Nintendo Switch Sports includes eight sports: Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton and Chambara. You need a compatible Nintendo Switch system and Joy-Con controllers; the Leg Strap is optional and used for specific Soccer controls. The physical game edition includes one, while digital buyers can purchase it separately.
Which sports are included in Nintendo Switch Sports?
The current roster has eight sports. Nintendo added Golf in a free update and Basketball in version 1.5.0, released July 9, 2024. Nintendo’s update history lists version 1.5.0 as the latest update shown there; check the page for any later changes.
| Sport | How you play |
|---|---|
| Basketball | Play with motion controls. Nintendo lists it as available in Play Globally, Play Locally and Play with Friends. |
| Golf | Swing a Joy-Con to play courses featuring 21 holes drawn from the Wii Sports series, as described in Nintendo’s 2022 update announcement. |
| Soccer | Use motion controls to simulate kicks. Some modes also support Leg-Strap controls. |
| Volleyball | Use Joy-Con motions to serve, set, bump and spike. |
| Bowling | Swing to roll the ball; controller motion can add curve. |
| Tennis | Swing the controller like a racket, using movement to add spin. |
| Badminton | Swing the controller like a racket to return the shuttlecock. |
| Chambara | Use the controller like a sword to attack and defend in platform matches. |
Nintendo’s update history dates Basketball’s addition to July 9, 2024, and Golf’s to November 28, 2022. Nintendo describes Golf’s 21 holes in its Golf update announcement. Motion descriptions are based on Nintendo’s sports guide and product page.
What equipment do you need?
For the basic game
You need a supported Nintendo Switch system and compatible Joy-Con controllers. Controller configuration varies by sport and number of players, so an extra Joy-Con is not automatically required for every player or session. Nintendo says Switch Pro Controllers and Switch 2 Pro Controllers are not compatible. Its FAQ has sport-specific controller details and current compatibility information.
#1 Best Overall
- All-in-One Storage Solution: Upgraded with a dedicated organizer station, this kit keeps all your Switch Sports accessories in order, with designated slots (marked with accessory names) for easy access and display, eliminating desktop clutter. Nintendo Switch Interactive Gaming Figures
- Full Game Compatibility: Includes 2 Joy-Con shared grips, 2 golf clubs, 2 tennis/badminton rackets, 2 wrist straps, 2 leg straps, 2 swords, 2 bowling grips, and fits Switch/OLED console & 2 game cards (console, Joy-Cons and game cards not included), covering all Switch Sports games like golf, tennis, badminton, soccer, volleyball, bowling and chambara.Nintendo Switch Interactive Gaming Figures
- Fitness & Fun Combined: Turn game time into workout sessions! Enjoy immersive sports gameplay while staying active at home, no need for outdoor exercise. Nintendo Switch Interactive Gaming Figures
- Easy to Use & Ergonomic: Accessories snap seamlessly onto Joy-Cons without force; adjustable velcro design for soccer leg straps and volleyball wristbands; lightweight, ergonomic build delivers realistic gaming feel. Nintendo Switch Interactive Gaming Figures
- Perfect for Family & Friends: Boosts game realism and competitive fun, making it ideal for family gatherings and friend hangouts, a must-have for Switch enthusiasts! Nintendo Switch Interactive Gaming Figures
Nintendo recommends TV Mode for the best experience and says Handheld Mode is not supported. Plan to play with the console docked and Joy-Con available.
For Soccer Leg-Strap controls
The Leg Strap holds a Joy-Con (L) against your leg and is used for Soccer options that support leg movement, including Shoot-Out. It is not required for the other seven sports or for ordinary Soccer motion play. Nintendo says Joy-Con 2 controllers are not compatible with the Leg Strap.
Rank #2
- 【Switch Sports Accessories Bundle】Switch sports accessories bundle compatibles with Switch 1/ OLED Sport Games. It includes all you need: 2 x Tennis/Badminton Rackets, 2 x Golf Clubs, 2 x Chambara Swords, 2 x Bowling Grips, 2 x Wrist Straps, 2 x Leg Straps, 2 x SharedGrips and 1 x Storage Box. Have a great gaming experience.
- 【Wonderful Gift for Family and Friends】When you are still thinking about a gift for your family or friends, it will be an excellent choice! Perfect for Switch and Switch OLED family fun and Improve the family interactive game experience.
- 【Enjoying Games and Sports at Home】The switch accessories set are made of durable ABS plastic material, comfortable and lightweight to hold. Enjoy real sports with a swing of the club, giving you a sense of simulation game experience!
- 【Easy to Use】The switch sports accessories kit has push-up design, easily put in and take out. With lightweight ergonomic design, no need to worry about Your Joycon crushing or falling out.
- 【Service】If you have any problems, please contact us at any time, and we will solve them as soon as possible. Get started now! Your pre-ordered Switch Sports Accessories Bundle will arrive soon.
Nintendo states that the physical version of Nintendo Switch Sports includes the Leg Strap. If you buy the digital version, you can purchase the Leg Strap separately. A second strap may be useful for same-system Soccer sessions, but whether you need more than one depends on the mode and player setup.
Do you need extra Joy-Con or online service for multiplayer?
It depends on the sport, how many people are playing, and which controllers you already own. Check Nintendo’s controller guidance for the sport and player count you have in mind before buying another Joy-Con pair; the game’s product information notes that multiplayer may require additional accessories, not that every setup does.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- 🎁 13 in 1 Nintendo Switch Sports Bundle - The Orzly Nintendo Switch Sports Accessory Bundle Kit is perfect for Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED family fun. All Joy-Con gaming accessories are durable and ergonomic for immersive gaming, perfect for Birthdays or Christmas. Also includes a handy drawstring bag to conveniently keep everything together.
- ⛳️ Golf Clubs x2 & Chambara Swords x2 - Our Sword grips are specially designed for Nintendo Switch Sports: Chambara (Swordplay). Perfect fit for Switch/Switch OLED Joy-con. Instead of just using the Joy-Cons, the golf clubs can bring the simulation game experience to a whole new level, Made of durable ABS plastic material, lightweight, comfortable to hold, giving you a sense of simulation game experience!
- 🎾 Tennis & Badminton Rackets x2 - Simulates a real Tennis & Badminton Racket swing thanks to the ergonomic size and shape. Experience Nintendo Switch Sports Badminton, Nintendo Switch Sports Tennis & Mario Tennis Aces with 2 rackets included for a competitive match with friends and/or family
- ⚽️ Football & Volleyball Straps x2 - The leg strap is specially designed for Nintendo Switch Sports Football & Volleyball and Ring Fit Adventure, which increases the game experience and is the best gift for game lovers. The strap can stabilise your joy-con and will not loosen during use.
- 🎮 Joy-con Wrist Straps x2 - The Strap attaches to your Joy Con for additional security when playing motion-based games like Bowling on Switch Sports or Dancing on Just Dance. It also improves the SL and SR buttons, making them much easier to press. By attaching the Joy-Con strap to your wrist when you play, you can hold the Joy-Con more easily and control games more comfortably.
| Play setup | What to have |
|---|---|
| Local play on one system | Compatible Joy-Con in the configuration required for your chosen sport and player count. Local play does not require Nintendo Switch Online. |
| Online features | Internet access, a Nintendo Account and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. |
| Wired LAN play | Multiple consoles connected over a wired network. Nintendo documents up to four consoles and up to two players per console; simultaneous player limits still depend on the sport. Switch Lite may need a licensed USB LAN adapter for wired LAN. |
For current online requirements, consult Nintendo’s FAQ. Its LAN instructions explain the wired setup and sport-dependent player limits.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which edition should you choose?
- