Level Up Your Fitness: The Ultimate Nintendo Switch Exercise Games

Finding an exercise video game to help with getting in shape doesn't have to be difficult. Nintendo is known for promoting healthy gaming habits by regularly releasing accessories that encourage movement and reminding players to take breaks. With the availability of movement controllers and VR, there are now more exercise video games than ever before, and Nintendo has kept up with the trend.

Experts recommend just 20 minutes of exercise per day, but without any incentives like earning points, collecting coins, or completing goals, it can feel like a never-ending task. Fortunately, this year, gamers aiming to be more active can look forward to engaging in dance battles, intense fights, and competitive challenges with the best exercise games available on the Nintendo Switch.

When choosing a new exercise game for the Switch, consider the preferred play style: prioritize a game experience with exercise as a secondary element, or prioritize exercise with gaming as a secondary focus.

Exercise Type: What kind of exercise should the game be encouraging?

Ring Fit Adventure

Best Overall Exercise Game For The Switch $80 at Nintendo eShop

Nintendo Switch Sports

Best Sports Exercise Game For The Switch $40 at Nintendo eShop

Knockout Home Fitness

Best Personal Training Exercise Game For The Switch $30 at Amazon

Just Dance 2023 Edition

Best Dancing Exercise Game For The Switch $40 at Amazon

Zumba! Burn It Up

Best Alternative To Just Dance $26 at Amazon

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Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise

Best Boxing Exercise Game For The Switch $50 at Nintendo eShop

Ring Fit Adventure

The Ultimate Exercise Game For The Nintendo Switch

Ring Fit Adventure is the top choice when it comes to exercise games for the Nintendo Switch. Designed to keep players fit and active, this role-playing game provides an immersive experience. Equipped with two essential accessories - the Ring-Con and Leg Strap - players can embark on epic quests and conquer monsters by engaging in a variety of invigorating workouts. With the Joy-Cons synchronizing perfectly with these accessories, players can explore captivating dungeons and power through challenges like never before.

Platform Switch released on October 18, 2019 by Nintendo EPD. It falls under the sports genre and is published by Nintendo. The game is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ due to the inclusion of fantasy violence. One of the positive aspects of the game is that it provides a full-body workout and allows players to focus on various muscle groups.

Customizable Workouts and Difficulties

Engaging Worlds and Combat Systems

Best For Those Looking For Motivation For a Fitness Routine

Cons Not Ideal for Long, Uninterrupted Workouts

Not Challenging For Those With Established Fitness Routines

Side Quests Can Be Tedious

Ring Fit Adventure, priced at $80 on Nintendo eShop and $86 on Amazon, initially faced a challenge in meeting demand upon its release. Its popularity stemmed from the realization of the substantial exercise it offered while being entertaining. With its engaging gameplay, this video game stands out as one of the top choices for exercising, making running in place an enjoyable endeavor. Additionally, the exhilarating victory pose at the conclusion of each track adds to its overall appeal.

The game includes a resistance ring and a leg strap, which utilize the Joy-Cons to track movement. Along with the accessories provided in the box, all that is required is enough space to stretch and move comfortably.

Players can slightly adjust the difficulty to encourage longer runs and more repetition. Additionally, they have a wide range of exercise moves to choose from, which can be used as attacks. What makes this selection even better is that the exercise moves are categorized into four types - arms, legs, abs, and yoga - each color-coded to indicate the specific area being targeted during the adventure. This not only allows players to focus on their preferred areas but also accommodates different skill levels when starting the game. For example, the yoga T-pose is much simpler than performing 20 squats, yet both provide a physical challenge.

Ring Fit Adventure offers different experiences depending on a person's fitness level. Individuals who already lead active lifestyles may view it as a warm-up activity, whereas those who rarely or lightly exercise will definitely feel the intensity. Surprisingly, this fitness game also delves into its own captivating backstory. For those who aren't completely out of shape but typically don't engage in physical activity, Ring Fit Adventure is an ideal game. It is particularly effective in building stamina and helping beginners identify and enhance specific areas of their body that require attention. For example, while one player may effortlessly engage in running in place, they may struggle with the yoga poses, while another player may only find difficulty in executing the hip movements.

Nintendo Switch Sports: The Ultimate Workout Game for the Switch

Released in 2022, Nintendo Switch Sports takes the fitness gaming experience to new heights, establishing itself as the latest addition to the acclaimed Wii Sports sub-series, even without the inclusion of "Wii" in its title.

Platform SwitchReleased 2022-04-29DeveloperNintendoPublisherNintendoGenre SportsESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Mild ViolenceHow Long To Beat 3 HoursPros Online Multiplayer Options

Play As Mii

More Sports Than Wii Sports

Cons Some Controls Aren't As Intuitive

Not compatible with Nintendo Switch Lite

$40 at Nintendo eShop $50 at Best Buy $40 at Amazon

Nintendo's highly anticipated sport mini-games, Switch Sports, finally arrived in 2022. While the name suggests a wide range of activities, the gameplay heavily relies on the motion controls of the Joy-Con. However, for those not accustomed to regular exercise, players may find themselves quickly out of breath.

