Nintendo Switch Sports Resort: Every Sport Ranked
This article ranks every sport in Nintendo Switch Sports (2022) from worst to best, based on gameplay depth, motion-control accuracy, replayability, and fun for solo and party play. The ranking below covers all six launch sports—tennis, bowling, volleyball, badminton, chambara (swordplay), and soccer—plus the golf update released in November 2022.
Background: How the Game Fits Together
Nintendo Switch Sports is the follow-up to the hugely popular Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort (2009). It uses the Switch’s Joy-Con motion controls and was designed as a pick-up-and-play party game. Unlike the Wii titles, it includes online multiplayer and seasonal cosmetic rewards. The six launch sports are tennis, bowling, volleyball, badminton, chambara, and soccer; golf was added as a free update in late 2022. Each sport can be played solo against AI or online, and most support local multiplayer with up to four players.
How the Motion Controls Work
Every sport uses the Joy-Con’s accelerometer and gyroscope to translate your arm movements into on-screen actions. The key is that the game calibrates to your natural swing or throw—you don’t need to press buttons for most actions. For example, in tennis, your swing timing and angle determine shot direction and power; in bowling, you press a button to release the ball as you swing forward. The game works best when you use full, deliberate motions rather than small wrist flicks. Some sports (like soccer) require you to strap the Joy-Con to your leg with the included leg strap, while others (like chambara) use a single Joy-Con held like a sword.
Ranking: Worst to Best
Here is the full ranking from worst to best, with reasoning for each placement.
6. Soccer (Worst)
Soccer is the weakest sport in the game. While the idea of kicking a Joy-Con strapped to your leg is novel, the controls feel imprecise. The game alternates between a free-kick mode (where you aim and kick a stationary ball) and a shoot-out mode (where you run and kick). The leg strap often misreads your kicks, and the camera angle makes it hard to judge distance. The free-kick mode is essentially a timing puzzle—you press a button to start your run and another to kick—which removes most of the motion-control fun. The shoot-out mode is more active, but it’s still shallow compared to the other sports. It’s the only sport that requires extra equipment (the leg strap), and it’s the least fun to play with friends because matches are short and chaotic. Unless you’re desperate to play soccer specifically, this is the one to skip.
5. Volleyball
Volleyball is a mixed bag. The core mechanics—bumping, setting, and spiking—are all mapped to different arm motions, and when they work, it feels great. The problem is that the game heavily automates your positioning and movement; you only control the moment of contact. This makes it feel more like a rhythm game than a true sports sim. The spike timing is especially tricky to master, and the AI teammates can be frustratingly dumb in solo play. In local multiplayer, it’s more fun because you can coordinate with a human partner, but the lack of control over your character’s movement limits its depth. It’s not bad, but it’s not something you’ll return to often.
4. Badminton
Badminton is essentially a faster, more precise version of tennis. The controls are similar—you swing to hit the shuttlecock—but the shuttlecock drops faster and has a steeper trajectory, which makes timing more critical. The game rewards quick reflexes and smart shot placement (drop shots, clears, smashes). It’s more satisfying than tennis when you get into a rally, but it’s also more punishing for beginners. The main drawback is that it feels like a side-grade to tennis rather than a distinct sport. If you’ve already played tennis, badminton will feel familiar but with a steeper learning curve. It’s a solid sport, but it doesn’t offer enough new to rank higher.
3. Tennis
Tennis is the classic Wii Sports staple, and it still works well here. You swing the Joy-Con like a racket, and the game handles your character’s movement automatically. The key to success is timing your swing and choosing between a forehand, backhand, or lob by angling your wrist. It’s easy to pick up and immediately fun, making it a great party game. The online mode is also well-populated, so you can always find a match. The main criticism is that it’s shallow—there’s no control over your positioning, and the strategy is limited to shot selection and timing. But for what it is, it’s polished and reliable. It’s the sport that most people will play first and keep coming back to.
2. Chambara (Swordplay)
Chambara is the most skill-based sport in the game. You hold a single Joy-Con like a sword and face off against an opponent. The controls are surprisingly nuanced: you can swing horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, and you can also block by holding the sword in a certain position. The game reads your sword’s orientation and movement, so you can feint, parry, and counter. It’s the only sport where you have full control over your character’s movement (you move by tilting the controller). The depth comes from reading your opponent’s stance and reacting—it’s almost like a fighting game. The campaign mode (where you fight AI opponents with different styles) is genuinely challenging and teaches you advanced techniques. It’s the sport that rewards practice the most, and it’s incredibly satisfying when you pull off a well-timed parry. The only reason it’s not #1 is that it’s less accessible to casual players—the learning curve is steeper than the other sports.
1. Bowling (Best)
Bowling is the best sport in Nintendo Switch Sports, and it’s not close. The controls are intuitive: you hold the Joy-Con like a bowling ball, press a button to start your swing, and release at the right moment. The game adds a twist with spin control—you can twist the controller to add curve to the ball. This creates a surprising amount of depth, as you need to account for lane oil patterns (which change each frame) and adjust your aim and spin accordingly. It’s the most relaxing sport to play, but also the most strategic. The online mode is perfect for quick matches, and local multiplayer is a blast, especially with the optional
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.