I had a great session this evening, and I've developed my thoughts on the sports a bit more.
1. Badminton
This is, to my mind, a quintessential representation of the series. You swing in directions with varying force, with potential to miss by way of timing or positioning. It's ultimately quite simple, but very fun to play and refine.
2. Volleyball
The more I play it, the more I enjoy it. Yes, the basic gameplay is very simple, but the different motions are satisfying to pull off, and the teamwork is great fun.
3. Tennis
I still like tennis on Nintendo Switch, but it has become a very precise, nerve-wracking game. While badminton encourages or even demands broad movements, I always end up playing tennis with my Joy-Con close to my chest, trying to carefully swing at the exact moment and in the exact way needed. I enjoy it, but I somehow also don't find it very fun.
4. Soccer (Football)
I really, really want to love this game's take on soccer. It has a ton of Wii energy, from the oversized ball to the silly head bunting, but I still can't get it to actually work consistently. The passing function is especially unpredictable, often leading to devastating results. The greater positioning, strategy, and teamwork also afford it points. It's the reverse of tennis: I find it very fun, but I somehow don't enjoy it.
5. Bowling
Bowling is functional, ostensibly. It works as bowling does. The survival matches are a fun idea, but when I'm on a losing streak I get sick of playing three frames at a time.
6. Chambara
It's the only game of the six I didn't play this evening. I really, really hate it.