Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor local play on one console, choose Play Locally, select a sport, and follow the controller prompts. For internet play, choose Play Globally or Play with Friends; both require internet access, a Nintendo Account, and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. The game does not support Handheld Mode or Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers. If you are setting up several consoles on one wired network, use its separate LAN Play mode.
Before you choose a play mode
Nintendo Switch Sports uses detached Joy-Con controllers for motion-controlled play. Set the console up in TV or tabletop mode; Nintendo recommends TV Mode for the best experience. Controller requirements differ by sport and player configuration, so follow the prompts shown for the sport you select. Nintendo’s FAQ lists compatible configurations including paired or single Joy-Con controllers and, for some Soccer play, a Joy-Con with the Leg Strap. Nintendo Switch Sports FAQ
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- Do not plan to use Handheld Mode or a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller; neither is supported.
- Allow clear space for movement, wear the wrist straps, and check that people and objects are out of the way. Nintendo includes these safety precautions on its official game site.
- Have enough compatible Joy-Con controllers for the sport and player setup you choose.
Set up local play on one console
- Start Nintendo Switch Sports and choose Play Locally.
- Select a sport. On-screen instructions will show the controller configuration for that sport and play setup.
- Detach the required Joy-Con controllers and follow the prompts to connect or assign them to players.
- Choose the match options shown on screen and begin play.
Local play on one console is the simplest route when players are sharing the same screen. The controller prompts matter: a configuration that works for one sport or player count may not be the one the next sport asks for.
Set up online play
Choose Play Globally to match with other players online, or Play with Friends to play with friends. Online features require internet access, a Nintendo Account, and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo says that without an active membership, Play Globally is limited to a trial competition against computer competitors. If you have just activated a membership and the game does not recognize it yet, Nintendo advises closing the game and trying again after a short time. Nintendo Support: Nintendo Switch Sports FAQ Nintendo Switch Sports official site
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Playing with friends and voice chat
In Play with Friends, use the game’s room and match prompts to bring the group together. Voice chat for this mode uses the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app and requires membership. Nintendo Accounts belonging to children under 13 cannot use this voice-chat feature. Nintendo also says the game can be played while chatting with friends through GameChat on Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo Switch Sports FAQ
Use the Leg Strap for supported Soccer play
The Leg Strap is optional: it is needed only for some Soccer gameplay configurations, not for every way to play Soccer. Nintendo says Joy-Con 2 controllers are not compatible with the Leg Strap. Nintendo Switch Sports FAQ
Rank #2
- Swing, kick, spike, and bowl your way to victory in 7 sports
- Play Golf, Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton and Chambara (swordplay)
- Motion controls will get you moving and help turn your real-world actions into in-game movements
- Use the Leg Strap accessory to kick the ball in Soccer
- Play with friends and family locally or online—in some sports, you and a friend can even team up on the same system to take on other teams online
Select Leg-Strap Mode
- Play Globally: Highlight Soccer on the sport-selection screen and press X.
- Play Locally or Play with Friends: Press + on the controller-instructions screen.
Attach and adjust the strap
- Insert the left Joy-Con into the strap pocket with its control stick facing outward.
- Place the strap at the center of either thigh. For Nintendo Switch Sports, point the top of the Joy-Con toward your body.
- Wrap and tighten the strap securely, without overtightening it. If it slips while you are standing, retighten it.
These placement and fitting directions come from Nintendo’s Leg Strap attachment guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Set up multi-console wired LAN play
LAN Play connects multiple consoles over a wired network, rather than using the game’s internet matchmaking routes. Nintendo specifies support for up to four consoles and up to eight players total, with up to two players per console. The number who can play simultaneously depends on the sport. Nintendo Support: How to Use the LAN Play Feature of Nintendo Switch Sports
Rank #3
- The ultimate game that brings together 30 different sports
- Challenge your family or friends and may the best player win
- Multiple game modes available: Quick match or Tournament / Team mode or Solo
- Explore a multitude of environments! Volcano / Desert / Snowy countries
- Unlock new costumes and choose to play with motion or buttons on NSW
What each console needs
- A copy of Nintendo Switch Sports, a dock, an Ethernet cable, and a television.
- A connection from each console to the same wired router. Use a network switch if you need additional router ports.
- A LAN adapter if the dock does not have an Ethernet port. Nintendo describes a compatible licensed accessory for connecting a USB LAN adapter to Switch Lite.
Enter LAN Play and create or join a room
- Start Nintendo Switch Sports and highlight Play with Friends.
- Hold L and R while clicking and holding the Left Stick.
- Select LAN Play, then choose Single Player or Two Players and select the user or users.
- Have one console create a room. Players on the other consoles join it.
- The host starts the session for the group; everyone follows the on-screen sport and match prompts.
Nintendo’s LAN Play guide provides the equipment and menu sequence.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 6 sports: Baseball, run's jump, goalkeeper, tennis, bowling & rafting.
- 20 characters to customize (change your name, outfit, accessories & hair)
- Varied game modes - Solo or multiplayer for up to 8 players.
- More than 15 environments and tons of unlockable items.
Which setup should you use?
| Play route | Consoles and connection | Best suited to | Requirements to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play Locally | One console; players share it | Players in the same room using one screen | Detached compatible Joy-Con; controller setup varies by sport. No internet membership requirement is stated for this local route in Nintendo’s FAQ. |
| Play Globally | Online play over the internet | Playing with other online players | Internet access, Nintendo Account, and active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Without membership, Nintendo says only a trial competition against computer competitors is available. |
| Play with Friends | Online play with friends | Friends playing together online | Internet access, Nintendo Account, and active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Smartphone-app voice chat also requires membership; children under 13 cannot use that feature. |
| LAN Play | Up to four consoles on the same wired router | A group with multiple consoles seeking wired local-network play | Wired setup for each console, including dock, Ethernet cable, television, and adapter when needed. Nintendo specifies up to eight total players, but simultaneous player count varies by sport. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
