Nintendo has a lot of different games on the way in 2022, and yet Nintendo Switch Sports manages to stand out from the rest. Nintendo may have plenty of its own sports games on the Switch thanks to Super Mario spinoffs, but none of these have a direct connection to the Nintendo classic Wii Sports like Nintendo Switch Sports does. Rather than emphasizing Nintendo's original characters, Nintendo Switch Sports puts players right in the middle of the game through custom characters, just like Wii Sports. The sports game's release is already drawing near; it'll only be a few more weeks before Nintendo fans can take another stab at the Wii Sports experience.
Nintendo Switch Sports has a nice roster of sports prepared to offer fans, blending old and new games together. Classics like Tennis and Bowling will appear, while new sports like Volleyball will finally join the franchise. Nintendo Switch Sports also plans to add Golf in a fall update. The timing of that update is notable; it looks like Nintendo might intend to update and expand Nintendo Switch Sports over a long period of time, rather than trying to quickly release bonus content in the months immediately after the game's release. That might be a smart move, since it could keep Nintendo Switch Sports relevant for years to come.
Leisurely Nintendo Switch Sports Updates
Although Nintendo Switch Sports will release in late April, Nintendo seemingly won't add another sport to the game for about half a year after that. It's unlikely that Nintendo would suddenly add another sport to the game before fall, since it would've made more sense to reveal that sport before Golf. While Nintendo is clearly excited about Nintendo Switch Sports, it also doesn't seem like it's in a hurry to update the game, since it'll be so long before another sport comes around. Rather than trying to cater to hype that surrounds the game at launch, Nintendo may intentionally be planning to release dates slowly in order to extend the lifespan of Switch Sports.
There's some good reason to think that Nintendo has long-term plans for the game. One reputable Switch Sports leak suggests that Basketball and Dodgeball will join the game in later updates, for instance. Since Nintendo didn't announce these sports alongside the Golf update, it's possible that they won't release for several months after Golf, furthering the long-term update structure that seems to be in place. Nintendo hasn't confirmed that it'll add other sports after Golf yet, but considering how frequently Nintendo makes use of free or paid expansions nowadays, it seems highly likely that Golf isn't all that's on the way for Switch Sports, even if further content takes many months to release.
Keeping Nintendo Switch Sports Interest High
A slow-paced expansion release schedule could be a good thing for Nintendo Switch Sports. Just like its predecessor in Wii Sports, this family-friendly game with simple controls has a universal appeal that can make it lucrative for an extended period of time, as long as Nintendo consistently advertises it. Major Nintendo Switch Sports updates that add new sports would be a great way to advertise the game over the next few years, especially since each announcement will increase the game's value for late buyers. With the help of long-term content, Nintendo Switch Sports could be a pivotal title throughout the Switch's late years.
Hopefully Nintendo sheds some light on its Switch Sports plans soon. Since March lacked any kind of Nintendo presentation, maybe there'll be a new Nintendo Direct in April that features an in-depth look at Nintendo Switch Sports, including a roadmap for future updates. Although the game's launch roster is good, Switch fans are eager to see how the game will grow. Ideally, Golf will only be the beginning of Nintendo Switch Sports' growth over a long period of time.
Nintendo Switch Sports releases April 29, 2022 for Nintendo Switch.