The Nintendo Switch has been a revelation in the video game industry since its launch in 2017. Its hybrid design that allows you to play it as a handheld or docked to your TV made it an instant hit. Over 114 million Switch consoles have been sold worldwide as of September 2022.
While the Switch can‘t compete with the graphical power of the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, it has an extremely strong library of first-party and indie games. The console is also a great option for sports titles, with over a dozen quality sports games available from multiple genres.
If you‘re looking for the top sports games on the Nintendo Switch, we‘ve compiled a definitive list featuring 7 must-play titles.
5 Fun Facts About the Nintendo Switch
Before we get to the games, here are some quick facts about Nintendo‘s hit console:
- The Switch was launched alongside The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which is one of the highest-rated games of all time.
- In addition to being playable on your TV, you can take the Switch on the go and play anywhere. The battery lasts between 4-9 hours depending on the game.
- Nintendo releases special edition Switch consoles featuring different colors and designs tied to game launches.
- Over 48 million copies of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe have been sold, making it the Switch‘s most popular game.
- Unique Joy-Con controllers come with every Switch that can detach and be used individually for multiplayer gaming.
What Sports Games Are Available on Switch?
When it comes to traditional sports, you‘ll find a breadth of options on the Switch. Sony‘s MLB The Show series makes an appearance for baseball fans, while 2K handles basketball with the NBA 2K franchise. EA Sports is noticeably absent outside of yearly FIFA releases, so don‘t expect to find Madden or NHL games on the platform.
Besides the major sports, Nintendo has delivered some excellent Mario sports spin-offs over the years. The latest entry is Mario Strikers: Battle League, an arcade-style soccer game with Mushroom Kingdom chaos. If you prefer golf, Easy Come Easy Golf is a new release that we highly recommend.
Of course, the Switch also features classic Nintendo mascots competing in various athletics. ARMS is a knockout boxing title that makes excellent use of the Joy-Con motion controls. Then you have Mario Tennis Aces bringing flashy fun to the court.
Let‘s get into our picks for the cream of the crop when it comes to Switch sports titles!
7. MLB The Show 22
Baseball games have been a staple on Nintendo consoles going back to R.B.I. Baseball on the NES. In recent years, MLB The Show from Sony has established itself as the gold standard for virtual hardball.
MLB The Show 22 marks the second year for the franchise on the Switch. Unlike the watered-down versions of Madden or FIFA on the console, this is the full MLB The Show experience you‘ll find on PlayStation and Xbox platforms.
All the modes, customization tools, licensed players, and real MLB stadiums are packed into this portable release. Diamond Dynasty makes its return, enabling you to build your fantasy team through collectible cards. Franchise mode is back as well, where you can manage an organization over multiple seasons with full roster control.
There are some graphical compromises in docked and handheld display, which is understandable given the Switch‘s weaker hardware. But in terms of sheer content and refined gameplay, MLB The Show 22 is the definitive baseball title currently available on the console.
6. Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater 1 + 2
Ask any gamer who owned a PlayStation in 1999 to name their favorite sports title, and most would probably say Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater. The revolutionary skateboarding game took the genre to new heights with its slick combos and punk rock energy.
Now Tony Hawk 1+2 remakes those first two iconic entries from scratch, blending the classic vibe with modern visuals and gameplay. All the pro skaters, levels, songs, and modes fans loved are back with welcome tweaks. Throw in created skaters and parks for endless customization too.
Remaster collections don‘t always effectively capture the magic of the original releases. But Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater 1 + 2 plays just as smoothly in handheld mode on the Switch as it does docked on an Xbox Series X. This revival retains the tight controls and addictive combo chaining that made these games special.
If you have fond memories of pulling off sick tricks back in the day, Tony Hawk 1+2 will hit you square in the nostalgia. It might even convince you to dig that old fingerboard out of your closet!
5. NBA 2K23
There‘s no topping NBA 2K when it comes to virtual hoops. 2K completely dominates the basketball genre, delivering unparalleled gameplay and presentation year after year. NBA 2K23 keeps that hot streak going with familiar excellence tailor-made for Switch hardware.
While some features like MyNBA Eras didn‘t make it over from other platforms, this is still the deepest NBA sim money can buy. All your favorite play modes return, from street ball in The City to managing an all-time fantasy franchise. Signature Jordan Challenges are back as well, letting you relive MJ‘s classic career moments.
Enhancements across the board make NBA 2K23 the best entry yet. Shooting and defense feel more balanced, players move with more weight, and improved A.I. leads to more realistic team play. Graphically the game pops nicely in handheld mode while docked performance remains smooth.
