Nintendo Switch-Based Exergaming for Subthreshold Depression: Mixed Methods Randomized Controlled Trial

Subthreshold depression (StD) increases the risk of progression to major depressive disorder. Although exercise can reduce depressive symptoms, adherence remains challenging. Exergames on platforms such as Nintendo Switch may improve motivation and participation in physical activity; however, evidence for efficacy in StD is limited.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a Nintendo Switch-based exergaming intervention on depressive symptoms, anxiety, and sleep quality, and to explore participant experiences among adults with StD.

This sequential explanatory mixed methods study comprised a randomized controlled trial followed by semistructured interviews. Eighty-four adults with StD were randomized using computer-generated permuted blocks with concealed allocation to an intervention group (IG; n=42), which received an 8-week Nintendo Switch-based exergame program (2-3 sessions/week, 50-60 minutes/session), or a control group (CG; n=42), which continued usual activities. Outcome assessors and data analysts were blinded. Depressive symptoms, anxiety, and sleep quality were assessed at baseline (T0), postintervention (T1, Week 8), one-month follow-up (T2, Week 12), and 2-month follow-up (T3, Week 16). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze longitudinal changes and time×group interactions under the intention-to-treat principle. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive subsample of IG participants (n=17) at T1 and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Eighty-four participants were randomized; 81 completed the postintervention assessment, with 3 out of 42 (7.1%) CG participants lost to follow-up at T1. Baseline characteristics were similar across groups (mean age 23.07, SD 1.45 years; 70/84, 83.3% female). Compared with CG, the IG showed significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms at all time points (T1: β=-4.07, 95% CI -5.84 to -2.30; P<.001; T2: β=-4.29, 95% CI -6.14 to -2.43; P<.001; T3: β=-3.81, 95% CI -5.54 to -2.08; P<.001), along with significant improvements in sleep quality (T1: β=-2.98, 95% CI -4.55 to -1.40; P<.001; T2: β=-2.19, 95% CI -3.58 to -0.80; P=.002; T3: β=-2.45, 95% CI -3.81 to -1.09; P<.001). Anxiety also improved significantly at T1 (β=-2.60, 95% CI -4.70 to -0.50; P=.02) and T3 (β=-2.38, 95% CI -4.62 to -0.14; P=.04). Group×time interactions were significant for depressive symptoms (Wald χ23=28.18; P=.001) and sleep quality (Wald χ23=23.21; P<.001), confirming sustained intervention effects. Qualitative findings supported these results, highlighting immersive engagement, perceived psychophysiological benefits, and adherence facilitators. No adverse events were reported.

A Nintendo Switch-based exergaming intervention was associated with improvements in depressive symptoms, anxiety, and sleep quality in adults with StD. Using mixed methods design, this study provides evidence integrating effectiveness and participant experience, extending prior research focused on other populations or quantitative outcomes. These findings suggest that commercially available exergaming platforms may serve as accessible, engaging tools for early mental health support in real-world settings.