Knockout Home Fitness, the latest in a line of fitness-themed games on the Switch, is now available on the console. Published by XSEED Games, it can be purchased from their website, or off the Nintendo eShop. Best of all, a demo is also available, so you can try before you punch (or kick).
Gaming and fitness have proven to be a successful combination for the Switch. 2019’s Ring Fit Adventure was so popular that Nintendo had to issue an apology for their supply of fitness rings failing to meet demand. Fitness Boxing and its sequel, Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm and Exercise also have plenty of fans, so much so that the franchise spawned its own anime series (which will also start soon, on October 1). And you could always dance away the calories if that’s more your style: there’s the Just Dance series, and Zumba Burn It Up for those of you who are much more coordinated than I am.
Knockout Home Fitness features four trainers with distinct personalities, 15-minute daily workouts, with 60 courses in total. There are certainly some visual similarities to the Fitness Boxing games, although that might just mean that we’re in for another anime series in the future.
Fitness games got a big boost in popularity during the pandemic, as gym closures and cabin fever drove many to seek out new ways to get exercise. While gaming can be a great motivator to get in a workout, there have been a few technical hiccups with Switch fitness games. As we mentioned in our review of Zumba Burn It Up, the Switch’s joycons don’t always do a great job of tracking movement. While a dedicated peripheral like the Ring-Con was made specifically to help you work out, those little joycons weren’t. That doesn’t mean you can’t still get a good workout: just don’t be surprised if you drop a combo or two.