Although games like bowling and golf require less physical movement, the remaining activities can truly make players break a sweat. Chambara, in particular, offers an active experience, with the allure of swordplay. The need for blocking and timing swings adds an intensity to the matches, resulting in players energetically lifting, tilting, and swinging their arms. Similarly, tennis and badminton become fiercely competitive, especially during couch co-op sessions.

Soccer and volleyball provide a balanced level of activity, serving as a great middle ground between low-intensity and high-intensity games. In Switch Sports, the varied intensity levels make it an exceptional exercise video game. Regardless of a player's fitness level, they can enjoy themselves while also burning calories.

Switch Sports is especially beneficial for gamers who struggle to initiate a workout routine. It offers a smooth transition from simply moving a wrist on the couch to standing up and engaging in arm swings, eventually progressing to full-body movements to dodge sword strikes. There's less pressure to be active, but plenty of motivation. It's enjoyable to observe friends and family rise to their feet, encouraged by the couch commentators, and triumph over opponents in a more tangible manner compared to conventional game genres.

Experience Knockout Home Fitness

Unlock your personal training potential with an immersive exercise game designed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. Embrace the power of martial arts and embark on a transformative fitness journey, wielding a Joy-Con in each hand. Engage in high-impact workouts inspired by the vigorous disciplines of boxing, karate, kung-fu, and Muay Thai. Ignite your calorie burn and unleash your inner fighter with Knockout Home Fitness.

ESRB EveryonePlatforms Nintendo SwitchPublishers XSEED Games, Marvelous, Arc System WorksPros Focuses on mixed martial arts

Personal training mode

Engaging sequences set to electronic dance music

Gamifies daily workouts

Cons Might overwhelm players with no boxing nor martial arts experience

Inconsistent movement accuracy

Zero narrative

$30 at Amazon $40 at Nintendo eShop

Knockout Home Fitness, the newest fitness game for the Switch, is perfect for gamers who crave structure and want to learn real boxing techniques. Unlike other fitness games, Knockout Home Fitness doesn't heavily rely on gamification. Instead, players rely on their own honest effort during workouts, without the need for a leg strap or other accessory to track movements. Most moves can be completed with a simple flick of the wrist. Furthermore, the game lacks a narrative and the only reward for working out is a daily stamp, occasionally unlocking new moves.

However, those seeking proper boxing form and a better understanding of the muscles being targeted will find satisfaction in this exercise game. The primary mode is personal training, where players input information such as weight and height to receive a tailored workout session. Each day brings a mix of different moves, ensuring variety in the workout routine. However, this mode is limited to once per day for only 30 minutes, making it less suitable for resistance or endurance training. After completing personal training, gamers can choose from 60 quick workout moves lasting 3 to 5 minutes. These exercises cover warm-ups, boxing, and even Muay Thai.

For gamers who are tired of mundane stretches and are eager to enhance their exercise routine while playing Pokémon Go or Pikmin Bloom, Knockout Home Fitness offers a well-structured solution for muscle-focused workouts. Similar to Switch Sports, Knockout Home Fitness allows players to identify areas that require more attention during their fitness sessions. It serves as an excellent starting point for mastering proper boxing form and learning how to exercise safely and effectively. Once players have conquered each challenge, the game becomes an exceptional warm-up activity.

Just Dance 2023 Edition

Introducing the Ultimate Dance Game for the Nintendo Switch - Save $20! Immerse yourself in the latest version of Just Dance, where you can groove to popular hits like Dynamite by BTS, as well as tracks from Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, Glass Animals, Justin Timberlake, and more. With a refreshed user interface, you'll spend less time navigating menus and more time busting a move. Everything you need is just a click away! Unlock personalized sessions and songs that cater to your specific playing habits and preferences for a truly tailored experience. This game is compatible with the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S platforms. Developed on the Unity engine and rated E for everyone, Just Dance offers both online and offline gameplay options. Get ready to dance your way to fun and fitness!

Multiplayer Up to 6 Players

Engaging Story Modes

Updated Quality to Visuals

Cons Wheelchair Mode Only Has 2 Songs

Unable to create playlists

$40 at Amazon $60 at Nintendo eShop

Just Dance 2023 offers familiar gameplay without trying to revolutionize the formula. Players can still enjoy dancing to their heart's content and burn some calories. The game continues to impress visually, boasting vibrant colors and captivating style. With a purchase, players will receive 40 tracks to groove to, including popular hits like Britney Spears's "Toxic." One major improvement is the option to disable bothersome notifications and advertisements for the Just Dance+ subscription service. Additionally, the game introduces online matches, allowing players to compete in dance battles against up to five others. Furthermore, Just Dance 2023 includes a narrative mode that challenges players to try songs they might usually skip without hesitation. The game also enhances customization options for avatars, emotes, and more.

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Players will find ample gamification features in Just Dance 2023, ensuring their engagement and enthusiasm for their dancing exercise routine. Skill tracking is made convenient with goals and checklists, while the song selection is now better organized for different workout preferences, party vibes, or more calming movements. Fans of enjoyable music and easily-followed dance routines will have a great time with Just Dance 2023.

