Will Boxing Make a Comeback in Nintendo Switch Sports?
The question on many fans’ minds since Nintendo Switch Sports launched is: will boxing be added to the roster? Unfortunately, as of the latest updates, there is no official confirmation that boxing will be included in Nintendo Switch Sports. While the game has seen the addition of golf as a seventh sport through a free update, and has the potential for further DLC, there is no concrete evidence or announcement indicating the return of the beloved boxing from the original Wii Sports. The absence of boxing has been a point of discussion and mild disappointment for many, particularly considering its popularity and iconic status within the Wii Sports legacy.
The Case for Boxing in Nintendo Switch Sports
The allure of boxing within the Wii Sports franchise is undeniable. It was a simple yet engaging experience, perfectly capturing the motion controls of the Wii and providing countless hours of fun, often in hilariously exaggerated ways. This made it a standout for both casual and hardcore gamers, and it’s a big reason why Wii Sports became a cultural phenomenon and one of the best-selling games of all time with over 82.9 million copies sold.
The intuitive, motion-controlled mechanics of boxing translate perfectly to the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers. The ability to throw jabs, hooks, and uppercuts with a simple flick of the wrist is a core concept of the sports games experience, and it’s understandable why so many gamers are hoping that boxing might be included as downloadable content. The popularity of chanbara (swordplay), which offers a form of combat, suggests that there is an audience interested in action-oriented sports in this game.
However, despite the fan demand, Nintendo has remained silent on the possibility of boxing coming to Nintendo Switch Sports. This could be for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they are focusing on developing other sports with entirely new mechanics, or potentially there are technical challenges they are working through. While the existing sports – soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, chanbara, and golf – provide a great collection of family-friendly action, the boxing shaped hole is noticeable to many.
DLC Possibilities for the Future
Nintendo has been increasingly active in providing DLC for its flagship games, which fuels speculation about the potential for more sports in Nintendo Switch Sports. The confirmation of golf as free DLC shows that the developers are committed to adding more content and expanding the games roster. This makes the possibility of boxing far from impossible.
Nintendo utilizes Collection rewards to unlock in-game cosmetic items, incentivizing players to compete online and earn points. The use of this live service model could also translate to further updates that add new sports over time. However, it’s important to note that unlike some other titles, Nintendo Switch Sports DLC is mostly cosmetic and includes free added sports like golf rather than a paid expansion model.
While waiting for official announcements, it is worthwhile to keep an eye on Nintendo’s communication channels for hints of future additions to the game. The popularity of Wii Sports and the anticipation surrounding boxing could serve as a significant impetus for Nintendo to consider its addition. Until then, fans can enjoy the existing collection of engaging motion-controlled sports and hope that a surprise announcement will be made in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nintendo Switch Sports
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional valuable information for readers about Nintendo Switch Sports:
1. How many sports are included in Nintendo Switch Sports?
There are currently seven sports available in Nintendo Switch Sports: soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, chanbara (swordplay), and golf.
2. Is Nintendo Switch Sports a sequel to Wii Sports?
Yes, Nintendo Switch Sports is considered the latest entry in the Wii series of games, despite not having “Wii” in its title.
3. Was Wii Sports the best-selling game of all time?
Wii Sports is Nintendo’s best-selling game ever, selling over 82.9 million copies. However, Minecraft is the overall best-selling video game of all time, with over 300 million copies sold across all platforms.
4. Is Nintendo Switch Sports only played with motion controls?
Yes, Nintendo Switch Sports is primarily designed to be played using Joy-Con motion controllers.
5. Is there local multiplayer in Nintendo Switch Sports?
Yes, you can play Nintendo Switch Sports locally with friends and family on the same console, depending on the sport. Bowling, for example, can have up to four local players.
6. Is there online play in Nintendo Switch Sports?
Yes, you can play Nintendo Switch Sports online with other players in both casual and ranked modes.
7. How do you unlock items and cosmetics in Nintendo Switch Sports?
Cosmetic items and customizations are unlocked through Collection rewards. These are obtained by earning points through online matches with other players.
8. Does Nintendo Switch Sports have DLC?
Yes, Nintendo Switch Sports has received DLC, most notably golf as a free update. Nintendo has also confirmed the potential for future updates and downloadable content.
9. Is Nintendo Switch Sports worth buying?
Nintendo Switch Sports has been generally well-received, praised for its fun, accessible gameplay, and the familiar feeling of the Wii Sports experience. It’s a great option for both casual and active gamers, and particularly good for families and social gatherings.
10. What is the maximum rank you can achieve in Nintendo Switch Sports?
The maximum rank is now ∞49 (essentially A89) after the v1.1 update. The initial maximum was A39, but the rank system was expanded.
11. Was there boxing in Wii Sports?
Yes, boxing was a popular sport in the original Wii Sports. This is why many fans have expressed a desire to see it return in Nintendo Switch Sports.
12. Can you get free DLC for Nintendo Switch games?
Yes, Nintendo Switch DLC is sometimes provided for free, as seen with the golf update for Nintendo Switch Sports. You can check for free DLC on the Nintendo eShop.
13. When was Nintendo Switch Sports released?
Nintendo Switch Sports was released on April 29, 2022.
14. Has Nintendo Switch Sports sold well?
Yes, Nintendo Switch Sports has sold over 9.6 million copies as of March 31, 2023, making it one of the best-selling Nintendo Switch games.
15. Will there be more sports added to Nintendo Switch Sports in the future?
While there are no further officially confirmed sports beyond golf, the potential for more sports DLC exists. Nintendo is continuing to support the game with updates and has not ruled out future additions. Fans are hoping to see favorites like boxing and other new sports considered.