If you want to build a basketball dynasty on the go, accept no substitutes for NBA 2K23 on the Switch. Franchise lifers and casual ballers alike will find plenty here to keep them busy until next season.
4. Mario Tennis Aces
Mario first rallied with tennis pros back on the Nintendo 64, but Mario Tennis Aces takes things up a notch. The Nintendo mascot returns for his eighth tennis outing packing new gameplay mechanics and a campaign mode featuring a story about a magic racket. Yes, really.
Arcade-style action is the name of the game in Mario Tennis Aces. Players utilize zone speed to activate bullet time while landing tricky curveball shots. You also gain energy for special power hits activated by motion controls or timed button presses. Managing energy and landing counters brings fighting game strategy to the tennis court.
With over 30 characters pulled from the Mushroom Kingdom and a slew of multiplayer options, there‘s tons of content stuffed in Mario Tennis Aces. Nintendo has supported the game since launch as well with ongoing tournaments, costumes, and playable favorites like Shy Guy.
Mario Tennis Aces mixes the excessive charm you expect from Mario‘s sports escapades with surprisingly tactical tennis. It‘s a winning combination and easily one of the Switch‘s top sports titles. Game, set, match!
3. Easy Come Easy Golf
Lush environments and complex physics engines make golf an extremely demanding genre when it comes to hardware. But Easy Come Easy Golf‘s colorful low-poly art style is a perfect fit for the handheld Switch. This downloadable gem offers quirky personality you won‘t find in PGA Tour 2K or EA‘s simulator efforts.
Developed by Japanese studio Clap Hanz, Easy Come Easy Golf continues their fan-favorite Hot Shots series last seen on PlayStation platforms. If you remember the zaniness of the Mario Golf franchise, you‘ll feel right at home here too.
While it doesn‘t quite have the customization or course selection of other golf titles, Easy Come Easy delivers silky smooth mechanics and plenty of variety within its structure. Challenge different themed Cups across 5 courses, tackle specific objectives in Mission mode, or perfect your short game skill in separate training options. You‘ll also need to maintain a full roster of uniquely skilled golfers to overcome certain events.
Overflowing with charm and replayability, Easy Come Easy Golf is easily one of the best Switch exclusives sports or otherwise. Fans of Hot Shots, Mario Golf, or anyone looking for a fun break from golf simulation should download this gem immediately!
2. ARMS
Nintendo loves twisting established genres into something fresh and ARMS does just that for boxing titles. These colorful combatants pummel each other using extendable limbs offering insane reach for their punches. Controlling these bendy boxers with motion gameplay or traditional buttons leads to chaotic fun.
ARMS launched alongside the Switch back in 2017 quickly becoming a hot multiplayer showcase for Nintendo‘s innovative Joy-Con controllers. You can curve punches by tilting controllers sideways while lifting arms up blocks. Different ARMS types offer distinct attributes for fighters, ensuring everyone will click with at least a couple pugilists from the game‘s 15 roster residents.
Vibrant cartoony visuals give ARMS tons of over-the-top spectacle perfectly complemented by motion controls. Guiding your blows by physically throwing hands never gets old especially pulling off the timing for a well-earned counter punch. There‘s even a bit of fighting game strategy for skilled combatants looking to outthink their opponent.
The sheer novelty of battling with stretchy customizable cardboard arms solidifies ARMS as one the most original and entertaining sports games ever. Give your reflexes a workout by throwing down today!
1. Lonely Mountains: Downhill
Our top Switch sports pick goes to the indie mountain biking gem Lonely Mountains: Downhill. This relaxing first-person descent challenges you to carefully navigate bumpy trails while admiring gorgeous low-poly scenery. Instead of intense races, the game emphasizes precise bike handling and exploration through lush environments.
Across 5 sprawling courses, you‘ll tackle dozens of trails earning medals based on completion time and crashes. Repair destroyed bikes using collected coins and improve performance by purchasing upgraded shocks, tires, etc. Customization options keep things fresh while retaining the game‘s zen-like vibe. Gentle ambient audio enhances the atmosphere without distraction for maximum concentration dodging rocks and gaps.
Lonely Mountains: Downhill is SUCH a vibe making it a refreshing change of pace from traditional sports titles. There‘s nothing quite like getting lost enjoying the view before catching big air over a cliff. Nintendo‘s portability enables short play sessions on a whim across the game‘s challenging trails. Just make sure to pack a sandwich for your next virtual mountainside picnic!
And those are our picks for the best sports games currently available on the Nintendo Switch! Hopefully you discovered a new gem to elevate your gaming rotation or maybe gained appreciation for a genre you normally avoid. Let us know your favorite Switch sports titles in the comments below!
