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Games Like Nintendo Switch Sports to Play Next

If it's too hot to run around outside this summer, blast the AC but still get your exercise with these 10 games.
by Jon Bitner — 
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Switch Sports - Tennis

Nintendo

Nintendo Switch Sports is one of the best Switch games of 2022, giving players a fun way to get in a workout without leaving the comfort of their home. One of the best parts of Switch Sports is the unique mixture of activities included with your purchase. Soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, and Chambara (swordplay) are all up for grabs — each one offering a different style of play and giving you a different way to break a sweat. Beyond swinging the Joy-Con to control your in-game actions, you'll also get a Leg Strap attachment that helps track your body movements. It also comes in handy when playing soccer, as it'll let you kick a virtual soccer ball by monitoring your real-life motions.

Switch Sports is fun solo, but it's even more exciting when you're playing with a friend. Local cooperative play is supported, making it easy for a buddy or two to join in on the high-intensity action. You can also jump online and challenge players from around the world. You'll be rewarded for your efforts, as a variety of in-game unlockables are up for grabs that let you customize your character's appearance. And if you want to get extra competitive, you can check out the Pro League that lets you climb through the ranks as you race to be the best at each sport.

Few games manage to use motion controls as fully as Switch Sports, but it's not the only game that'll get you up off the couch and moving. Whether you're looking for an intense workout or a casual party game, there are dozens of great titles to check out if you're a fan of Switch Sports. Many of these also happen to be Switch exclusives, although one of them is a hit VR game that continues to be incredibly popular despite launching in 2018.

Here are 10 games like Nintendo Switch Sports to play next, listed by Metascore.


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Beat Saber

Beat Games

Beat Saber (PS4)

Metascore: 86
Best for: Fans of VR games and sweaty workouts
Where to buy: PS Store
Also available on: PC

Beat Saber might be the most iconic VR game of all time. It tasks you with slicing through red and blue blocks that are barreling towards you to the beat of the background music. It's fast, eye-catching, and loaded with popular songs from some of today's hottest artists. The base game has a stellar soundtrack on its own, but DLC packs allow you to add music from Green Day, Skrillex, Monstercat, and more. With multiple game modes, several difficulties, and online leaderboards, this motion-controlled VR game is one of the best on the market — and it'll get you up and breaking a sweat in no time.

"One of the best VR games we have ever tried so far, and one of the coolest and most rewarding music games ever." — Gameblog.fr


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Ring Fit Adventure

Nintendo

Ring Fit Adventure (Switch)

Metascore: 83
Best for: Those who want a real workout while gaming
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

Ring Fit Adventure might disguise itself as a cutesy RPG, but it's one of the most rigorous workouts you'll get on Nintendo Switch. Most of its workouts are designed around the Ring-Con, which is a unique attachment for your standard Joy-Con that looks a bit like a hula hoop. You'll be squeezing, stretching, and raising the Ring-Con above your head as you perform legitimate workouts to defeat enemies that get in your way. It's not quite the party game that Switch Sports is, but it'll get you a similar workout.

"Ring Fit Adventure has set a new standard for fitness games." — GameSpot


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Mario Party Superstars

Nintendo

Mario Party Superstars (Switch)

Metascore: 80
Best for: Fans of iconic party games
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

If you're looking for a party game that's just as fun as Switch Sports but doesn't require as much sweat, consider giving Mario Party Superstars a closer look. It's essentially a virtual board game, with players taking turn rolling dice, moving around a hazard-filled map, and partaking in a variety of hilarious mini-games. One minute you could be riding around in a tank blasting your opponents, and the next you might find yourself on the wrong end of a game of Whack-A-Mole. The goal is to collect as many Stars and Coins as possible, but winning a match will require luck, patience, and a mastery of each mini-game that comes your way.

"With a great collection of classic mini-games and a surprising level of challenge, even for experienced players, there's plenty to love about Mario Party Superstars." — GamesBeat


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ARMS

Nintendo

ARMS (Switch)

Metascore: 77
Best for: Fans of intricate fighting games
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

ARMS is a motion-controlled, over-the-top boxing game exclusive to Nintendo Switch. Your goal is to pummel your opponent into oblivion using your superpowered arms — which can be launched dozens of feet in front of you to hit far-away targets. The concept is bizarre, but one that works well thanks to accurate motion controls and plenty of unique fighters to master. Up to four players can join in on the chaos, and the inclusion of multiple game modes (such as Versus, Grand Prix, and Battle) mean there's always something new to check out.

