Everybody 1-2-Switch Review: Nintendo Switch’s Party Game Sequel Analyzed

Launched on June 30, 2023, Everybody 1-2-Switch on Nintendo Switch serves as the surprising follow-up to Nintendo’s original 1-2-Switch, a party game released alongside the Switch’s launch in March 2017.

While the first 1-2-Switch intended to highlight the innovative features of the Joy-Con controllers—such as HD Rumble and the IR Motion Sensor Camera—the game did not achieve the critical or commercial acclaim that other Nintendo launch titles have historically enjoyed.

Rather than being packed in with the console like Wii Sports before it, 1-2-Switch was sold as a full-priced standalone title, a decision that puzzled many in the gaming community. Despite the lukewarm response to its predecessor, Nintendo elected to revisit the party genre with Everybody 1-2-Switch, promising a more polished and inclusive multiplayer experience.

The sequel introduces support for up to 100 players leveraging smartphones or tablets in place of Joy-Con controllers, a feature that directly inspired the "Everybody" aspect of its title.

At launch, the game retails for a much more accessible $29.99 USD (£24.99 EUR), a reduction that acknowledges the shortcomings of the prior title’s content-to-price ratio. Compared to the original’s 28 mini-games, Everybody 1-2-Switch offers 17 distinct minigames, categorized by required input devices: five are exclusive to Joy-Con (maximum of eight players), four require smart devices, and eight are playable with either control method.

Each game emphasizes physical movement and group participation—Nintendo’s take on a digital social board game.

Notably, some minigames feature variations that slightly alter rules or increase challenge, though these are not presented as unique content. The main attraction, "Team Contest" mode, divides players into two teams.

Nintendo has implemented a balancing feature giving extra points to smaller teams, ensuring fair competition even in uneven groups.

Game sessions are tailored by time—party durations can be set to short (20 minutes), medium (40 minutes), or long (60 minutes), which determines the points needed to secure a victory.

Minigames are mostly assigned at random, while the losing team gets a chance to vote on upcoming choices from four options—increasing engagement. Game connectivity is a standout, as connecting smart devices is straightforward: players simply scan a QR code, pick a profile, and instantly join the action.

Throughout testing, performance remained stable, with minimal input lag—an impressive feat considering Nintendo’s initial foray into mass-scale device integration for party gaming. Fan favorite minigames include "Quiz Show" and "Bingo," which are both available as independent modes outside of the Team Contest format.

"Quiz Show" challenges reflexes and introduces custom question modes for personalization, while "Bingo" offers familiar, lighthearted gameplay suitable for diverse audiences. However, not all components hit the mark; certain activities like "Statues," "Musical Chairs," and "Hide and Seek" are more fun in real-life settings, somewhat diminishing the justification for their digital reproduction.

Similarly, a critique of the minigame unlock system emerges: all content must be experienced in Team Contest mode before becoming selectable individually, an odd restriction for a casual party title. Quirky flourishes, such as the horse-masked host MC Horase, inject humor but occasionally overcomplicate otherwise simple instructions—players must wade through repeated explanations and tutorials, though these can be skipped after a first viewing.

The setup may feel excessive for seasoned gamers seeking immediate engagement. While Everybody 1-2-Switch offers a smoother and more affordable party experience than its predecessor, its appeal is likely most pronounced at large gatherings, family reunions, or children’s parties.

For smaller groups of core Nintendo fans, the game may struggle to hold attention against heavyweight Switch party staples like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate, and the Jackbox Party Packs.

Everybody 1-2-Switch is a solid, if limited, addition to Nintendo’s roster—best suited for players seeking low-barrier, inclusive multiplayer fun on the Nintendo Switch. A review copy of Everybody 1-2-Switch was provided by Nintendo UK.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 1-2-Switch