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Nintendo Switch Sports Buying Guide: What’s Included and What You Need to Play

The physical edition includes the Leg Strap; the digital edition sells it separately. Check controller needs for your setup and budget separately for online membership.
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For the simplest complete purchase, choose the physical edition: Nintendo says it includes the Leg Strap used for some Soccer play. The digital edition is sold separately from the strap, so compare the live prices before deciding. To play, you also need compatible Joy-Con controllers; online play has separate Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo Account, and internet requirements.

What comes with each edition?

Choice What’s included or required What to check
Physical game Nintendo says the physical edition includes the Leg Strap accessory for Soccer. Confirm the listing is for the physical game and, especially for used or marketplace copies, that the strap is actually in the package. Nintendo’s US listing describes the official package.
Digital game Nintendo offers the digital edition at a lower price; the Leg Strap is separate. Compare the current digital price plus the cost of a strap, if you want one, against the live physical listing. Prices and availability can change.
Leg Strap bought separately Useful for some Soccer play; Nintendo also lists it for Ring Fit Adventure. Check compatibility: Joy-Con 2 controllers are not compatible with the Leg Strap. See Nintendo’s Leg Strap instructions.

The strap is not required for every sport. Nintendo describes it as an accessory for some Soccer play, so a buyer interested in the other sports does not need to treat it as a universal requirement. Check Nintendo’s current product listing for package details before buying.

What do you need to play?

A compatible console and Joy-Con

Nintendo Switch Sports uses Joy-Con motion controls and does not support Handheld Mode. Nintendo recommends playing on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, or Nintendo Switch 2 in TV Mode for the best experience. Nintendo warns that compatibility and play experience may differ on Switch Lite; check the official support FAQ if you plan to use one.

Enough controllers for your players and sport

Nintendo lists local play on one system for 1–4 players and online play for 1–2 players. Those player limits do not mean every sport or arrangement uses the same number of controllers: accessory needs depend on the sport and how people are playing. Before buying extra Joy-Con, count the compatible controllers you own, decide which sports and player setup you want, and check the official FAQ for that configuration. Nintendo notes that additional accessories may be required for multiplayer.

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A separate membership for online play

Online play requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo also requires a Nintendo Account and internet access for online features; the membership is sold separately from the game. See Nintendo’s support FAQ and the US product listing for the stated requirements.

Which edition should you buy?

  • Choose physical if you want the included Leg Strap and can verify the package is complete.
  • Choose digital if you prefer a download and are comfortable buying the strap separately—or do not need it for the Soccer play you intend to do. Compare current total prices rather than assuming one format is always cheaper overall.
  • Buy an extra Joy-Con only after checking your setup. The right number depends on the sport, player count, and controllers already available.
  • Budget separately for online play. The game purchase does not include the required Nintendo Switch Online membership.
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What sports are included?

Nintendo’s current US listing describes eight sports: Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton, and Chambara. Golf was added after the game’s initial release: Nintendo’s November 28, 2022 news post described it as newly added. Nintendo gives the game’s release date as April 29, 2022 on its product page.

Quick Recap

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  • 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

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.

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