Fitness Boxing 3 review on Nintendo Switch

Fitness video games have a special place on Nintendo Switch. The Fitness Boxing series takes advantage of the Joy-Con controllers, each of which you hold in one hand, to get you moving like a boxer. Here are my impressions of Fitness Boxing 3, which introduces new activities and improves the overall look of the game.

Fitness Boxing 3 details

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Imagineer
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Sport
Modes: Single/multiplayer (up to 2 players locally)
ESRB rating: E (Everyone)

Staying in shape by boxing to the beat of music

Fitness Boxing 3 continues the winning formula of previous titles. Guided by a virtual coach, players are encouraged to perform a daily training session. As the title suggests, you perform boxing moves accompanied by rhythmic music. You start off with jabs, but unlock other specific moves the more you play. You’ll be doing hooks, uppercuts, dodges and footwork. Figures are well represented, and Joy-Con controller detection is synchronized with what you see on screen.

The game mainly presents a daily workout. After selecting the duration according to the desired level of intensity, players do a few routines of seven to nine minutes each, plus stretching at the beginning and end of the session. At the end, you are evaluated on your performance. As with Nintendo’s other exercise games, you’ll have a “fitness age” that represents your fitness level according to the game’s criteria. Combined with the data they enter (age, weight, height and desired goal) players will be able to track their progress over the course of days and months.

Improved presentation

For this third entry, I really appreciated the interface improvements. Firstly, the coaches are now in front of a much more colorful backdrop than before. Strike icons now display arrows indicating how to strike, rather than little boxing gloves. I think it’s much nicer graphically.

For those wishing to work out as a duo, a two-player mode is available. Each player can take one or both Joy-Cons (for a total of four single controllers). I haven’t tried it, but I like the idea of making the session fun. Make sure you have enough space, though, as each person will be making wide-ranging movements.

As for the music, twenty remixes of popular songs are added to the ten or so generic tunes. They range from Madonna and Billie Eilish to Kiss, Britney Spears and Coldplay. They’re not the original songs, but they’re clearly recognizable. Hearing the Ghostbusters theme, for example, will put a smile on your face. You can unlock them with the points you earn by completing the challenges.

Additional challenges and modes

Once you’ve completed your daily session, you’re free to continue training. To keep players motivated, Fitness Boxing 3 offers a list of daily and monthly challenges to complete. Of course, I always check these goals after my main session. If it’s not too demanding (for instance, if it doesn’t require me to continue for an extra thirty minutes), I’ll try to complete them. The gamification aspect is very present in the game. Each month, you’ll have to try to reach the maximum player level. What’s more, each milestone gives players points to exchange for music to unlock or clothes to change the look of their virtual coach.

For the first time in the series, you can work out sitting on a chair. According to its description, this mode is aimed at those who have difficulty standing for too long, or for beginners. I think it’s a good idea. Sometimes, I decide to launch it when, for example, I have my Nintendo Switch in portable mode (i.e. with the game on the console screen and not connected to the TV). This makes it easier to keep up with the small screen while sitting right in front of it.

The other mode introduced in this third entry is called “Mitt Drills”, where you have to watch which gloved hand the coach raises to hit the right one. Also, if the coach rotates forward, you have to dodge their attempt to hit you. However, I’ve found that in this mode, hooks and uppercuts are validated before the end of my movement. Even so, it’s a welcome change from the daily routine.

Fitness Boxing 3 is a successful new entry

I got into the Fitness Boxing franchise right from the start. The idea of moving and doing cardio in a rhythmic boxing game appealed to me. As the sessions vary in length, I can easily train at home, no matter how much time I have. After a few days, I can feel the muscles in my shoulders, thighs and arms working. As I progress, the whole body will move, thanks to the footwork added to the routines.

The game is complete in itself. However, I incorporate it into my other activities because it can become repetitive over time to do the same movements. However, the addition of the seated and glove sessions makes it possible to vary things if you wish. At home, Fitness Boxing 3 fits right in with my other exercise games on Nintendo Switch. If you want to motivate yourself to get moving with video games, this is a good one to consider.

Overall assessment of Fitness Boxing 3

Gameplay: 4/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5 (80%)

Purchase Fitness Boxing 3 at Best Buy.