Nintendo returned to PAX Aus with a prominent Switch 2 presence, showcasing a mix of recent releases and demos that put its next multiplayer entry front and center.
The publisher displayed titles such as Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom alongside extensive hands-on time for Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, the newest entry in the Sports series.
At the expo, Nintendo staged live multiplayer bouts for attendees, projecting gameplay on a main screen with an MC hosting competitive matches.
The booth consistently attracted crowds over the weekend, a clear indicator of public interest in the game.
This reporter also participated in a dedicated one-hour media session organized by Nintendo Australia to test the game’s controls and modes.
Archery
The archery mode uses a pair of Joy-Con held in the hands, with one controller pulled back to simulate drawing a bowstring; the game asks players to designate their dominant hand for left-handed support.
After a brief adjustment period, shots became more fluid.
Play variants included standard concentric-circle targets scored by distance from center and a four-player colored-target event where each competitor must hit their assigned color zone.
The latter rewards precision and punishes errant shots that land in an opponent’s zone.
Bowling
Bowling returns as a centerpiece experience, evoking memories of motion-controlled sports on Nintendo platforms but updated for Switch 2 visuals and current controls.
The control scheme differs from earlier titles; players hold a button during their approach rather than timing a release as in older motion-sport implementations.
A special 100-pin mode was available in the demo, and the tactile satisfaction of clearing large pin sets was a recurring highlight.
Thumb wrestling and casual modes
A quirky new addition, thumb wrestling features oversized character hands and fast, accessible rounds that balance attack, defense and timed power-ups.
The mode is quick to learn and highly replayable.
Other demo segments included light, exploratory activities such as flying a plane and racing on the water to capture photographs, offering a calmer counterpoint to the competitive minigames.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort is scheduled for release on 22 October.
The PAX Aus demonstrations and media session provided a focused look at how the title translates motion controls and party-style design to Switch 2 hardware; Nintendo’s public showcase emphasized multiplayer spectacle and accessible pick-up-and-play moments for both casual and competitive audiences.
The publisher displayed titles such as Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom alongside extensive hands-on time for Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, the newest entry in the Sports series.
At the expo, Nintendo staged live multiplayer bouts for attendees, projecting gameplay on a main screen with an MC hosting competitive matches.
The booth consistently attracted crowds over the weekend, a clear indicator of public interest in the game.
This reporter also participated in a dedicated one-hour media session organized by Nintendo Australia to test the game’s controls and modes.
Archery
The archery mode uses a pair of Joy-Con held in the hands, with one controller pulled back to simulate drawing a bowstring; the game asks players to designate their dominant hand for left-handed support.
After a brief adjustment period, shots became more fluid.
Play variants included standard concentric-circle targets scored by distance from center and a four-player colored-target event where each competitor must hit their assigned color zone.
The latter rewards precision and punishes errant shots that land in an opponent’s zone.
Bowling
Bowling returns as a centerpiece experience, evoking memories of motion-controlled sports on Nintendo platforms but updated for Switch 2 visuals and current controls.
The control scheme differs from earlier titles; players hold a button during their approach rather than timing a release as in older motion-sport implementations.
A special 100-pin mode was available in the demo, and the tactile satisfaction of clearing large pin sets was a recurring highlight.
Thumb wrestling and casual modes
A quirky new addition, thumb wrestling features oversized character hands and fast, accessible rounds that balance attack, defense and timed power-ups.
The mode is quick to learn and highly replayable.
Other demo segments included light, exploratory activities such as flying a plane and racing on the water to capture photographs, offering a calmer counterpoint to the competitive minigames.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort is scheduled for release on 22 October.
The PAX Aus demonstrations and media session provided a focused look at how the title translates motion controls and party-style design to Switch 2 hardware; Nintendo’s public showcase emphasized multiplayer spectacle and accessible pick-up-and-play moments for both casual and competitive audiences.
