Ayrton Oneill
Nintendo Switch Sports is a video game that offers the perks of playing various sports physically. It was inspired by Nintendo's older Wii Sports games. On June 18, 2024, Nintendo announced that basketball would be added to the game, which was released on July 9, 2024. The game mode is available for 2-4 players in local play and 2v2 games online. The addition of basketball to Nintendo Switch Sports has been well-received by fans, with some expressing excitement and hoping for the inclusion of additional sports, such as baseball and archery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2-4 players |
| Game mode | Local and online play |
| Teams | Two teams of two players each |
| Gameplay | Similar to 3x3 basketball |
| Rules | Defenders cannot score on an interception |
| Points | First to 12 points |
| Time limit | 100 seconds |
| Outcome | Matches can end in a draw |
| Colours | Blue team starts on offense, pink team starts on defense |
| Controls | ZL/ZR to shoot |
| Time limit per shot | 20 seconds |
| Dunking | Possible when running towards the basket fast enough |
| Stealing the ball | Chance to steal if the ball carrier has the ball for too long |
| Scoring | 2 points for successful shots from inside the D, 3 points for shots from outside the D |
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What You'll Learn
Nintendo Switch Sports' basketball release date
Nintendo Switch Sports is a spiritual successor to Wii Sports, the console's best-selling video game with over 82 million copies sold. The game was first launched in April 2022 and features seven game modes, including badminton, volleyball, soccer, tennis, bowling, chambara, and golf. On July 9, 2024, Nintendo released a major update that added basketball to the game as a free-to-play sport. The update was released in the US on July 9 and in the UK on July 10.
Basketball is played on a single-hoop field with two teams of two players each, similar to 3x3 basketball. The teams switch between playing offense and defense on each play, and defenders cannot score on an interception. Matches are played to 12 points with a time limit of 100 seconds, and the team in blue always starts on offense while the team in pink starts on defense. The game mode is available in local and online play, and players use the Joy-Con controllers to dribble and shoot.
In addition to the regular game mode, there is also a shooting contest where players compete to sink five shots in a row within a 60-second time limit. This mode can be played with 2-4 players in local play, with any remaining slots filled by CPU. If no players accomplish the task within the time limit, a tiebreaker is held where the first player to make two shots in a row wins.
The addition of basketball to Nintendo Switch Sports was well-received by fans, who had been anticipating new content since the game's release. The update also included new outfits, sports accessories, gear, and other items for players to unlock and use to customize their avatars.
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How to play basketball on Nintendo Switch Sports
Basketball is one of the 8 sports currently available on Nintendo Switch Sports, added to the game on July 9, 2024. The game mode is available in local and online play for 2-4 players. In local play, any remaining slots will be filled by CPU.
To play, you will need to use Joy-Con controllers. To dribble the ball, move the Joy-Con up and down. Press 'X' to pass the ball, and hold ZR and flick your wrist to shoot the ball. You can also block shots, steal the ball, and perform a slam dunk.
The game is played by two teams of two players each on a single-hoop field, similar to 3x3 basketball. The teams switch between playing on offense and defense on each play, with defenders unable to score on an interception. Matches are played first to 12 points, with a time limit of 100 seconds. The team in blue always starts on offense, while the team in pink starts on defense.
There is a shot clock of 20 seconds, and 5 seconds to throw after pressing ZL/ZR. If the ball carrier runs towards the basket fast enough, they may be able to perform a slam dunk. If the ball carrier has the ball for too long, the defender will get a chance to steal it. Successful shots from inside the D are worth two points, while shots from outside the D are worth 3 points.
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Nintendo Switch Sports' other game modes
Nintendo Switch Sports is a multiplayer game that can be played with family and friends on the same system or online. The game has sold over 13.11 million copies as of March 31, 2024.
The game has six main sports: Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball, Chambara (swordplay), Bowling, and Soccer/Football. Basketball is also one of the eight sports currently available in the game, added on July 9, 2024. It is played two-on-two on a single-hoop field, similar to 3x3 basketball, with teams switching between offense and defense on each play.
