Kristian Ferrell
Basketball was released as a free update to Nintendo Switch Sports on July 9, 2024, making it the most recently added sport to the game. Basketball is one of the 8 sports currently available in the game, and one of the 5 returning sports. The game mode is available in local and online play, with two teams of two players each playing on a single-hoop field, similar to 3x3 basketball. Players can also compete in a rapid-fire Three-Point Challenge or a Five-Streak Battle, showcasing their shooting skills and aiming for consecutive baskets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 9 July 2024 |
| Number of Players | 2-4 players |
| Game Modes | Two-on-Two, Three-Point Challenge, Three-Point Contest, Five-Streak Battle, Shooting Contest |
| Controls | Joy-Con controllers |
| Online Play | Available |
| Supported Languages | Japanese, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional) |
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What You'll Learn
Basketball's arrival on Nintendo Switch Sports
Basketball is finally here for the Nintendo Switch Sports game, released on 9 July 2024. The game received a free update, adding basketball to the list of sports available to play. Basketball is one of eight sports currently in Nintendo Switch Sports and one of five returning sports.
The game mode is available in local and online play, with two teams of two players each playing on a single-hoop field, similar to 3x3 basketball. The teams switch between playing offense and defense on each play, with defenders unable to score on an interception. The match is played to 12 points, with a time limit of 100 seconds, and can end in a draw. The team in blue starts on offense, while the team in pink starts on defense.
There are a few ways to play once your game is updated: 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). The first player to make five consecutive baskets in 60 seconds wins the Five-Streak Battle.
The controls are intuitive, and players can use the Joy-Con controllers to shoot, dribble, and dunk. The ball carrier on offense can attempt a shot with ZL/ZR, and the nearest defender can jump to block the shot. There is a shot clock of 20 seconds, and if the ball carrier runs towards the basket fast enough, a "Dunk" prompt may appear, allowing for a slam dunk.
Players can also earn cool gear for their characters by gathering points through online matches. The selection refreshes weekly, so there's always something new to play for.
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Two-on-Two mode
Basketball was added to Nintendo Switch Sports in a free Summer 2024 update. The game features two-on-two matches, which can be played in local or online multiplayer mode. In this mode, two teams of two players each play on a single-hoop field, similar to 3x3 basketball. The teams switch between playing on offence or defence on each play, with defenders unable to score on an interception. The game is played to 12 points, with a time limit of 100 seconds. If the game ends in a draw, there is no extra time, and the match will finish as a draw. The team in blue always starts on offence, while the team in pink starts on defence.
The two-on-two mode in Basketball for Nintendo Switch Sports is designed to be intuitive and accessible for players of all skill levels. Players use the Joy-Con controllers to dribble and shoot, with a button used to pass. The controls are designed to be similar to those of Wii Sports, allowing players to act out the motions of dribbling and shooting a basketball. This adds a level of immersion to the game, making it feel more like playing real basketball.
In addition to the two-on-two mode, the Basketball update for Nintendo Switch Sports also includes other game modes such as the 3-Point Challenge and 5-Streak Battle. The 3-Point Challenge can be played solo or with friends in a local multiplayer mode, while the 5-Streak Battle is a party mode that allows four players to play simultaneously. These additional modes offer a variety of ways to enjoy playing basketball, whether with friends, strangers, or even alone.
The Basketball update for Nintendo Switch Sports was highly anticipated by fans, especially those who had enjoyed playing basketball in the Wii Sports games. The addition of basketball to the game was likely a strategic move by Nintendo to attract new players and bring back lapsed users, as basketball is one of the most popular sports video game genres internationally. The update also added new in-game rewards, such as outfits and sports accessories, that players could unlock by earning points through online play.
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Three-Point Challenge
Basketball was added to Nintendo Switch Sports as a playable sport on 9 July 2024. The game features a mode called Three-Point Challenge, which is a single-player game where the player attempts to make as many three-point shots as possible within a time limit.
In the Three-Point Challenge, the player has 80 seconds to throw 25 balls, with regular balls awarding 1 point, and a multicolor ball at the end of each 5-ball tray awarding double points. The highest possible score is 30 points, but if the player achieves a perfect score, any remaining time is added to the total. For example, if there are 32.4 seconds left on the clock at the end of the game, the final score would be 62.4.
The mechanics of the game involve the player lowering the Joy-Con to pick up balls from the trays. This mode is good for practising three-pointers, as it helps players improve their long-distance shooting accuracy and consistency.
The Three-Point Challenge is similar to the NBA's Three-Point Contest, where participants attempt to make as many three-point field goals as possible from five positions behind the three-point line in one minute. Each shooting station has a rack with five basketballs, with four standard balls worth one point and a special ball worth two points. The goal is to score as many points as possible, with the format occasionally including extra high-value balls to increase the maximum possible score.
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Three-Point Contest
The Three-Point Contest is a game mode in the Nintendo Switch Sports game, Basketball, which was released in July 2024. It is a local multiplayer game mode where players compete against each other to see who can hit the most three-pointers.
In the Three-Point Contest, players have 60 seconds to shoot as many of the 25 balls as they can. The balls are placed in racks with five basketballs each, and the racks are spaced out in five spots around the three-point line. Four of the balls in each rack are regular orange balls worth one point, while the fifth ball, a multicolored "money ball", is worth two points. The goal is to score as many points as possible within the time limit.
The Three-Point Contest is also a National Basketball Association (NBA) contest held annually on the Saturday before the All-Star Game as part of All-Star weekend. The contest involves eight participants, each attempting to make as many three-point field goals as possible from five positions behind the three-point line in one minute. The participants start shooting from one corner of the court and move from station to station along the three-point arc until they reach the other corner.
Some notable winners of the NBA Three-Point Contest include Larry Bird, Craig Hodges, and Damian Lillard. Bird won the first three contests, while Hodges and Lillard have each won two consecutive times. Hodges holds the record for most shots made in one round (21/25) and most consecutive shots made (19).
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Five-Streak Battle
The Five-Streak Battle is a local multiplayer mode in the Nintendo Switch Sports game, Basketball. In this mode, players compete against each other to be the first to make five consecutive baskets in 60 seconds. If no player achieves this within the time limit, a tiebreaker is triggered, and the first player to make two baskets in a row wins.
The Five-Streak Battle is a fast-paced and exciting mode that tests players' shooting skills and accuracy. It is a race against time and your opponents to see who can make the most shots in a row, with the added challenge of a short time limit. The pressure is on as players must maintain their focus and precision to be the first to sink those shots and claim victory.
This mode is perfect for players who want to improve their shooting skills and enjoy the thrill of rapid-fire basketball action. It encourages players to practice their form, aim, and technique to increase their chances of making those consecutive baskets. The intense competition adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, creating a fun and engaging experience for all participants.
The Five-Streak Battle is an excellent addition to the Nintendo Switch Sports game, offering a unique challenge that differs from the traditional basketball rules. It is a fun alternative for players who want to step away from the standard gameplay and try something new and exciting with their friends and family.
With its fast-paced nature and focus on shooting skills, the Five-Streak Battle adds a whole new dimension to the game, providing players with an intense and enjoyable basketball experience on the Nintendo Switch platform.
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Frequently asked questions
Basketball was made available on Nintendo Switch Sports on July 9, 2024.
You can play basketball on the game by updating your game software. Once updated, you can play two-on-two, three-point challenge, three-point contest, and five-streak battle.
You can use the Joy-Con controllers to play basketball on the Nintendo Switch Sports game.
