Non-Motion Controls for “Arms” Explained

While Nintendo has been touting their upcoming Nintendo Switch arena/combat game Arms as a fun motion-control focused activity, many fans are hoping to loaf on the couch and play the game in a more traditional way. Now, we’ve finally gotten an explanation (via NeoGAF) of how the game’s non-motion controls function.

The news comes from the latest issue of EDGE, where the outlet had an extended hands-on session with game producer Kosuke Yabuki. Punches are launched with the triggers, or two of the face buttons. Jump and dash are mapped to the other two face buttons, and you click the left stick to guard.


There’s a caveat with not using motion controls, however, as you’re unable to move in one direction and punch in the other as the left stick controls the angle of your punches. Coming from this, you also can’t punch at a different angle with your second arm until your first punch is fully extended.

EDGE noted the game’s motion-control method of playing is hands-down the way to go, and the game’s producer naturally agrees. “The true feel of Arms comes when you’re holding both Joy-Con controllers in the Thumbs-Up grip,” Yabuki said.

“You can throw punches from each hand with real precision as you dash or jump around, allowing for a lot more depth for your fighting style. It’s possible to throw a straight punch as a feint for your first blow, then curve your second punch to where your opponent runs to. But Arms doesn’t require you to use motion controls. I hope people will pick the playstyle that suits them.”

Arms is launching worldwide for the Nintendo Switch on June 16th.

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