"An accessible and captivatingly strange new breed of versus fighting game, ARMS is another Nintendo knockout for Switch." — GamesRadar+


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Wii Sports - Bowling

Nintendo

Wii Sports (Wii)

Metascore: 76
Best for: Fans of motion-controlled sports
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

Before there was Switch Sports, there was Wii Sports. Whether you're bowling, golfing, boxing, or playing one of its other mini-games, Wii Sports is an absolute blast. Every game is brought to life with accurate motion controls that force you to mimic the movements of each activity, transporting you to the putting green or bowling alley based on your current game. All the activities are easy to learn and make for great entertainment during parties or family game nights. And if you want to get serious, the game can track some of your fitness goals to keep you on target.

"It's funny, simple and approachable, and gamers and non-gamers alike should get something out of it." — Official Nintendo Magazine UK


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Mario Tennis Aces

Nintendo

Mario Tennis Aces (Switch)

Metascore: 75
Best for: Fans of arcade sports games
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

Mario Tennis Aces is the latest evolution of the long-running Mario Tennis series. This installment sees you facing off against opponents in fast-paced, arcade-inspired matches, with the ability to aim in first-person or send over a blistering shot that's almost impossible to return. Both traditional gamepad controls and motion controls are available, letting you enjoy the action from either your couch or up on your feet. Local and online multiplayer are a blast, but there's also an Adventure mode that lets you go up against high-powered bosses and learn the basics before taking your skills online.

"A must-buy for Nintendo Switch owners." — Hobby Consolas 


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Mario Golf: Super Rush

Nintendo

Mario Golf: Super Rush (Switch)

Metascore: 70
Best for: Fans of hysterical golfing action
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

This isn't your traditional golfing simulator. Instead of shooting for realism, Mario Golf: Super Rush is all about fun. One of the best game modes available is Speed Golf, which essentially turns each hole into a frantic race to the finish. The goal is to get your ball to the hole as fast as possible, racing against other players as they do the same. If you're looking for something more traditional, you can check out Standard Golf or Adventure Mode. There's also the option for both gamepad controls and motion controls. Toss in some sleek graphics and a cast of great characters, and it's easy to see why Super Rush is one of the best golfing games on Switch.

"With its frantic new modes and spot-on gameplay, playing Mario Golf: Super Rush is the most amount of fun I've had with a sports game in a very long time." — Video Chums


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Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Nintendo/Sega

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 (Switch)

Metascore: 69
Best for: Fans of fast-paced mini-games
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is all about the mini-games. You'll get to dive into more than 30 Olympic-inspired events, including skateboarding, surfing, karate, sport climbing, and table tennis. Some of the events are a bit lackluster (hence the mixed Metascore), but overall, there's a lot of motion-controlled fun to be had with the game. If you get tired of the standard gameplay, you can check out a fun story mode that changes things to a retro 2D perspective and lets you compete in the 1964 Summer Olympics, which also took place in Tokyo.

"The game aims for accessibility at every opportunity, and while nothing about it is particularly exceptional, it still has plenty of unique flourishes to offer." — Gamespot


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Fitness Boxing

Nintendo

Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise (Switch)

Metascore: 66
Best for: Fans of rhythm games and boxing
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

Part rhythm game, part boxing game, Fitness Boxing 2 has you throwing punches to the beat of the music. Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, One Direction, Justin Bieber, Bon Jovi, and other popular artists are all featured in the soundtrack, making it easy to find something that fits your listening preferences. Once you've found a suitable song, you'll need to perform jabs, uppercuts, and other moves as they scroll across your screen. As you play, you'll unlock new customization options for your in-game trainer, giving you a reason to push through the pain and reach your fitness goals.

"A decent fitness game that will get you to sweat, provided you can muster up the discipline. The game provides a good variety of exercises and incentives to come back each day." — XGN


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1-2-Switch

Nintendo

1-2-Switch (Switch)

Metascore: 58
Best for: Fans of quirky party games
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

1-2-Switch is a bit hit-or-miss, but it's still an interesting party game with a variety of activities to keep even the pickiest of gamers entertained. The motion-controlled chaos dabbles in a little bit of everything, with activities running the gamut from old-school shootouts to weird dancing competitions. They're all designed to make use of the Joy-Con, and the biggest twist is that you'll be looking at your fellow player instead of the TV screen, listening for audio cues telling you what to do next. If you're looking for a game that's off the beaten path, 1-2-Switch might be a great option.

"It is an absolute blast, a party game nonpareil, but also a showcase for the sort of 'next-gen local play' possibilities the Switch may turn out to be persuasive enough to give literal legs to." — Time