There is nothing better for a die-hard sports fan than to take on the identity of a favourite character or team via gaming. Online betting to live and breathe the results of the real thing is all very well, but sports gamers can control their own team’s destiny.
The Nintendo Switch is a very good outlet for the would-be champion as it has an excellent library of sporting franchises with some of the most memorable brands ever to appear on a console. Here are some of the best on the market.
1) Golf Story: When the Nintendo Switch was first launched in 2017 the offering appeared a little gimmicky. Yet it has grown into a serious player on the market and the very first sports game produced remains one of the enduring classics.
One of the greatest strengths of Golf Story is that it is so much more than a round of 18 holes. It’s a role-playing masterpiece that makes tournament and multi-player golf much more engaging because of its inclusivity. It’s a bit of crazy golf with an undertone of a redemptive story mixed in with a baddie subplot. There are loads of mini-quests and a touch of quirky humour in the dialogue. The characters are what make the game more enjoyable when you get to eventually swing the club.
2) Rocket League: Rocket League’s simple quick play basics are attractive. Driving around a vehicle to guide an explosive football into the opposition net is something that everyone could sign up for. It’s much more than that. There are two teams, and this is one of those games that can be played online with friends which makes it a total blast. The controls are intuitive with options to turbo boost, jump and double jump. The way a gamer approaches the object ball via a flip, or a charge will ultimately affect the strength of a shot on impact.
Ultimately, the arcade-style nature of driving fast around a colourful arena to whack an oversized ball cannot go wrong. Rocket League still packs a considerable punch on the pitch. It’s an addictive mix of total chaos allied to a measure of control.
3) Super Mega Baseball 3: Super Mega Baseball 3 is one of the best simulations of the game on the Switch. It has the appeal and structure of the real thing but also has the arcade elements and visuals to attract a casual gamer too.
The game looks beautiful with stunning graphics and the franchise mode offers a lot of depth to the season. The concept of controls and hitting the ball out of the park are pitched as they should be: easy to pick up but hard to master. There is a lot of fun to be had with new character creations and stadiums with attractive audio too.
4) Mario Tennis Aces: There cannot be a review of the best sports games on the Switch without including the Mario franchise. Mario Tennis has been one of the most enjoyable and playable and it shifted a lot of copies to prove it. On the face of it, Aces looks like a casual take on the game but there is a lot of depth and nuance to the shot selection. Positional play on the court directly impacts the energy gauge and how much the player has got left for a thunderous backhand or a trick shot. Players get a special shot that can get them back in the rally.
There’s also an Adventure mode that takes Mario around the globe to take on sea monsters and fireballs and even take on a match at a snow-filled train platform while moving in and out of passengers.
5) Mario and Sonic at The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020:
The Tokyo Olympics eventually took place in 2021, but Mario and Sonic’s adventure will revive good memories just before Paris 2024. For those don’t jump straight to Quick Play, there’s a story mode where Mario, Sonic, Bowser and Dr. Eggman get sucked into a video game based on the Olympic Games of 1964.
There are over 34 mini-events to try based on 1964 and traditional 2D offerings, including football, skateboarding, fencing and many others. There’s something for everyone and the motion and button controllers are available. The three Dream events are well thought out to add a bit of fun. Mario and Sonic at Tokyo has a lot to offer, and the content plays well and looks great. It’s best enjoyed with others.
The Switch has become a well-respected outlet for sports gamers over the last decade. There are so many other games that could be on this list. Other recommendations that are bubbling under include Mutant Football League and Nintendo Switch Sports.
