Summary
Nintendo has announced that a newNintendo Switch Sportsupdate will add Basketball to the game.Nintendo Switch Sportshas been out for two years, but based on this addition, Nintendo may intend to continue supporting it into the future.
WhenNintendo Switch Sportswas released, it scratched a sports itch that some players have had since the Nintendo Wii. On the original motion-based Nintendo console,Wii Sportsbecame a classic, whileWii Sports Resortenhanced 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 toSwitch Sportsis Basketball, and it’s coming soon.
Duringa recent Nintendo Direct, Nintendo confirmed thatSwitch Sportsis 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 namedWii Sports Resortmini-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 sportwas added toNintendo Switch Sports, Basketball may draw some lapsed players back. A leak hinted at the possibility of Basketball being added tothe 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 toNintendo Switch Sports, former fan favorites like Baseball, Boxing, and Archery could make a return. As some fans anticipate thatthe next Nintendo consoleis a follow-up to the Switch, some sports may be reserved for a game on the next console.
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.
