Highlights

  • The Joy-Cons on the Switch offer some of the best gyroscopic controls in gaming, but they are underutilized compared to the cruder technology of the Wiimote.
  • The game Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise combines rhythmic music gameplay with fitness and arcade-style action, offering a user-friendly and enjoyable experience.
  • Just Dance 2024 Edition on the Switch offers refined gyro controls that allow for optimal "boogying" and a vast selection of new songs and game modes.

Unlike the Wii before it, motion controls have taken something of a backseat when it comes to the Switch. But despite most of its library stressing traditional inputs, the Joy-Cons offer some of the best gyroscopic controls in gaming. Ironically, these refined gyro controls are still a bit underutilized compared to the cruder technology built into the Wiimote.

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These games, and the ways in which they use motion, vary quite a bit. Titles like Doom and Clubhouse Games, for instance, succeed in having motion as a neat secondary option or minor inclusion, while Nintendo Switch Sports shows this tech can still thrive as a main focus. But whether subtle or more prominent, there are plenty of games for Switch that have implemented gyro support in a creative or tasteful way.

Updated November 29, 2023 by Stephen LaGioia: The release of the sleek Switch OLED model has largely overshadowed the motion capabilities of the console. Indeed, many more recent Switch titles especially seem to stress more traditional gameplay inputs and design. This makes sense as the console has seen an increasing number of ports.

Still, there is a trickling of recent releases that embody more of the Wii spirit; the zany party game WarioWare: Move It, for instance. And so, we thought we'd revisit this list of the most fun and refined motion Switch games that are sure to get players off the couch and moving.

20 Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm And Exercise

Using Two Joy-Cons To Box Feels Great

Fitness Boxing 2 female avatar punching in neon room
Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise

Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Publishers
Nintendo

This more robust sequel to the exergaming title from Imagineer brings early Wii vibes with its accessible mechanics, simple visuals, and a healthy dose of movement-based gameplay. While its gameplay is rather straightforward compared to the likes of Ring Fit Adventure, it does excel in offering a quick pick-up-and-play experience that's more user-friendly.

Like the first Fitness Boxing, the game combines rhythmic music gameplay with fitness and arcade-style action. Its alluring rhythmic gameplay — which involves punching icons on cue in different ways — reminds players that sometimes less is more. And while not perfect, this sequel somewhat refines the detection of specific movements compared to its predecessor, allowing for more effective workouts.

19 Just Dance

Refined, Ergonomic Joy-Cons Mesh Well

Just Dance 2022 avatars dancing with perfect message

Much like Dance Dance Revolution before it, Ubisoft's Just Dance has become a staple in rhythm and fitness games, one with more palatability to the average gamer. The now-annual franchise has also become synonymous with fun, responsive motion-based gaming, especially on Nintendo machines.

The games have become especially enticing on Switch, with recent entries that are overflowing with delightful upbeat tunes, and refined gyro controls that allow for optimal "boogying."

The 2024 edition offers a vast, diverse list of new songs and new game modes, including streamlined online multiplayer. It also brings a song-sharing hub into the mix, which permits players in this virtual space to share songs from any edition of the series.

18 Alien Isolation

Smooth Aiming And Detailed HD Rumble

Using radar gadget approaching alien in burning ship room in Alien Isolation
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Alien: Isolation by Creative Assembly and Sega burst onto the scene in 2014 as one of the best horror games of the year. What makes this thriller really shine, aside from its sleek visuals and effects, is its thick sense of atmosphere that immerses the player into the experience.

This makes it all the more intense when trying to elude the alien beast lurking in the dark ship. The Switch version amps up this immersion with some fine-tuned gyro support, by way of weapon aiming and motion tracker movement. Though the rich experience is also enhanced by detailed HD rumble, which truly draws players into the chilling scene.

17 Resident Evil: Revelations 2

Intuitive Aiming And Simulated Reloads

The Crowbar in Resident Evil Revelations 2
Resident Evil: Revelations 2

Platform(s)
PC , PS3 , PS4 , PS Vita , Switch , Xbox 360 , Xbox One
Released
February 24, 2015
Developer(s)
Capcom
Genre(s)
Survival Horror

Those who enjoyed the smooth, intuitive motion controls of Wii's version of RE4 were disappointed to find that these gyro and pointer controls are absent from the Switch port. However, fans get can a similar experience with this overlooked Resident Evil spinoff.

