Stunt Flyer for Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Review

In February 2025, Nintendo Switch slipped out a new title called Stunt Flyer, though you might have missed its quiet entrance. Imagine a budget-friendly version of Pilotwings, with a playful twist geared towards younger players, and you’ve pretty much got it. Yet, despite its apparent simplicity, there’s a calming charm to be found here, especially when you dive in with a friend using the two-player co-op mode.

In this game, you and your gaming buddy get to soar as characters named Jimmy and Sophie, along with a few other pilots. You’re flying over a place that bears a striking resemblance to Wuhu Island, albeit without the official naming rights. I’ll be frank: the game does lack a certain originality, making comparisons to its inspirations almost inevitable. Even so, once you come to terms with its derivative nature and accept that it doesn’t quite measure up to the legacy it mimics, there’s some fleeting fun to be had.

Speaking of which, this game does meander a bit. While I did appreciate the freedom to explore, after a while I found myself wishing for more direction. The missions—be they shooting, picture-taking, or racing—vary in how engaging they are and feel somewhat haphazard in their distribution. Collecting scattered rings for experience points was enjoyable at first, but after reaching 100, it seemed more like unnecessary busywork. Creating a harmonious blend of structured tasks and open-ended exploration is no easy feat, and Stunt Flyer doesn’t quite nail it.

Aesthetically, there isn’t much to write home about. The game features only one main music track. While it starts off pleasing, it quickly wears on the nerves as you continue your search for new activities. Visually, it resembles a sharper version of a Wii game, and there’s a reason for that—it first appeared on the Wii over 13 years ago, complete with a longer title and a plastic peripheral. Unsurprisingly, it hasn’t aged gracefully.

Regardless, it can’t be overstated: Stunt Flyer is at its best when played with a friend. The split-screen feature allows you both to either pursue your own paths or collaborate on missions. However, there’s a question of how long the mutual enjoyment lasts. My wife and I found our fill in under an hour, and I had to push on solo to finish this review.

Alone, Stunt Flyer tends to sputter out quickly, but the co-op aspect gives it a slight boost. Whether it’s worth sticking around might depend on your own goals, be it chasing achievements, improving mission times, or just hanging out in the skies for a bit. Despite its appealing price tag, you might be better off waiting for a sale, or maybe just dusting off Pilotwings 64 on Switch Online for your flying fix.