Breakfirst Games has returned to their compilation concept with 40 Sports Games in 1, published by Maximum Entertainment for the Nintendo Switch. Building on the earlier 34 Sports Games in 1, this new version promises more variety, more content, and a wider scope of challenges. At first glance, it resembles the Olympic-style multi-event packages of old, offering everything from football and volleyball to archery, golf, and even some more unusual options. The appeal is obvious: with forty different events on offer, there’s bound to be something that clicks with players of different tastes.
In practice, however, the quality of the package is uneven. Some sports feel surprisingly polished and fun, with well-tuned mechanics that make them enjoyable for repeated play if you’re not looking for too much depth. Events like archery, badminton, tennis, or even the home run derby stand out because of responsive controls and gameplay that balances accessibility with a competitive edge. At the same time, other events never quite reach that level of refinement. Football, for example, is stripped down to a simple running sequence rather than resembling an actual match, and skateboarding lacks the tricks and flair you’d expect from the sport. The sheer number of games means there are highs and lows, and how much you enjoy the compilation depends on whether the ones you like outweigh the duds.
The control schemes deserve special mention, because they can vary wildly between sports. Some events are intuitive, making sense within seconds, while others remain confusing even after repeated attempts. Roller skating and bowling can be a joy, while horseback riding or some track-and-field activities feel clumsy and awkward. The Switch offers the choice between button-based input and motion controls, which adds flexibility, but it doesn’t completely resolve the inconsistency. Still, when everything clicks, there’s a quick-pick-up-and-play quality that works especially well in group settings.
Visually, the game doesn’t impress. The graphics feel dated and lean more towards functional than appealing, and while there’s some customization in the form of avatars and costumes, it doesn’t do enough to elevate the presentation. Sound design, too, is serviceable without being memorable, relying on simple effects and background music to keep the momentum going. In a party game context, these shortcomings aren’t critical, but they make it clear that this isn’t aiming to rival the slick production values of bigger-budget sports compilations.
Where 40 Sports Games in 1 does succeed is in its role as a local multiplayer title. With up to four players, the experience shifts from uneven mini-games to lighthearted competition, where struggling with awkward mechanics can become part of the fun. Tournaments that group events by theme are a nice touch, and the sheer diversity of activities means it avoids the monotony of focusing too heavily on track-and-field events, as some compilations have done in the past. Playing alone is less engaging, as the AI rarely provides the same energy as human opponents, but as a casual party game it finds its footing.
Ultimately, 40 Sports Games in 1 is a mixed bag. It’s bigger and more varied than its predecessor, and some of the events are genuinely fun, but the uneven controls and dated presentation hold it back. Compared to other sports compilations (like the SEGA/Sonic ones) it’s harder to recommend, though those who frequently play with friends or family may find good value in its breadth of content. For solo players, the inconsistencies are harder to ignore, but as a multiplayer-focused Switch title, it earns a place as a light, if uneven, party option.
Score: 6.4/10
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