks much value for anyone that will be playing the game alone. As of this writing, the game currently boasts a 7.5 average media score on Metacritic. 

The game is widely commended for maintaining Wii Sports’ core concepts of strong accessibility and encouraging low-impact physical activity. It remains essentially one of the only multiplayer games that can be intuitively be played by anyone, of any age, and with any level of gaming experience. It’s a great option for those who want to be able to play a game with a toddler, grandparent, or anyone in between.

The trouble is that the game isn’t very attractive for those with more specific interests than broad multiplayer. Players who aren’t going to be hosting all-ages multiplayer games won’t necessarily get their money’s worth. This is especially true when the game comes with a not-budget-friendly $40 price tag for the digital version and a $50 price tag for a physical copy.

It’s also worth noting that not all the games are equally strong. Chambara, tennis, and bowling are all unanimously praised and largely carry the game. Badminton and volleyball are underwhelming by comparison, while soccer has been widely panned. 

The fact that three of the six sports on tap are net sports also leaves a sour taste in the mouth, when the original Wii Sports offered five very different games to choose from. Swapping out badminton or volleyball for baseball, boxing, archery, or frisbee from the previous Wii Sports title would have gone a long way towards adding some diversity to the Nintendo Switch Sports offering.

Once new sports are shipped and live, it’s possible that Nintendo Switch Sports will piece together an offering that’s more worthwhile for most players. Otherwise it just takes up a very specific party-game niche that won’t be appealing for the vast majority of gamers.