Summary
Basketball is coming toNintendo Switch Sportsas part of a major update, first teased in June during the Nintendo Direct showcase.Nintendo Switch Sportscurrently features golf, soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, and chambara (swordplay), and allows for both casual and ranked play in local or online co-op modes.
Nintendo Switch Sportswas conceived as a spiritual successor toWii Sports, the console’s best-selling video game by a huge margin, with over 82 million copies sold in the Wii’s lifetime. Four years after the game’s original release in 2006, Nintendo spawned a sequel titledWii Sports Resort, followed by a remake calledWii Sports Clubin 2014. In 2022,Nintendo Switch Sportswas released as another sequel, incorporatingeverything that Wii owners loved about the gamewhile making it more accessible and immersive.
On July 9, players in the US will be able toenjoy basketball as a free-to-play sportas part ofNintendo Switch Sports' newest update. The update will drop on July 10 for UK players. Nintendo announced the details on Twitter, advising players to be “ready to hit the court” and asking if fans are “ready to shoot some hoops.”
Nintendo Switch Sports Basketball Update Release Date
As of March 2024,Nintendo Switch Sportshas sold over 13.11 million copies, becoming one of the Nintendo Switch’s best-selling games. Players utilize the Joy-Con controllers similarly to how they would a Wii remote, acting out the motions of kicking, serving, bowling, swinging, and slashing to beat their opponents. The leg strap accessory, which was originally introduced inRing Fit Adventure, can be used to simulate the action of kicking a ball in soccer. Local multiplayer allows up to four players within a short vicinity to compete against one another, while the game’s online mode allows up to two local players to participate in random matchmaking. The game is also kid-friendly, making it a great titlethe whole family can playwhile staying active.
According to the trailer, the basketball update forNintendo Switch Sportswill make use of the Joy-Con controller to simulate the dribbling of a ball, and players will lift both arms and act out shooting the ball to trigger a shot simulation. Additional game modes allow for shootout competitions with up to four friends or solo shooting practice from the three-point line. For players looking for more fun and hassle-free workouts to add to their rotation,Nintendo Switch Sportsisn’t the onlysports-themed game for the Switch.
Nintendo Switch Sports
WHERE TO PLAY
Face off against opponents worldwide and strive to reach the Pro League in every sport. As you play online in random matchmaking, redeem points you earn for in-game rewards like outfits, sports accessories, gear, and much more for your avatar. The selection of items rotates each week, so check back and see what’s in stock!Play with friends and family in the same room or across the worldBowl, spike, and duel with friends in all 8 sports! Pass a Joy-Con controller to a friend for some 1v1, 2v2, or a free-for-all that will get everyone moving. In Bowling, all players can bowl simultaneously—no waiting for your turn. Play each sport online, or team up with a friend on the same system to take on opponents near and far in team sports like Basketball, Volleyball and Tennis.
