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After a summer of 2.5 billion jumps, Nintendo has reconsidered its decision to pull Jump Rope Challenge from the eShop. The free game is sticking around past today.
Intended as a timed release, Nintendo had planned to pull the game after Sept. 30 (today). Jump Rope Challenge was offered beginning in mid-June as a way to help folks shut in by the coronavirus pandemic get some exercise and have fun doing it.
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
Jump Rope Challenge relies on the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers, one in each hand, to simulate skipping rope as the game keeps count on-screen. Moving one’s arms and bending the knees slightly is all it takes to register a jump, for those who have mobility limitations (or simply don’t want to disturb their downstairs neighbors).
Two players can skip rope together, holding one Joy-Con each. Double Dutch compatibility is not included, however, and any rhymes must be coordinated by players offline.