More than six years after its release, the Nintendo Switch is still dutifully chugging along, and still without the long-rumored Switch Pro. Compared to its supercomputer competitors, Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Sony’s PlayStation 5, it’s by no means the most powerful place to play games today. But it’s still the most versatile, allowing you to play console-quality games from almost anywhere, from your couch to the bus.
If you’re just now hopping on the Switch train—it’s still regularly one of the best-selling machines on the market—here are the best games to start with. There are a handful of games out there that you only play once or twice a year, but are worth their weight in gold for long, lazy days with family and friends. Nintendo Switch Sports is one of them.
Essentially a gussied-up version of Will Sports and Wii Sports Resort, this motion-controlled casual game is equally approachable to hardcore gamers and tipsy memaws. There’s soccer, volleyball, tennis, and sword fighting on offer to mix things up for a short session. But the real stars of the show are golf and bowling, which you can easily play with a group for hours on end.
Both are simple to learn and tough to master, alternately thrilling and exasperating in equal measure. And besides, wouldn’t you rather dissect the intricacies of your nephew’s backswing than explain Saltburn to your mom? —Jen Glennon A Good Match For: Anyone who wants a casual party game Not A Good Match For: Those .