Each sport has different game modes. For example, Soccer/Football has four-on-four, free practice, and shootout modes. The four-on-four mode is the only online mode for this sport. The shootout mode requires a leg strap accessory, which was initially only available for this mode but can now be used for all football match types. Chambara is another sport with multiple game modes, as players can choose their sword type before starting a match.
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Nintendo Switch Sports' future updates
Nintendo Switch Sports is a spiritual successor to the Wii Sports games that was released in 2022. The game features multiple sports, including soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, and chambara (swordplay). Nintendo Switch Sports has received multiple updates since its release, with the most recent one adding basketball to the game.
Future Updates
While Nintendo has not announced any specific future updates for Nintendo Switch Sports, there are some potential updates that could be released based on leaks and fan requests. Here are some of the possible future updates for the game:
- Golf: This is the most likely future update, as Nintendo has already confirmed that Golf will be added to the game on November 28, 2022, as a free update. The update will include 21 courses from Wii Sports and a new Survival mode called "Survival Golf."
- New Sports: In addition to golf, fans have been requesting other sports to be added to the game, such as baseball, boxing, archery, and hockey. While there is no confirmation from Nintendo, these sports could potentially be added in future updates.
- New Costumes: Leaks suggest that Nintendo Switch Sports will be releasing multiple costume collections in the future, including the Tennis, Bowling, and Luxury collections. The Ocean Collection, which includes a shark head cosmetic, has already been released.
- Bug Fixes and Improvements: Future updates will likely include bug fixes and improvements to the game, such as addressing issues with volleyball bots and improving the online experience by taking action against fraudulent and disruptive behaviors.
Nintendo Switch Sports has received regular updates since its release, so fans can expect more content and improvements to be added to the game in the future.
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Nintendo Switch Sports' sales and success
Nintendo Switch Sports, the 2022 sports simulation video game, has been a commercial success, with over 15.74 million copies sold as of March 31, 2025, making it one of the best-selling Nintendo Switch games. The game features eight sports: volleyball, badminton, bowling, golf, soccer, chambara (swordplay), tennis, and basketball.
The game was released on April 29, 2022, and received mixed reviews from critics. Despite this, it sold well, gaining enough traction to be nominated for Best Family Game at The Game Awards 2022. It has also received several updates, including the addition of basketball in July 2024, which has kept players engaged and added to its success.
Nintendo Switch Sports' sales success is notable, especially when compared to other prominent Switch games. In February 2023, it was reported that the game had sold over 1 million units in Japan alone, and it topped the weekly sales charts in several countries, including the UK, South Korea, and Taiwan. The game's success can be attributed to its family-friendly entertainment value, the joy of playing sports games on the Wii, and the continuous support and updates from Nintendo.
The addition of basketball, a highly requested sport by players, further contributed to the game's popularity. Basketball was released as a free update in July 2024, and players can use their Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers to position their shots and simulate motion in-game. The game mode supports local and online play for two teams of two players each, with rules similar to 3x3 basketball.
Overall, Nintendo Switch Sports' sales and success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its family-friendly appeal, the popularity of sports games on the Wii, and Nintendo's continuous updates and support for the game, including the addition of highly requested sports like basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Nintendo Switch Sports will have basketball.
Basketball was added to Nintendo Switch Sports on July 9, 2024.
The basketball game on Nintendo Switch Sports can be played by 2-4 players. It is available for local play and online play.
The gameplay for basketball on Nintendo Switch Sports involves two teams of two players each, playing on a single-hoop field. The teams switch between playing offense and defense on each play, with the team in blue always starting on offense and the team in pink starting on defense. The ball carrier on offense can attempt a shot at any time with ZL/ZR, and the nearest defense player can jump to block the shot. There is a shot clock of 20 seconds, and 5 seconds to throw after pressing ZL/ZR.
Some other sports available to play on Nintendo Switch Sports include soccer, golf, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, and chambara (swordplay).
