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Basketball was added to Nintendo Switch Sports on 9 July 2024 in the US and 10 July 2024 in the UK. The update was free to play and allowed players to use the Joy-Con controllers to dribble and shoot. The game features a single-hoop basketball field and a nearby café. It can be played in local and online multiplayer modes, with two teams of two players each playing on a single-hoop field.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Release date | 9 July 2024 |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Platforms | Nintendo Switch |
| Genre | Sports |
| Mode | Single-player, multiplayer |
| Perspective | Bird's-eye view |
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What You'll Learn
Basketball was added to Nintendo Switch Sports on 9 July 2024
Basketball is played using the Joy-Con controllers to dribble and shoot. The game makes use of the controllers to simulate dribbling a ball, with players lifting both arms and acting out shooting motions to trigger a shot. The game features several modes, including two-on-two, three-point challenge, three-point contest, and five-streak battle. The two-on-two mode allows for single-player, local, and online multiplayer, while the three-point challenge is a single-player mode. The three-point contest and five-streak battle are local multiplayer modes, with the latter pitting players against each other to make five consecutive baskets in 60 seconds.
Basketball is one of eight sports currently featured in Nintendo Switch Sports, and one of five returning sports. The game has proven to be one of the best-selling Nintendo Switch games, with 13.11 million units sold as of March 2024. The basketball update is the latest in a long line of free updates for the game, which has been supported for two years since its release.
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It is a free-to-play sport
Basketball was added to Nintendo Switch Sports on July 9, 2024, in the US and on July 10, 2024, in the UK. The basketball update is free to play for all players and can be played using the Joy-Con controllers to dribble and shoot.
Basketball is one of the eight sports currently in Nintendo Switch Sports, and one of five returning sports. It is played on a single-hoop basketball field, with two teams of two players each, similar to 3x3 basketball. The teams switch between playing offense and defense with each play, and defenders cannot score on an interception. Matches are played first to 12 points, with a time limit of 100 seconds.
Players can also practice their shooting skills in the Three-Point Challenge (single-player) or compete with friends in the Three-Point Contest (local multiplayer) to see who can make the most three-pointers. Another local multiplayer option is the Five-Streak Battle, where the first player to make five consecutive baskets in 60 seconds wins.
In addition to basketball, Nintendo Switch Sports offers other sports such as golf, soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, and chambara (swordplay). The game allows for both casual and ranked play in local or online co-op modes. Players can also redeem points earned during online play for in-game rewards such as outfits, sports accessories, and gear for their avatars.
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Players use Joy-Con controllers to dribble and shoot
Nintendo Switch Sports is a game that offers a host of sports that are easy to pick up and play, thanks to being primarily motion-controlled with your Joy-Con controllers. Basketball is one of the eight sports currently available in the game and was released on 9 July 2024.
In Nintendo Switch Sports, players use Joy-Con controllers to dribble and shoot in basketball. The ball carrier on offense can attempt a shot at any time after the start of each play with ZL/ZR. To dribble, players must move with the analog stick and use motion controls to swing their Joy-Con to kick the ball forward. The game also allows players to perform a slam dunk if they run towards the basket fast enough.
Similar to real basketball, successful shots from inside the D will earn players two points, while shots from outside the D will earn three points. Each match is played until a team reaches 12 points, with a time limit of 100 seconds.
Players can also use their Joy-Con controllers to pass the ball to their teammates. To do this, players must hold ZR when they kick the ball. Additionally, players can jump by pressing B (or the equivalent on the left Joy-Con) to attempt to block shots.
The Joy-Con controllers in Nintendo Switch Sports provide a more responsive and accurate experience than their Wii-based predecessors. The wrist-strap attachments are also important to prevent damage to surroundings and televisions due to the swinging motions required in the game.
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Game modes include two-on-two, three-point challenge, and five-streak battle
Nintendo Switch Sports Basketball was released on 9 July 2024. It is one of the eight sports available on the Nintendo Switch and one of five returning sports.
The game modes include two-on-two, three-point challenge, and five-streak battle. In the two-on-two mode, the ball carrier on offence can attempt a shot at any time after the start of each play. The nearest defender can then attempt to jump and block the shot. The teams switch between playing on offence or defence on each play, with defenders unable to score on an interception. The shot clock is 20 seconds, with an additional 5 seconds to throw after pressing ZL/ZR. If the ball carrier has the ball for too long, the defender will get a "chance to steal".
The three-point challenge and five-streak battle are all about sinking as many shots as possible from the three-point range. In the three-point challenge, players must lower the Joy-Con to pick up balls from the trays and score as many baskets as possible from the three-point line within a 60-second time limit. The five-streak challenge is about draining five shots in a row.
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Players can compete online or with local multiplayer
Basketball was added to Nintendo Switch Sports on July 9, 2024, in the US and July 10, 2024, in the UK. The basketball update allows players to compete online or with local multiplayer.
Local multiplayer allows up to four players within a short vicinity to compete against one another. The game's online mode allows up to two local players to participate in random matchmaking. Players can also play Two-on-Two (single-player, local, and online multiplayer).
Players can also compete online in random matchmaking to reach the Pro League in every sport. Points earned can be redeemed for in-game rewards like outfits, sports accessories, gear, and more for their avatars. The selection of items rotates each week.
Nintendo Switch Sports was conceived as a spiritual successor to Wii Sports, the console's best-selling video game. The game has proved to be one of the best-selling Nintendo Switch games, with 13.11 million units sold as of March 2024.
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Frequently asked questions
The basketball update was released on 9 July 2024 in the US and on 10 July 2024 in the UK.
The update should be automatically downloaded to your Nintendo Switch console. If it isn't, you can initiate a manual check for a new update by going into the game's settings and selecting the update option.
Yes, there is a trailer for the basketball update. It shows a basketball jersey and a basketball logo.
Players use the Joy-Con controllers to dribble and shoot. To trigger a shot simulation, players lift both arms and act out shooting the ball.
There are several game modes available, including Two-on-Two (single player, local and online multiplayer), Three-Point Challenge (single player), Three-Point Contest (local multiplayer), and Five-Streak Battle (local multiplayer).
