The Nintendo Switch burst onto the gaming scene in 2017 and quickly became one of the most popular consoles thanks to its innovative hybrid design and stellar first-party games. But how well does this versatile system handle sports games? While football fans are still waiting patiently for Madden to make an appearance, the Switch sports a robust and eclectic lineup of sports titles that takes full advantage of the console‘s unique capabilities.
In this expert guide, we‘ll countdown the 7 best Nintendo Switch sports games that are fun for gaming newcomers and sports fanatics alike. You‘ll find iconic skateboarders, extendable arms boxers, Mario-themed tennis, and more. Let‘s jump right in!
#7 – MLB The Show 22
Gameplay: Simulation baseball
Publisher: Sony San Diego Studios
Release Date: April 2022
For the first time ever, the ultra-realistic MLB The Show baseball sim has slid into home plate on a Nintendo platform with MLB The Show 22 for Switch. Baseball fans can build their fantasy teams in the deep franchise mode or take their custom MyPlayer through the minor leagues to MLB stardom in the acclaimed Road to the Show career mode.
The cartoony art style on Switch means some graphical downgrades compared to the stunning PS5 version, but the actual baseball mechanics and modes are intact. MLB 22 supports cross-platform play too so you can compete against friends on Xbox and PlayStation networks. At $40, this is a must-own for baseball nuts who want to manage a dynasty team on the go.
Pros
- Full MLB license with real players, teams, stadiums
- Cross-platform multiplayer
- Deep seasonal & franchise modes
- Joy-Con motion batting
Cons
- Visual downgrade from PS5
- MyPlayer can‘t access The City hub world
#6 – Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater 1 + 2
Gameplay: Arcade skateboarding
Publisher: Activision
Release Date: June 2021
Activision revived the classic Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater series in style with this stellar remaster of the first two revolutionary games. All the pro skaters, tricks, and iconic levels have returned with vastly improved visuals. THPS 1+2 adds modern skaters like Tyshawn Jones as secret unlockables too.
The simple, arcade controls still shine in handheld mode, chaining together huge combos with ollies, grinds, grabs, and manuals. Local splitscreen multiplayer lets you go head-to-head on awesome community created parks. With 120 FPS gameplay when docked, Tony Hawk 1+2 is easily the greatest skating game ever ported to a Nintendo platform.
Pros
- Faithful remake of iconic THPS 1 & 2
- 120 FPS framerate when docked
- Full roster of classic/new pro skaters
- Local 2-player competitive multiplayer
Cons
- Graphics & physics simplified for Switch
- Light on online multiplayer offerings
#5 – NBA 2K23
Gameplay: Simulation basketball
Publisher: 2K Sports
Release Date: September 2022
Hoop dreams come true in the latest iteration of the NBA 2K series – the gold standard for virtual professional basketball. NBA 2K23 dazzles with slick ball handling, physical defense, and lights out shooting powered by new talent upgrades. Dominate the blacktop in Play Now mode, guide a franchise to championship glory, or build your rookie MyPlayer into a Hall of Famer.
While current gen features like The City have been cut, the solid core basketball action shines bright on Nintendo‘s platform. Playing on the go does introduce some visual compromises, but it‘s still the same addictive NBA 2K card-collecting, team-building goodness at its heart.
Pros
- Official NBA teams, rosters, stars & legends
- Deep MyTeam card collecting modes
- MyCareer player progression system
- Local 2-player matches
Cons
- Visual downgrade from Xbox/PS5
- Removed The City hub world from MyCareer
#4 – Mario Tennis Aces
Gameplay: Arcade tennis
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: June 2018
Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom gang grab their rackets for ultra fun, family-friendly tennis battles. While definitely on the wackier end of the sports game spectrum, Mario Tennis Aces serves up a surprising amount of depth with strategic meter management, trick shots, and special moves.
Challenge CPU controlled characters like Boo and Bowser across multiple Cup circuits or take the competition online to test your skills against real opponents. Swing Mode makes clever use of the Joy-Con motion controls for an experience reminiscent of Wii Sports tennis. With colorful graphics and locales, Mario Tennis Aces is a smash hit.
Pros
- 30+ playable Mario characters
- Story Adventure mode
- Swing control mode
- Local & online multiplayer
Cons
- Simplistic button controls
- Unskilled AI opponents
#3 – Easy Come Easy Golf
Gameplay: Arcade golf
Publisher: Clap Hanz
Release Date: September 2022
Fans of old-school golf games rejoice! The developer behind the cult classic Hot Shots Golf series has returned with an exclusive Switch golfing excursion. Easy Come Easy Golf distinguishes itself from other digital links by requiring you to build a capable squad of golfers, not just rely on one star player.
Vibrant, toy-like courses set the stage for challenging tournaments, score attack rounds, and survival modes. Easy Come‘s easy to learn, hard to master gameplay is fantastic with either single Joy-Cons or Pro controllers. And a pleasant soundtrack accompanies your quest to construct the ultimate golf team.
Pros
- Charming cartoonish visual style
- 4 player local matches
- No paid DLC – all updates are free
Cons
- No online multiplayer mode
- Could use more customization options
#2 – ARMS
Gameplay: Fighting
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: June 2017
ARMS strays as far from traditional fighting games as humanly possible with its cast of unique pugilists equipped with stretchable arms weapons. Learning each character‘s arm attributes and special moves does have a steep initial learning curve. But once ARMS‘ boxing mechanics click, it transforms into an absolute blast.
Motion controls let you throw actual punches or you can opt for more precise button inputs instead. Stage elements like trampolines and explosive cubes keep the action fresh and unpredictable. Competitive players will especially appreciate the cerebral mind games against human opponents online, made even tenser by ARMS‘ great use of Switch hardware.
Pros
- Clever use of Joy-Con motion controls
- 15+ unique playable fighters
- Free post-launch updates & modes
- Online ranked competitive multiplayer
Cons
- Motion controls have a steep learning curve
- Most single-player content lacking
#1 – Lonely Mountains: Downhill
Gameplay: Mountain biking
Publisher: Megagon Industries
Release Date: May 2020
Our top Nintendo Switch sports game gold medalist is the critically acclaimed thrill ride Lonely Mountains: Downhill. It earns first place by delivering a one-of-a-kind, minimalist biking odyssey.
You coast down procedurally generated mountain trails navigating checkpoints and avoiding peril at every hairpin turn. With its pure focus on solo time trials, Lonely Mountains stripping away all other elements to spotlight the calm serenity and danger of backcountry biking. Unlockable bikes/gear and multiple paths down the peaks encourage replayability. Don‘t overlook this sleeper eShop gem.
Pros
- Unique solo mountain biking premise
- Peaceful landscapes & sound design
- Physics-based bike handling
Cons
- Could benefit from more bike customization
- No multiplayer modes
- Rare physical edition
So while the Nintendo Switch sports lineup lacks traditional heavy hitters like Madden, it‘s filled with diverse titles perfect for on-the-go competition against friends. Baseball nuts can build a dynasty in MLB The Show 22 during long trips and classic Tony Hawk games skate as smooth as ever on Switch. And non-traditional sports like ARMS boxing and Lonely Mountains downhill mountain biking broaden gaming horizons with innovative concepts tailored expertly to the hardware.
Any other awesome Nintendo Switch sports titles I missed? Share your favorites down in the comments!