Naturally, players can anticipate being a bit breathless while playing this game. Just Dance 2023 not only tests their aerobic capabilities but also challenges their endurance to maintain rhythmic movements for several minutes. While some players may dismiss this aspect, there are plenty of others who will feel the burn even within a short timeframe. Those who struggle with motivation for exercise might discover that the vibrant lights and lively music alone can keep them consistently engaged.

Zumba! Burn It Up

Better alternative to Just Dance! Save $14 on Zumba, the high-energy workout that helps you burn calories while dancing to chart-topping hits. With the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, players can track their movements and learn from real instructors. Get fit with this amazing workout!

Fun for both beginner and experience zumba dancers

Aesthetically-pleasing presentation

Cons Limited gamification

Limited song library

Zumba: Burn it Up provides a unique gaming experience for those looking to enhance their workout routine. Unlike Just Dance, which focuses on music and enjoyment, Zumba: Burn It Up offers a more immersive video exercise experience. You can purchase it for $26 on Amazon or $40 on Nintendo eShop.

The gamification aspect of the content is somewhat limited as players are primarily expected to follow the video moves for their exercise. However, Zumba enthusiasts will likely enjoy the experience, especially with the assistance of the Joy-Cons for tracking body movements. Proper execution of the moves is crucial for scoring points. There is a selection of 30 songs available, choreographed by actual Zumba trainers, who effectively bring the required energy and excitement to this workout routine. It may take some adjustment for those unfamiliar with attending Zumba classes, but it provides an excellent opportunity to become accustomed to such a setting and potentially encourage joining a class in real life.

The Zumba: Burn It Up exercise video game is an ideal choice for players who prefer a more focused and workout-oriented dancing experience compared to the flashy atmosphere of Just Dance. Unlike Just Dance, this game aims to guide players through specific movements that target their hips, waist, and legs, ensuring a thorough workout. It is particularly suited for individuals who are less physically active and want to gradually increase their fitness levels without immediately jumping into intense activities like running or mimicking sports.

Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise

and engaging

- Variety of trainers and difficulty levels offer a customizable experience

- Colorful and musical challenges make exercising enjoyable

- Multiple options for playing solo or with friends, ensuring flexibility in workouts.

Uses just the joycons

Different levels allow for easy progression

Great support from updates and DLC

Cons No leg workouts

Only a warm-up to more active players

$60 at Amazon $50 at Nintendo eShop

Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise by Nintendo is a boxing game that seamlessly combines the excitement of rhythm games with a structured exercise routine. The game itself is straightforward, offering various difficulty levels and a scoring system familiar to rhythm game enthusiasts. While there are nine personal trainers to choose from, their selection is purely cosmetic and doesn't impact gameplay.

Each player has a unique daily workout and a multitude of additional challenges to partake in. While the daily challenge provides a fun and effective workout, the true essence of the game lies within the free-play challenges. These challenges are available anytime and allow players to focus on specific areas they wish to improve, without being constrained by assumptions made by the game, unlike other exercise games.

How To Pick Out The Perfect Exercise Game?

Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise is ideal for gamers looking to specifically engage in boxing. While it may not offer a comprehensive workout, players may find themselves exerting considerable effort in their attempts to achieve three-star ratings on all activities. Furthermore, the game effectively teaches proper form and boxing rhythm, providing players with a solid foundation for further development once they have built up some endurance and are capable of enduring a complete boxing session in real life. Moreover, the inclusion of DLC featuring new songs and beloved anime tie-ins ensures that gamers can enjoy themselves while fulfilling their daily exercise routine.

Play Style

The play style of an exercise game is highly significant, as it determines the level of enjoyment derived from the game. If the game fails to provide a fun and engaging experience, one might as well engage in real-life exercise activities. While the preference in play style varies among gamers, the key question to consider is whether the game should prioritize being a game first and exercise second, or vice versa.

Exercise Type

Many games on this list offer various exercise types, while others concentrate on a single type of workout. Just Dance 2023 provides excellent dancing workouts, but it may not be suitable for those seeking strength training or yoga-focused exercises.

If you prefer a specific type of workout, it is advisable to review the game's description before making a purchase. Additionally, even though demos are not as common nowadays, many Switch games still offer free trials, which we highly recommend trying out before buying.

FAQ

Is Nintendo Switch Sports good exercise?

Switch Sports may not be as physically demanding as some of the other games discussed here, but it is still an excellent exercise game. Whether you are playing a long session of volleyball or one of the more high-intensity sports, it is easy to break a sweat and get a good workout.

Can Ring Fit replace a workout?

Ring Fit is arguably one of the top workout games released in recent years, primarily because it has the capability to effectively substitute a comprehensive exercise session. It is highly likely that individuals, irrespective of their fitness level, will feel fatigued after engaging in a Ring Fit gaming session.

Does ring fit count as strength training?

Ring Fit Adventure combines both cardio and strength training, offering a fantastic balance. Progressing through the levels allows gamers to warm up by running, while engaging in thrilling monster battles, particularly boss fights, presents an excellent opportunity to focus on building strength.