The Future is Uncertain for Nintendo Switch Sports' Sportsmate Avatars
A follow-up to the Wii's beloved Wii Sports is long overdue, but at last Nintendo Switch Sports is on its way. Combining sports both old and new, the recently announced title promises to offer fans much of the same fun that the original Wii Sports captured. Nintendo Switch Sports is far from a direct Wii Sports sequel, though. Aside from changing its roster of sports and featuring a new setting called Spocco Square, Nintendo Switch Sports introduces a new line of playable avatars called Sportsmates. These Sportsmates can be fully customized and have much more detailed appearances than Wii Sports' Miis.
Some fans see the Sportsmates as an improvement on the Wii's Mii avatars, but not everyone does. Others are critical of the Sportsmates, comparing them unfavorably to avatars from other games and demanding that Miis get the spotlight again. Regardless of their quality, Nintendo Switch Sports' Sportsmates have a serious problem: branding. Their name directly ties them to sports games, which means Nintendo will have a harder time reusing them outside the genre in the future. Unless Nintendo finds some way to rebrand Sportsmates drastically, they may be a Nintendo Switch Sports exclusive, rather than recurring faces of Nintendo.
Nintendo Switch Sports Has The Opportunity To Fix Mario's Sporting Mistakes
Sportsmates look like they'll work just fine for Nintendo Switch Sports. Their clothing customization and other malleable details make them a solid avatar for the Wii Sports successor. However, their name is a serious obstacle to their longevity. Miis got their start in Wii Sports before starring in all kinds of other games, from Wii Party to Wii Play; thanks to their flexibility, Miis thrived during the days of the Wii.
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