Nintendo has opted not to remove the Jump Rope Challenge Switch game from its eShop today.
Jump Rope Challenge is a free fitness game for the Nintendo Switch. It launched back in June this year, while everyone around the globe was stuck inside their homes.
Upon release, however, Nintendo already made the disclaimer that it will only stay free until September 30. This is no longer the case for now, “until further notice,” per Nintendo on Twitter.
Record-breaking jumps
There was no clear reason given as to why the Japanese giant decided to rescind its decision. Nonetheless, the announcement came with the game reaching a milestone of 2.5 billion jumps.
Nintendo did say that they still see new people downloading the game. This is most probably one of the reasons behind retaining Jump Rope Challenge as a free game.
Thanks to all players of #JumpRopeChallenge for recording 2.5 billion total jumps! As new jumpers are joining, the free download will be available until further notice and will not be removed from Nintendo #eShop on 9/30. pic.twitter.com/P9g7dXmmZe
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 30, 2020
With the COVID-19 pandemic still on a high, many people around the world are still stuck at home. Workout centers in most parts of the world are not yet open and going outside to exercise might be considered a bad gamble.
Even without actually jumping, the game can still give its players a good arm and leg exercise.
Per its game’s listing description, it says:
“For those who aren’t able to jump, or are worried about disturbing the downstairs neighbors, players can bend their knees or move their arms to play the game without creating any noise.”
What is Jump Rope Challenge?
The Switch game was actually made by developers from Nintendo. The game’s idea actually sprung because of COVID-19.
The devs created the game “while working from home in Japan as a simple game to add some quick and fun movement into their daily lives.”
Playing the game is as simple as treating the console’s pair of Joy-Con controllers as the handle of a jump rope. In-game, players are depicted as bunnies for their characters.
Not only is the game good for players’ personal health, but it also promotes fun simple activities with everyone inside the house of all ages. Polygon notes that two players can actually skip rope together.
It is as simple as holding one Joy-Con on each side of the two players.
Comicbook further highlights that the game can also be enjoyed by two people, so long as there’s another pair of Joy-Con.
The good thing about this game is that it keeps track of the players’ progress. This is a great feature for those who are using the game as a means of exercise activity.
Featured image courtesy Jump Rope Challenge/Nintendo eShop