The game offers prominent motion without it being intrusive or burdensome. Players can simply hold the left trigger to initiate the feature. The game even channels some of that arcade-style lightgun vibe by having players reload with a quick movement that emulates loading a new clip into one's Joy-con gun. With this neat inclusion, and its sleek visuals, zombie blasting in Revelations 2 is particularly fun and immersive.

16 Fortnite

Various Motion Customizations

Fortnite OG How to Get and Use Proximity Grenade Launcher (2)-1
Fortnite

Released
July 25, 2017
Developer(s)
Epic Games
Genre(s)
Survival , Battle Royale

This dynamic, rewarding survival BR is made even more gripping on Switch with its subtle-but-effective use of motion. The game offers an impressive list of customization and fine-tuning options to ensure one's inputs are as smooth and sharp as possible.

And with a game that requires precision, this is crucial. There will likely be a bit of trial and error when it comes to adjustments, but players should be firing away and cobbling together structures in no time.

15 WarioWare: Move It!

Funny And Clever Use Of Motion

warioware move it assuming the scales form in a carnival
WarioWare: Move It!

Platform(s)
Switch
Released
November 3, 2023
Developer(s)
Nintendo
Genre(s)
Party Game

WarioWare: Move It is largely a return to form following the more divisive Get It Together, stressing the usual slew of absurd, hilarious microgames controlled by quick motions. As 1-2 Switch once conveyed, there's something particularly amusing about controlling a minigame with one's own mouth.

In terms of the style and rapid-fire nature of these games, the vibe feels more akin to the underrated Wii gem from 2006, Smooth Moves. The smoother, more dynamic motion of the Joy-cons allow this experience to really shine, with fewer rough patches or confusing moments.

There are a number of ways to enjoy the whopping 200 microgames here. Move It offers a number of variants on the formula, with new competitive and co-op match formats as well as a quasi-campaign mode.

14 Overwatch 2

Countless Ways To Customize And Fine-Tune The Input

Overwatch 2 Doomfist Rocket Punch
Overwatch 2

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Switch , Xbox One S , Xbox One X , PC
Released
October 4, 2022
Developer(s)
Blizzard
Genre(s)
Shooter

FPS games, which often require swift precision, don't always mesh with motion controls, particularly pointerless gyro. This has remained true despite the first-person view making a good fit for the immersion of such tech. Yet, Blizzard has managed to find a nice balance with Switch's version of Overwatch 2.

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The unique hero-shooter actually proves a good fit, thanks to the slew of customizations given — and the fact that many heroes don't require great aim. Players can tinker with several settings in the controls options menu, including gyro-specific controls, sensitivity on different axes, and aim assist. Small inclusions like the ability to disable gyro while using the stick go a long way in making OW2 a smoother, tighter experience.

13 The Legend of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

Using The Joy-Cons As A Bow Works Great

Zelda Tears of the Kingdom bow combat-1
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Platform(s)
Switch
Released
May 12, 2023
Developer(s)
Nintendo
Genre(s)
Adventure

Those who want to completely kick back and get lost in Link's latest epic on Switch don't need to do so without moving about, as Nintendo offers the option to turn off motion. But for those who seeking greater immersion, this darker sequel to the fan-favorite Breath of the Wild has players covered. Like its predecessor, the gyro features are subtle and tastefully done without being a burden.

Aiming with the bow feels as great as ever, and other bits are sprinkled in which cleverly utilize the tech, adding to the puzzle elements in areas like Shrines. These controls only further the dynamic, organic feel of this fantasy adventure, already enhanced with vibrant visuals and the all-new Sky Islands and Depths regions.

12 Surgeon Simulator CPR

Physics Are Amusingly Clumsy But The Motion Is Accurate

Surgeon Simulator holding device with bandaged man on TV

Bossa Studios' simulation game resuscitates the notion that a third-party game could be most appealing on Nintendo machines. Originating as a 2013 Steam release, this obscure title was given new life on the Big N's hybrid console with nuanced motion controls and intuitive local co-op.

The dynamic-yet-clumsy motion input only adds to the yucks of this over-the-top romp, which has amateur "surgeons" fumbling with organs in bloody, cut-open bodies in first-person. This gruesome sim is full of oddities — including the fact that a gory indie can hang with some of Switch's best motion-based efforts.

