Summary
- Nintendo Switch Sports adds Basketball in a Summer 2024 update, enhancing the motion-controlled gameplay experience for players.
- Two-on-two matches, 3-Point Challenge, and 5-Streak Battle will be included in the new Basketball mode for local or online play.
- An earlier leak hints at Dodgeball potentially being added to Nintendo Switch Sports in the future.
Nintendo has announced that a new Nintendo Switch Sports update will add Basketball to the game. Nintendo Switch Sports has been out for two years, but based on this addition, Nintendo may intend to continue supporting it into the future.
When Nintendo Switch Sports was released, it scratched a sports itch that some players have had since the Nintendo Wii. On the original motion-based Nintendo console, Wii Sports became a classic, while Wii Sports Resort enhanced the active gameplay but received less attention. Like these games, their successor emphasizes motion controls over button inputs. As the Switch Joy-Cons provide improved motion controls, the on-screen action better reflects a player's movement. The game included Bowling, Chambara, Soccer, Tennis, and Volleyball at launch, with Golf being added in a 2022 update. Now Nintendo has announced that the next sport coming to Switch Sports is Basketball, and it's coming soon.
During a recent Nintendo Direct, Nintendo confirmed that Switch Sports is set to receive Basketball in a free Summer 2024 update. The trailer unveiled how gamers will play Basketball with motion controls dedicated to dribbling and shooting, and a button used to pass. This sport will feature two-on-two matches which can be played locally or online. Basketball will be joined by the 3-Point Challenge for solo players, which seems inspired by the similarly named Wii Sports Resort mini-game. A mode called 5-Streak Battle also joins the new sport, and it pits four players against each other in a mini-game akin to the 3-Point Challenge.
When Does Nintendo Switch Sports Get Basketball?
While Nintendo hasn't confirmed a date for the Summer 2024 update, it'll likely be dropped in the next few months. As it's been over a year since the last sport was added to Nintendo Switch Sports, Basketball may draw some lapsed players back. A leak hinted at the possibility of Basketball being added to the game, and this announcement adds validity to those rumors. Similar leaks have suggested that Dodgeball is also a sport that Nintendo intends to add to the game. With Basketball turning out to be a valid leak, this announcement could suggest that Dodgeball may also be added in the future.
With Nintendo continuing to add sports to Nintendo Switch Sports, former fan favorites like Baseball, Boxing, and Archery could make a return. As some fans anticipate that the next Nintendo console is a follow-up to the Switch, some sports may be reserved for a game on the next console.
Nintendo Switch Sports
- Released
- April 29, 2022
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 world
Bowl, 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.
