Winter has a tendency of bringing out my worst habits when it comes to diet and exercise. In warmer months, I’m out and about doing daily loops around my local park and hitting the gym several times a week. But historically, from December to March, I’m mostly sedentary. This year, however, I set out to avoid falling into my usual routine. I have built a collection of Nintendo Switch games designed to get me off the couch and moving around.
People don’t often think of playing video games as a physically demanding activity. And yes, there are countless options out there that just require a lot of button mashing, but there are also plenty of choices for folks looking to be a bit more active. Nintendo has been offering fitness gaming options since the days of the original NES back in the ’80s with their Power Pad, which was a mat compatible with several running, dance and aerobics-themed titles released on that console. They have been delivering entertaining and interactive games to get people on their feet ever since.
Although the days of the Power Pad are long gone, I rounded up the titles I have been relying on to burn some calories at home. All of these games have customizable difficulty settings to keep things at a pace and intensity you’re comfortable with. Some can even be played while seated for folks with limited mobility.
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Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer is Nintendo’s latest foray into fitness gaming. Like the previous Fitness Boxing entries, players are challenged to perform rhythmic punches in sync with the background music. There are options for seated workouts and interchangeable virtual trainers who each offer a different teaching style.
My review: I play this one most often because I can squeeze in a round or two at random points in my day and those rounds will only be as challenging as I want them to be because of all the customizable options.
For anyone who got into Wii Sports back in the ’00s, Nintendo Switch Sports is the current iteration of that iconic game. On-screen avatars mimic the actions you make with the Joy-Cons strapped to your arms. There are eight sports: basketball, golf, soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton and chambara (swordplay.) The game comes with a leg strap to use when playing soccer. There’s also an online mode to compete against other athletes from around the world.
My review: This is a solid option if you’re looking for a less intense workout. It will definitely keep you moving, but the gameplay won’t really get your heart rate going as much as other choices on this list. With that said, it’s a blast to play with friends!
Released in 2019, this is the oldest entry on the list but perhaps the most important. Ring Fit Adventure is set up where players attach one Joy-Con to the Ring-Con that comes with the game and another Joy-Con to a leg strap that you wear to track your movement. Guide your avatar through a dangerous land where enemies are conquered by successfully performing fitness challenges like squats, twists and presses.
My review: I adore everything about this. I play around 30 minutes and feel as worked out as any gym class I’ve taken. This game truly set a new bar for the genre and I will never stop singing its praises.
Live out your pop star fantasy one sweaty choreographed routine at a time. Just Dance requires players to match the dance steps pictured on-screen set to popular hit songs by artists like Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter and a lot more. The routines vary in difficulty but all deliver a fun cardio work out that will likely piss of your downstairs neighbor if you live in an apartment. NOTE: Purchasing this item, you will receive an empty box that contains a code to download the game from the Switch’s e-shop. Some songs may only be playable after unlocking them by advancing in the game.
My review: This game is the most fun, laughter-inducing option on the list, but it is no joke. Some of the moves can be tough and timing them correctly isn’t easy either. If you’re looking for a more physically demanding option with a soundtrack that no other game on this list comes close to, this is the one for you.
If you don’t already own a Nintendo Switch, hopefully these games convinced you that it’s more than just a typical console. I have owned every Nintendo system since the original NES (and other offerings from Sega, Sony and Microsoft), but the Switch has meant so much more to me. Aside from being my home gym, it’s my mental escape when I need a break from my daily stresses. It played an integral part in the early days of my relationship with my now-husband and still does in our marriage. It has also helped me bond with my niece and nephew who love trying to beat their uncle in Mario Kart. Helping me stay active is just the icing on the cake.