11 Cooking Mama Cookstar

Easy To Learn Quick Motions

Cooking Mama Cookstar food game

Starting with the DS sleeper hit from 2006, this cooking minigame compilation has been at the forefront of unique, intuitive control schemes. The smooth, nuanced use of motion brings a quasi-simulated experience with a cute visual style.

While the gameplay itself has been viewed as spotty and shallow, to put it mildly, 1st Playable Productions at least uses the motion in a clever, 'tasteful' manner. Players will partake in swiftly cutting up, preparing, and cooking different food items. Actions include things like cracking eggs, spreading butter across a pan, and dicing up veggies.

10 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Smooth Gyro Controls Add A New Dimension To The Combat

Link thrusting his sword down at glowing symbol in The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword switch
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Platform(s)
Wii
Released
November 20, 2011
Developer(s)
Nintendo
Genre(s)
Action , Adventure

Following the grandiose Breath of the Wild, Nintendo circles back to this overlooked Wii game, which resides near the start of Zelda's rich timeline. This charming remaster embodies the prior two decades of 3D Zelda, stressing more linear gameplay, puzzle-solving, and temple-crawling. But Skyward Sword also excels in its own right, with colorful, stylized visuals, atmospheric locales, and exhilarating flight mechanics.

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Fulfilling the hopes fans had dating back to Twilight Princess, this journey also utilizes solid motion — adding to the immersion and rewarding, tactile combat. The HD polish, smoother frame rate, and improved gyro of the Switch version allows Skyward Sword to shine in the way it was meant to.

9 Super Mario Odyssey

Motion Subtly Complements Mario's Offense

Super Mario Odyssey New Donk City With Mario and Cappy
Super Mario Odyssey

Platform(s)
Switch
Released
October 27, 2017
Developer(s)
Nintendo
Genre(s)
Platformer

Nintendo's iconic turtle-hopping hero has seen countless colorful adventures. But this Switch open-world platformer just might be Mario's most magical 3D journey yet. With the help of an anthropomorphic cap, Mario can take over the bodies of various foes and inanimate objects; from T-Rexes to boulders.

With the help of sharp motion controls, this hat-tossing mechanic brings a fun new twist and breathes life into the Super Mario formula. The controls draw from the Galaxy method of having motion be more in the background, but at the same time, make it seamless and creatively integrated. This intuitive input complements the array of lush, whimsical worlds — which range from a bustling city to a fantastical food world.

8 Splatoon 3

Subtle-But-Accurate Aiming

Splatoon 3 Roller Why Use Rollers
Splatoon 3

Platform(s)
Switch
Released
September 9, 2022
Developer(s)
Nintendo
Genre(s)
Third-Person Shooter

Shooting games often demand a level of precision that isn't easy to capture with gyro controls. Yet, Nintendo pulls it off with this chaotic multiplayer game. This robust sequel shines with even more polish, addictive gameplay modes, and inky chaos.

The motion feels superb, thanks to the game's complementary goal of making a mess—but also because of some smooth, solid mechanics. Of course, the game wisely permits traditional aiming, but Splatoon 3 allows gyro users to be on an even playing field with those using joysticks. The great use of gyro aiming further adds to the accessibility and joy of this thrilling squid-shooter.

7 Doom Eternal

Aiming Works Well Even In Handheld Mode

Doom Eternal Baron Of Hell
DOOM Eternal

Platform(s)
Xbox One , Stadia , PC , PS4
Released
March 20, 2020
Developer(s)
id Software
Genre(s)
FPS , Action

Taking a page out of the Splatoon playbook, id Software and Bethesda take a "best of both worlds" approach with the player interface, utilizing traditional control and motion to their advantage. With this sequel to the 2016 hit, Doom Eternal brings the usual adrenaline-pumping chaos players expect from this classic FPS series.

This translates surprisingly well on Switch's more limited hardware. But on top of that, this fully-loaded package allows players to use subtle-but-effective motion aiming with the Joy-Cons, Pro Controller, and by tilting the console itself. These can all be fine-tuned to best suit the player too.

6 1-2 Switch

Impressive And Hilarious Use Of Gyro

1 2 Switch Ball Rolling game demonstration

While perhaps lacking the impact and appeal of Wii Sports, this similar showcase for Nintendo's then-new Switch shines when it comes to cheeky, detailed motion controls. Working in tandem with equally refined HD Rumble, 1-2 Switch feels more like a simulation (albeit a strange one) than a game, despite the basic aesthetic.

