The game's main mode is a turn-based role-playing game in which movements and battle actions are based on performing physical activities using the Ring-Con and Leg Strap, with the Joy-Con's motion controls detecting the player's movement and a strain sensor in the Ring-Con detecting bending of that accessory.

Demand for the game increased drastically during 2020, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related closures of gyms and other exercise facilities, causing shortages in many countries.

[1] Ring Fit Adventure ships with the Ring-Con and Leg Strap, which have docks to hold the Switch's Joy-Con.

These accessories are required to play the game, as the player's interactions with them are tracked by the motion controls built into the Joy-Con.

Moving across the game world is similar to a rail shooter; the player moves along a fixed path by running in place, jumps over obstacles by squeezing and releasing the Ring-Con, and can fire projectiles at items by squeezing the Ring-Con in the target direction.

Defeating monsters earn the player-character experience points, and as they level up, they can unlock additional exercises that deal more damage.

[2][5][6] Parts of the design of the Nintendo Switch had been from player feedback from Wii Fit looking to make the controllers smaller so they could be strapped to the body and used in more possible ways.

As well, they found its RPG elements to be simplistic, which made it more accessible to casual players, but could be disappointing those who wanted more of a strategic challenge.

Studies[34][35] have shown potential use of exergaming in lowering BMI and improving mobility, especially in older individuals.