The Nintendo Switch (
MX $ 7,024
$ 1,147) is one of the most versatile video game consoles ever, and it also offers a variety of ways to burn calories.
Even the cheapest Switch Lite (
MX $ 4,799
$ 199) is compatible with Joy-Con controllers, which is significant since the smaller Switch can double as a portable gym.
It doesn't matter if it's cardio workouts, more traditional sports like tennis, rhythm games with the latest hits, or even a traditional turn-based role-playing game;
there's something for everyone when it comes to exercise games on the Switch.
Most importantly, these titles will cost you much less than expensive monthly gym memberships.
Be sure to check out the games below for the Nintendo Switch experiences that will put that body to work.
Ring Fit Adventure (
MX $ 2,139
USD $ 76.99)
Since the launch of the Wii more than a decade ago, Nintendo continues to push the boundaries of the game that involves more movement.
There is no better example of this than the unique and surprisingly ambitious Ring Fit Adventure.
This 20+ hour role-playing title is played with a unique controller that could only come from the mind of Nintendo.
Players connect their Joy-Cons to a Ring-Con and a leg strap that serve to control a character.
As players move along a fixed path by jogging in place, they will encounter everything from monsters to obstacles that challenge you to make various movements with the controller to defeat them.
Those who want more of a traditional workout can also enjoy a general fitness mode.
Just Dance 2021 (
MX $ 810
USD $ 24.88)
Ubisoft's dance-based Just Dance series has been a mainstay since it debuted on the Wii in 2009. Most importantly, the annual installments serve as a snapshot of the most popular music of the year.
Until Just Dance 2022 launches in early November, Just Dance 2021 performs well as a rhythm game that is sure to burn off some calories.
The gameplay is quite simple.
Players simply mimic the on-screen choreography with scores based on everything from movement to rhythm.
It helps that this edition's soundtrack contains hits from The Weeknd, Billie Eillish, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, and more.
Arms (
MX $ 1,501
USD $ 56.49)
One of the most inventive fighting games in a long time, Arms is a futuristic motion-controlled boxing game with a huge amount of depth.
Those more interested in competitive play will find that Arms works best when using handheld mode.
Boxing on Wii Sports was definitely a workout, but Arms adds a layer of brain to the fighting aspect and makes for a different fitness experience.
Jump Rope Challenge (Free; on Nintendo.com)
While Covid-19 had the gaming industry scrambling to figure out how to work from home, it also led some Nintendo programmers to create the Jump Rope Challenge.
A free surprise for Switch owners, this game simply requires you to jump rope with the Joy-Con controllers.
The game does a great job of offering the feeling of jumping rope and tracking your improvements over time.
Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise (
not available
USD $ 49.62)
More than any game on this list, Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise really feels like a semi-gym substitute.
This makes sense, as the Fitness Boxing series is a successor to the original Shape Boxing trilogy on Wii, which featured the Gold's Gym brand.
In Fitness Boxing 2, everything from the length of workouts to intensity can be adjusted to suit the player's taste.
Even the five coaches will ask if the players have their water bottle and towel ready or if they have stretched out.
Once training begins, players will find a fairly straightforward fitness game in which they hit, crouch, and more to reach a high score.
Mario Tennis Aces (
MX $ 1,287
USD $ 49.90)
When Mario isn't trying to save Princess Peach from Bowser or launching bananas from extremely versatile go-karts, Nintendo's favorite plumber is a definite sports junkie.
It makes sense as it can jump extremely high and run seemingly forever.
Players who have played Wii Sports should know exactly what to expect from Mario Tennis Aces' "swing mode," which challenges you to swing your Joy-Con like a real tennis racket.
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Like many Mario sports games, there's more to the main gameplay, with features like zone and speed shots adding a bit more depth.
It's even more entertaining with friends in multiplayer, which you can enjoy both locally and online.
Zumba Burn it Up (
MX $ 583
USD $ 26.70)
Before the most strenuous Crossfit regimen became today's fitness obsession, the biggest workout craze in the world at one point was Zumba.
Colombian choreographer Alberto Perlman went from selling VHS tapes in late-night infomercials to taking the world by storm with his interesting mix of hip-hop, salsa, and martial arts.
Of course, this madness finally made its way to games.
Stylistically, one of the most interesting aspects of Zumba: Burn It Up on Switch is that the visuals feature live-action Zumba instructors.
Beyond that, it's a creative cardio workout that's definitely in line with many other rhythm-based games.
It doesn't hurt that the soundtrack features popular artists like Cardi B, Daddy Yanky, Ciara, and Steve Aoki.
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.