Another PAX has come and gone, leaving us feeling a little morose. Post-PAX depression is real, folks. Thankfully, Nintendo has given us something to look forward to with the upcoming launch of Nintendo Switch Sports Resort on October 22!
We were invited to take the new sporting adventure for a spin at PAX Australia 2026, and there were plenty of reasons to get excited.
What’s New In Wuhu
Wuhu Island, the tropical sporting retreat familiar to Wii Sports Resort fans, is back!
There are 12 sports to enjoy, including five returning from Nintendo Switch Sports: Tennis, Bowling, Volleyball, Golf, and Basketball.
The other seven are either brand-new additions or returning favourites from Wii Sports Resort:
- Boxing
- Table Tennis
- Archery
- Thumb Wrestling
- Skateboarding
- Power Cruising
- Prop Plane
Getting hands-on with Switch Sports Resort!
As we stepped into the back rooms of PAX, we were handed Joy-Con 2 controllers by the Nintendo rep and stood in front of the TV ready for action.
During the hands-on period, we controlled the Prop Plane, played table tennis, went bowling, fired some arrows in archery, wrestled thumbs and jetted off power cruising — which was basically jet skiing.
Prop Plane and Power Cruising each offer three modes: two-player Sightseeing Tours, Free Play, and a competitive mode. Prop Plane is a relaxing way to admire Wuhu Island from above — assuming you don’t deliberately crash into player two for funsies. You hold the Joy-Con 2 like you’re throwing a paper plane and steer your aircraft through the skies.
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Prefer getting your feet wet? Power Cruising puts you on a jet ski, where you can explore the coastline, launch off ramps and waves, and greet friendly dolphins. I even met one named Kyle. He’s a good dolphin. To get moving, hold both Joy-Con 2 controllers like motorcycle handlebars and rev away.
Both sports feature collectible Spocco Photos that reveal more about the island’s sightseeing spots. We didn’t get to try Skateboarding, but judging by the other exploration-focused sports, we’re expecting plenty of opportunities to cruise around on land, too. Wuhu Island looks sizeable, suggesting Nintendo intendos for players to do more open-world exploring like Mario Kart World.
Our Favourite Sports
Now, onto the good stuff.
Tim and I had a blast playing Table Tennis, particularly as we’re rival pickleball players in real life. The mechanics felt familiar if you’ve played Tennis or Badminton, but that didn’t stop our competitive streak from kicking in. You can play with up to four people offline, although online matches are limited to two players.
Speaking of offline play, there’s another welcome change: you can now earn Spocco Points without a Nintendo Switch Online membership. These points unlock customisation options, making it easier to personalise your character without paying for an online subscription. That’s a win in my books.
Bowling also brings back several familiar modes from Wii Sports Resort, including Standard Bowling, Special Bowling with obstacles, 100-Pin Bowling, and Survival Bowling, which supports up to 16 players online.
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Elena managed to score a 100-pin strike, while Dan attempted to uncover the elusive Secret Strike. He didn’t crack it during our demo, but we suspect it involves rolling the ball along the railing without hitting a single pin. Wii Sports Resort veterans, you know the one.
Archery was my second-favourite sport, putting both Joy-Con 2 controllers to work as you hold your bow and draw an arrow. Much like Golf, you’ll need to account for headwinds and your arrow’s trajectory if you want to hit the bullseye.
The target is split into sections for each player. We played against two CPU opponents, and the trick is to hit your own section to score points. Hit someone else’s, and you’ll hand them the points instead. It’s a deceptively tricky challenge, but immensely satisfying when you land a shot.
And finally, we arrive at my most anticipated sport: Thumb Wrestling.
A completely new addition to the Nintendo sporting line-up, Thumb Wrestling delivered exactly the ridiculous fun I was hoping for. You hold and tilt the Joy-Con 2 to pin your opponent’s thumb, while they furiously shake their controller to escape. It’s simple, silly, and surprisingly entertaining — an absolute must-play.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort launches exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 22 for $84.95, and pre-orders are available now.
I can’t wait to declare Thumb War.
