Cameron Frew
After 13 years, Nintendo has finally announced a Wii Sports sequel for the Nintendo Switch.
In 2006, the Nintendo Wii took over the world. It slotted into the festive marketplace in a sweet spot, right between extortionate PlayStation 3 and the popular, pricier Xbox 360. Importantly, it was a video game console for everyone, and Wii Sports was the perfect illustration of that; kids, parents and grandparents across the globe pitched, bowled and golfed to their heart's content.
The original Wii Sports is still the system's best-selling game, having shifted 82.9 million copies (in fairness, it was bundled with most consoles upon release). Then came Wii Sports Resort, a beefy follow-up utilising the Motion Plus accessory. Soon, we'll finally get a new instalment with Nintendo Switch Sports.
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Wii Sports Resort released back in 2009, and the series has remained quiet ever since. Many expected another entry when the Switch hit store shelves back in 2017, but bar the likes of 1-2 Switch and other licensed titles, there was nothing on the horizon.
This year, Wii Sports will be reborn as Nintendo Switch Sports, announced as part of Nintendo Direct last night, February 9. Portal is also coming to the Switch, as well as a new Mario Strikers title and 48 new Mario Kart 8 tracks.
'Get moving with Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton, and Chambara (swordplay) using Joy-Con™ controllers!' the description teases.
'Swing, kick and spike your way to victory with a collection of sports that puts you right into the action! Play together in person or online with family and friends, or challenge friendly competitors near and far in the new iteration of the classic Wii Sports series.
'Turn your real-world actions into in-game movements using Joy-Con controllers and compete in six sports, including Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton and Chambara (swordplay). You can even use a Joy-Con with the Leg Strap accessory included in the physical version to kick the ball in a Soccer Shoot-Out!'
I know what you're thinking: where the hell is golf? After all, playing nine holes across the classic course or Wuhu Resort is one of the staples of Wii Sports. 'Plus, a seventh sport is planned to be added via a free update this fall – get ready to Golf!' Nintendo has assured.
Nintendo Switch Sports will be available to buy on April 29 this year, and an online play test will also be available for Nintendo Switch Online members on February 18, 19 and 20.
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