Nintendo Switch Sports Resort was shown at the September 2026 Nintendo Direct with familiar sports and faces. Read on to learn more about the upcoming game and other details.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort Showcasing Motions, Matt, and More
Fan-Favorite Matt Appears in the Preview Trailer
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort was previewed at the Nintendo Direct with further details on the upcoming game, but it also sneaked in a champion the community didn't expect to see again so soon: Matt, the notoriously difficult CPU Mii opponent players have faced since 2006, is confirmed to be returning. His stoic, brief appearance in the footage got fans talking, feeling excitement and a bit of dread at the idea of being beaten up by him again in boxing.
Matt has a reputation for having a love-hate relationship with Nintendo Sports players, with some fans still having trouble defeating him to this day. Since his original Wii Sports (2006) debut for boxing and swordplay, players have treated him as an iconic final boss in the series. His legacy carried into Wii Sports Resort, where he remained one of the tougher CPU matchups in the game, and he also made a reappearance in 2022's Nintendo Switch Sports, but as a hidden boss for swordplay only.
His return also lines up with something fans have asked for over the years: bringing back the franchise's classic high-difficulty CPU rivals. For some longtime players, seeing Matt teased as a legend for Switch Sports Resort hints the series is likely going to bring back some veterans, like Elisa (tennis) or Tommy (basketball).
The game brings players back to Wuhu Island on October 22nd this year, as showcased in the September 2026 Nintendo Direct. The newest sports title will launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 along with 12 motion-controlled sports. Pre-orders for both the game's physical and digital editions are now live ahead of the October release window.
Along with returning motion controls, the game takes advantage of new Joy-Con 2 features like mouse controls for precision maneuvers in Skateboarding, Power Cruising, and Prop Plane. Players can play solo or with friends locally and online with either customizable Sportsmate avatars or traditional Mii characters. For more information on the game, check out the page below:
