It’s competitive, but the barrier to entry is floor-level. Unlike Fortnite or Apex Legends, where a new player will get "clapped" in thirty seconds, a seven-year-old can actually beat an adult in Bowling or Tennis.

Kids also love the "Sportsmates"—the updated versions of Miis. They look a bit more modern, and the game allows for a lot of customization. However, this leads into the "collection" aspect. To get the cool outfits, squirrels-head hats, or "Ohio-coded" weird accessories, kids have to play online to earn points. This can lead to the "just one more match" syndrome on Sunday nights before the weekly rewards reset.

Ask our chatbot about the best ways to manage "just one more match" syndrome

Is Nintendo Switch Sports a replacement for soccer practice? No. But is it better than sitting motionless staring at YouTube for three hours? Absolutely.

The game requires legitimate physical movement. If you’re playing Volleyball correctly, you’re actually reaching over your head. If you’re playing Soccer with the Leg Strap (which comes with the physical version of the game), you’re physically kicking your leg to shoot.

For parents looking to sneak some movement into a rainy Saturday, this is a win. It’s "green light" screen time in our book, though it can still lead to overstimulation if they get too deep into the competitive Pro League.

If you want something that is actually a workout, check out our guide on Ring Fit Adventure. It’s much more intense and gamifies actual fitness routines like squats and yoga.

For kids who find sports boring but have high energy, Just Dance is the gold standard for cardio-based gaming.

Nintendo is notoriously over-protective with their online features, which is actually a blessing for parents.

In Nintendo Switch Sports, there is no voice chat and no open text chat with strangers. Communication is limited to pre-set "emotes"—little stickers of their characters looking happy, sad, or shocked. It is virtually impossible for a stranger to groom or bully your child through this game.

The Pro League Pressures: Once a player gets good enough, they are entered into the "Pro League." This adds a ranking system (E through A, and then S). While it’s great for matchmaking kids with people of their own skill level, it can introduce "rank anxiety." If your kid is crying because they dropped from a B+ to a B- in Bowling, it might be time for a break.

Learn more about how to set up Nintendo Switch parental controls

Bowling and Tennis are the winners here. They are intuitive and don't require complex timing. Soccer can be a bit frustrating due to the camera controls, but "Free Play" mode is usually a hit. At this age, keep them in "Local Play" (offline) to avoid the pressure of the Pro League.

This is the sweet spot. They’ll likely want to play online to unlock the "cool" gear. They will gravitate toward Chambara (sword fighting) and Basketball. This is a good age to talk about "sportsmanship" even when the only way to communicate is through a sticker of a crying squirrel.

Teens might find it a bit "kiddy" compared to Call of Duty, but it’s a great "party game" when they have friends over. It’s one of the few games that can actually get a group of 15-year-olds to stand up and move.

We’ve all seen the photos of TVs with a Joy-Con embedded in the screen. The motion controls in Nintendo Switch Sports can get frantic. Make sure the wrist straps are clicked in and tightened. No strap, no play.

To play online and unlock the best items, you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Without it, you’re limited to a very small selection of trial items and local play only. If you have multiple kids, the Family Membership is the way to go.

This isn't a "handheld" game. You need at least 6-8 feet of clear space in front of the TV. We’ve seen more than one "Chambara accident" where a younger sibling got clocked in the head because they walked behind the "swordsman."

If your child is getting frustrated with the Pro League or obsessed with unlocking a specific item, use it as a teaching moment about the "dopamine loop" in gaming.

Ask our chatbot for more conversation starters about gaming frustration

Nintendo Switch Sports is a must-own for families with a Switch. It’s wholesome, active, and one of the few games where the "generation gap" disappears. Just watch out for the "Pro League" saltiness and please, for the love of your 4K television, wear the wrist straps.

Check out our full list of the best active games for the Nintendo Switch