For local play on Nintendo Switch 2, dock the console, connect it to a TV, detach and pair Joy-Con 2 controllers, then open Nintendo Switch Sports and follow the game’s controller prompts. Nintendo recommends TV mode; the game does not support handheld mode. Which controller arrangement you need depends on the sport.
Set up a single-console game
- Connect the dock to your TV. Place the Nintendo Switch 2 console in the dock and switch the TV to the correct input. Nintendo’s TV mode instructions describe this setup.
- Detach and pair the controllers. Detach the Joy-Con 2 controllers and pair them wirelessly if they are not already connected. The game’s compatible arrangements vary by sport, so use the onscreen prompts when you choose one.
- Start the game and choose local play. Open Nintendo Switch Sports, select the local play option, and follow the instructions for the sport and number of participants.
Nintendo says TV mode provides the best experience for the game. Tabletop mode is also available: remove the console from the dock, open its built-in stand, place it on a flat surface, and detach the controllers. The group will need to be able to see the console’s screen. Nintendo describes tabletop mode as supporting multiplayer games, but recommends TV mode for Nintendo Switch Sports.
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30 Sport Games in 1 Nintendo Switch | $25.70 | Buy on Amazon |
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Instant Sports - Nintendo Switch | $28.69 | Buy on Amazon |
Do not use handheld mode for this game. Nintendo’s FAQ states: “Nintendo Switch Sports does not support Handheld Mode. For the best play experience, use a Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, or Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console in TV Mode.” See Nintendo’s controller and play-style FAQ.
Choose controllers for the sport
The supported controller setup depends on the sport. Nintendo lists paired Joy-Con 2 controllers, original Joy-Con controllers, and single-controller Joy-Con 2 or original Joy-Con arrangements among the compatible options. Some configurations also use an original Joy-Con with the Leg Strap.
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- Joy-Con 2: Compatible with the game, but not every sport or play style uses the same arrangement. Follow the game’s prompts rather than assuming every player needs the same number of controllers.
- Original Joy-Con: Nintendo also lists the original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con as compatible.
- Pro Controllers: Neither Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controllers nor Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers are compatible with Nintendo Switch Sports.
Soccer and the Leg Strap
The Leg Strap is used for a Soccer mode. On Nintendo Switch 2, it can be used with Nintendo Switch Sports when an original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con is connected wirelessly. Joy-Con 2 controllers do not work with the Leg Strap. Nintendo’s Switch 2 compatibility guidance covers this accessory compatibility.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Playing locally across multiple consoles
If your group wants to use more than one console, Nintendo documents a wired LAN setup for up to four consoles, with two players on each console and up to eight players total. This is a multi-console LAN limit, not the general player count for a single console.
Quick Recap
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- 6 sports: Baseball, run's jump, goalkeeper, tennis, bowling & rafting.
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- More than 15 environments and tons of unlockable items.
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- 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
- Make sure each console has a copy of Nintendo Switch Sports, either physical or downloaded.
- Connect each console to the same wired router, following Nintendo’s LAN play instructions.
- Use the game’s LAN option and follow its prompts to connect the consoles. Up to two players can participate on each console, with up to four consoles in the session.
Which setup should you use?
| Setup | What you need | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| TV mode, one console | Switch 2 dock, TV, and compatible Joy-Con arrangement for the sport | Nintendo’s recommended play style; the TV is easier for a group to see. |
| Tabletop mode, one console | Switch 2 console with stand open and compatible detached Joy-Con | A screen is not available, provided players can all see the built-in display. |
| Wired LAN, multiple consoles | Up to four consoles, a copy of the game on each, and the same wired router | Groups splitting play across multiple systems; up to two players per console. |
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.
