The best sports games on Nintendo Switch

Mario Strikers: Battle League is the latest entry in Nintendo’s long-running franchise. The arcade-inspired soccer game makes liberal changes to the standard soccer rulebook — adding unique Hyper Strike skills that give you the ability to score double points for a goal. You’ll also find a deep roster of familiar faces, including Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong. While the on-field action is fast and frenetic, there’s a good reason to spend time suiting up before each match thanks to unlockable gear. These come with their own stat boosts and change your in-game appearance. Once you’ve learned the ropes, you can head online for a robust multiplayer mode that only looks to get better with time.

Not only is Nintendo Switch Sports the newest game on our list, but it’s also one of the best. Fans have long been waiting for a Switch version of the iconic Wii Sports — and Nintendo delivered a game that hits on all fronts. With six unique sports (and a seventh, golf, expected to arrive for free later this year), Switch Sports lives up to the hype. Each game takes full advantage of the Switch’s hybrid console nature, and there’s even additional content if you have the Leg Strap attachment (which comes bundled with physical versions of the game). If you’re looking for a great sports title that’s also an intense workout, look no further than Nintendo Switch Sports.

Mario Golf: Super Rush is the latest in the Mario Golf series. It takes the elite sport of golf and makes it approachable to everyone, with Princess Peach, Luigi, Toad, and more hitting the links in this family-friendly title. The gameplay is similar to past entries, with a Shot Gauge used to determine the power of each stroke. Speed Golf is one of the biggest changes, which is a mode that sees you speeding through a course as fast as you can. Aside from that wrinkle, Super Rush is a standard Mario Golf outing — and that’s nothing to complain about.

If you’re looking for a more grounded golfing experience, consider checking out PGA Tour 2K21. You’ll get to play against real-life pros such as Justin Thomas on real-life courses like East Lake Golf Club and TPC Sawgrass. Each course was painstakingly scanned before getting the video game treatment, meaning just about every blade of grass was faithfully replicated. Not a fan of any in-game locations? No problem — PGA 2K21 includes a course editor that lets you craft the perfect course.

Remade for a new generation of skaters, the first two Tony Hawk titles are just as good as you remember. Everything you loved about the originals is largely intact, including its banging soundtrack and bombastic levels. The fast-paced, arcade skater tasks you with completing a variety of challenges as you race against the clock. Pull off combos, collect items in hard-to-reach locations, or hit a target score — whatever you’re chasing, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 makes it a blast. If you get bored of playing solo, you can face off against a friend with local multiplayer.

Originally launched as a mobile game before getting a Switch port, Retro Bowl proves you don’t need expensive licensing deals to craft a well-rounded sports game. Before heading out to the field, you’ll get to play manager — drafting and trading players, praising their performance, meeting with the owners, and building out your facilities. Once that’s been sorted, you can dive into 2D gameplay. You’ll only control the offensive side of your team, with defense being simulated based on your stats. Offense is a blast, however, paying homage to the old-school football games of yesteryear while offering enough modern conveniences to stand toe to toe with today’s biggest releases.