Nintendo Switch Sports Resort Brings Wii-Style Motion Controls and Wuhu Island Back on Switch 2

Nintendo has released Nintendo Switch Sports Resort exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, bringing back Wuhu Island and the motion-controlled gameplay popularized by Wii Sports Resort. The new party game launched on October 22, 2026, with 12 sports, free-roam exploration and new single-player challenges.

The latest installment combines familiar activities such as bowling, tennis and golf with new additions including Thumb Wrestling and Skateboarding. Players can compete locally or online using Joy-Con controllers, while the return to Wuhu Island introduces more activities outside traditional sports matches.

Nintendo Switch Sports Resort features 12 sports spread across Wuhu Island, with two new activities joining 10 returning ones.

Thumb Wrestling is one of the more unusual additions. Players use motion controls to compete in one-on-one matches, attempting to pin their opponent's thumb for three seconds. Holding their thumb down also makes it larger and stronger, introducing another tactic during matches.

Skateboarding takes advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2's Joy-Con 2 mouse functionality. Players can perform tricks, grind rails and travel around the island by moving the controller like a mouse.

The returning activities include Boxing, Table Tennis, Archery, Tennis, Volleyball, Bowling, Basketball and Golf. Power Cruising and Prop Plane also return, allowing players to explore the island by water and air.

Each activity uses motion controls suited to its gameplay. Players can swing their controllers like tennis rackets, draw an imaginary bow during archery or twist their wrists to add spin while bowling.

Several sports also offer alternative rules and challenges. Bowling includes a 100-pin mode and obstacle-filled lanes, while basketball features shooting contests. Players can also warm up with Jump Rope, although it is not counted among the 12 main sports.

One of the biggest changes is the expanded role of Wuhu Island, the familiar resort setting from Wii Sports Resort. Rather than serving only as a backdrop for sports competitions, the island can now be explored through activities such as Skateboarding, Power Cruising and Prop Plane.

Players can travel around the resort at three different times of day, discovering sightseeing locations and completing exploration challenges.

Nintendo has also added several collectibles to encourage exploration. Players can search for hidden hibiscus flowers and gather Spocco Photos, which provide information about different landmarks and attractions.

The surrounding ocean features dolphins, while activities such as Sightseeing Tours give players objectives to complete while travelling around the island. These additions expand the role of Wuhu Island beyond competitive matches, giving players more freedom to explore its environments between sports activities.

For players who prefer solo competition, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort introduces Island Crown, an offline mode featuring increasingly difficult opponents across nine competitive sports. Each sport has an Island Champion that players must defeat to claim its crown. Progressing further unlocks challenges against Island Legends, who provide tougher competition.

Among these opponents is Matt, the familiar Mii character known for his boxing skills in the original Wii Sports. The game also includes online competitive modes. Pro League matches players against opponents of similar skill levels, while Casual Online Play allows them to compete without affecting their rankings.

For private sessions, Friend Lobbies support up to eight participants, with a maximum of two players joining from each console. Local multiplayer supports up to four players on a single Nintendo Switch 2, depending on the chosen sport.

Players can customize either Sportsmate avatars or traditional Mii characters. Participating in sports earns Spocco Points, which can be exchanged for outfits, hairstyles and accessories through the Item Center. The available customization items rotate through weekly and monthly collections.

Nintendo Switch Sports Resort is available now exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $49.99 in the United States. Online multiplayer requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership, while some local multiplayer activities may require additional controllers.