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With the use of creative and amusing inputs, the colorful minigames both impress and tickle those who tinker with them. Whether tasks involve shaving, cracking a safe, or even munching a virtual sandwich with one's mouth, this party game brings ample fun, and a level of gyro precision rarely seen.

5 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Smoother, More Sensitive Turning Compared To Wii

mario kart 8 deluxe bowser toad toadette battle
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Franchise
Mario Kart
Platform(s)
Switch
Released
April 28, 2017
Genre(s)
Racing

Nintendo seemed determined to entice even original Mario Kart 8 vets to invest in this juiced-up remaster, which boasts sleeker visuals, DLC content, and an improved battle mode. But moreover, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers some of the tightest, even-keeled gyro controls in the franchise. Even when lacking a wheel attachment, using the Joy-Cons to turn feels natural and smooth.

The typically more animated young gamers should have no problem hanging with seasoned players in this family-friendly Switch romp when using motion. Purists will be happy to learn that these controls can be deactivated, but given the added immersion, many will be hard-pressed to do so.

4 Super Mario Party

A Diversity Of Motion Inputs

Super Mario Party 4 player Bike Minigame
Mario Party Superstars

Platform(s)
Switch
Released
October 9, 2021
Developer(s)
NDcube
Genre(s)
Party Game

Gamers may have rejoiced at the celebration of classic Mario Party a la Superstars, but some seem to have forgotten the charming showdown that was this Switch debut. With vibrant visuals, reworked gameplay, and fun new co-op features, this game stands out amidst a crowded pool of MP predecessors.

The unique Super Mario Party adds inventive, nuanced motion control as well as improved Rumble, which makes these features from prior entries seem like child's play. Examples include a wacky tricycle race and an intense steak-cooking romp.

3 Nintendo Switch Sports

Smooth Gyro Controls Enhance The Experience

Bowling with strangers in Nintendo Switch Sports
Nintendo Switch Sports

Platform(s)
Switch
Released
April 29, 2022
Developer(s)
Nintendo
Genre(s)
Sports

It's tough to imagine a sequel to the social gaming phenom Wii Sports measuring up, but in many ways, this Switch successor does just that. Switch Sports retains that clear-cut, easy-to-learn appeal, driven home by a refined version of the popular tennis and bowling.

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At the same time, this installment goes a step beyond, filling in some depth with new more involved sports, online gameplay, and of course — smooth, dynamic motion control via the Joy-Con. This time around, badminton, association football (which utilizes the Leg Strap), and the highly fun volleyball replace Wii Sports' baseball, golf, and boxing.

2 Arms

The Best Use Of Motion With Dual Joy-Cons

ARMS Switch punching
Arms

Platform(s)
Switch
Released
June 16, 2017
Developer(s)
Nintendo EPD
Genre(s)
Fighting

While often viewed more as a demonstration of Switch's motion prowess, this colorful fighter from '17 is a knockout in its own right. Arms embodies retro arcade-style action with thrilling boxing showdowns and party game elements.

At the same time, it's an impressive showcase of modern motion controls, which allow players to dual-wield separate Joy-Cons to bash their opponents in real-time. A slew of unique fighters, each with their own moves and mechanics, further adds to the chaos of this 3D fighter.

1 Ring Fit Adventure

Gyro Controls Cleverly Used To Get The Body Going

Ring Fit Adventure jogging stage with rings
Ring Fit Adventure

Platform(s)
Switch
Released
October 18, 2019
Developer(s)
Nintendo EPD
Genre(s)
Sports

Like its Wii spiritual predecessor, This breakthrough hit fitness game shocked gamers and non-gamers alike, making its case that exercise could be fun. Unlike 2007's Wii Fit, however, Ring Fit Adventure fleshes out the fitness foundation with rewarding RPG gameplay that truly has substance.

Not only this, but the game demands exertion and accuracy with the durable Ring-Con and Leg Strap, which measure movements to a T. The game is capable of picking up the form of one's squat reps, or the pace at which the player is running. These peripherals in tandem will have players breaking a sweat, and bring a surprising sense of immersion — despite the contrast of the colorful fantasy worlds within.

MORE: Wii Games That Made Great Use Of The Motion Controls