Power Throws

Learn how to score big in Nintendo Switch Sports' Power Throws! Discover tips for strikes, using buffers, and the secret to the 91-pin set for Platinum medals.

Alright, let's talk about Power Throws in Nintendo Switch Sports! This mode is all about racking up those pins and aiming for the highest scores possible. You'll be dealing with an increasing number of pins and extra lines on the lane as you go, so it's a real test of your bowling skills.

Medal Requirements:

• Platinum: 700 points
• Gold: 600 points
• Silver: 500 points
• Bronze: 450 points

The Goal: Your main objective is to knock down as many pins as you can. Each set adds another line of pins, starting with the standard 10, then 15, 21, and so on. The cool thing is, there are buffers on the sides of the lane that pins can bounce off and even back into the mix, which can help you get strikes!

Getting Strikes: If you manage to get a strike, you'll earn double points, which is HUGE for your score. The general advice is to throw the ball as hard as you can. If you have a favorite technique for getting strikes in the regular bowling game, it's probably a good idea to adapt it here. Personally, I find a slightly off-center throw, pulling the Wiimote back and then pushing it straight up above my head, works well for a fast and straight ball. With the buffers, you should be able to get strikes on the earlier sets pretty consistently.

The 91-Pin Secret: Now, for the really tricky part – the final 91-pin set. You might notice some red buttons on either side of the lane towards the end, though they're easiest to see on replays. On this last set, the buffers line up perfectly with these buttons. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to throw the ball so it hits one of these buffer lines and then rolls down to trigger the button. This will, in turn, knock over all 91 pins!

How to Hit the Button: This is tough, no doubt. If you're aiming for the right-side buffer, you'll want to move your character all the way to the right edge of the lane, then tap slightly back towards the center just once. Press the A button and rotate your throw as far right as you can. Now, throw the ball with a medium pace – think a gentle swing of your arm – and put a lot of spin on it. The idea is for the ball to spin along the buffer from right to left, hopefully reaching the button at the end. It takes practice, so don't get discouraged if you don't nail it right away. Try practicing this technique on every set for a few games to get the feel for it. Nailing a strike on the 91-pin set will give your score an insane boost and is key to snagging those Gold and Platinum medals!