Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer – Switch 2 Edition is the third in the mainline fitness series that began in 2018. There are also two spin-offs in the mix. This particular outing was originally released in December 2024 for the Nintendo Switch. Cut to 18 months and one new hybrid console later, and the Switch 2 has its first official Fitness Boxing release.
We’re no stranger to Switch 2 Editions. For better or worse, there are plenty of games being given the upgrade treatment, typically bringing enhanced visuals and occasionally bringing new gameplay elements. Some upgrades are free to owners of the original Switch version (like Hollow Knight) while others offer no upgrade path at all (we’re looking at you, Octopath Traveler). Nintendo-published titles tend to sit neatly in the middle, offering an upgraded version for a small price.
In the case of Fitness Boxing 3, that price is US$10 or AU$20, which is par for the course. It’s a relatively good value, but I’ll get to that in a moment. We reviewed Fitness Boxing and Fitness Boxing 2 on the Nintendo Switch; somehow we missed the third. So, before we get to the Switch 2 Edition components, let’s talk about the base game.
My first question was, why do we need another entry in this series? Of course, there are plenty of games with annual releases, like Madden or Just Dance. But who is playing multiple versions in the fitness genre? Turns out, the first two games are no longer available digitally, so there’s that. Were they taken down because of licensing issues or because they were replaced with a third outing? Maybe we’ll never know. It makes this third entry more appealing to first-time players, though. And you can transfer your data from the previous entry or demo version of this entry. That’s a tick in the plus column.
Naturally, a new entry brings unique or improved features. In the case of Fitness Boxing 3, there are three new modes: Mitt Drills, Sit Fit Boxing, and Quick Workouts. Mitt Drills allow you to train at your own pace by practicing combos on your trainer, who holds up mitts for you to hit. Sit Fit Boxing is an accessibility feature that allows players to partake in modified sessions while in a seated position. Quick Workouts is a mode that allows you to jump straight into a session from the menu without loading the regular loft or calendar.
The music is great. There are plenty of tracks to choose from, each providing upbeat pop or rock-sounding tunes to help you keep the beat. And it really is about hitting that beat; Fitness Boxing plays a lot like a rhythm-based game. Your movements are timed with a scrolling on-screen lane just like many dance or even guitar games I’ve played. It provides a familiarity that makes it easy to learn the ropes.
As a newcomer to the series, I’m also impressed with the way your entire body receives a workout; it’s not just your arms burning the next day. You can even tell your trainer which area you’d like to work on. When you strike out with your arm, you have to use your whole body (something my virtual trainer constantly reminds me of). For one thing, there are different types of hits, like jabs, uppercuts, and hooks. Depending on the movement, these use your stomach, shoulder, or back muscles. Then there’s your stance. You begin a session with your right foot forward. After the first set, you switch sides. As you play, you’re encouraged to bounce back and forward to the beat. I was genuinely surprised that my legs were getting as much of a workout as my arms. It feels like regular practice actually could make a difference.
In the case of the Switch 2 version, additions include camera connectivity and a new Boost Up mode. The camera is a great feature—it’s really a no-brainer, and enhances the entire workout. Most gyms have mirrors for a reason; you can see how you’re performing and correct mistakes. With the Switch 2 Edition, you can monitor your posture, stance, and movements during a session. You can also watch a playback afterwards to check everything in more detail. There’s a disclaimer ensuring nothing is saved or uploaded, so your privacy is also taken into consideration.
The Boost Up mode is great, too. During a session, your trainer will sometimes ask if you’d like to try something a little harder, boosting the speed of your sets. It’s completely optional, but it feels like a worthy addition to the game, and is something real-life trainers would do. I tried it a few times and felt pleased with myself for doing so.
There’s also a co-op mode. The original Switch version supports only two players, but you can now play with up to four players on the Switch 2 Edition. It converts this solo fitness outing into a potential addition to game nights. It’s fun, too. You can take things more seriously by working out together, or have sillier fun with Sudden Death. When you pair up with a partner locally, you can even share a pair of Joy-Cons, taking one each. It’s handy for those of us with only the ones that came with our Switch 2 console. Each player can choose a preferred arm. It’s a neat addition.
Overall, Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer – Switch 2 Edition is a robust exercise outing for anyone wanting to stay fit without leaving the house. It’s reminiscent of a rhythm game, with fast-paced tunes to keep you motivated. Everything is here, but it’s ultimately up to you to keep up with the program. As a person who’s interested in being fit but hates the thought of going to the gym, this is a terrific way to regularly exercise from home. Let’s check in next month and see if I’m still on top of things.
