I Played Switch Sports Resort: Motion Gaming Is Still Nintendo’s Secret Weapon
The upcoming Nintendo Switch Sports Resort game highlights the unique role of motion-controlled gaming in the modern console market. The author argues that Nintendo remains the only major developer successfully leveraging physical movement as a core gameplay mechanic.
Why it matters
It underscores Nintendo's distinct market position and the enduring appeal of active, motion-based entertainment in an era of traditional controller-based gaming.
Commentary: It’s a blast from the past for me, but also shows off something that few other console-makers can do right now.
Read full bio October 6, 2026, 9:00 am ET
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort brings back motion sports again, and it's still a blast. Nintendo I pulled back my arms to aim and fired arrows into multicolored targets in an archery-meets-darts game, side by side with NPR games editor James Perkins Mastromarino. I played him in thumb wrestling, wiggling my little Joy-Con for leverage. I skateboarded across Wuhu Island by sliding the Joy-Con controller in mouse mode on my leg. I flew a plane around by aiming it in the air like a model airplane. My arms got tired, and I thought: Nintendo needs more of this. So do I.
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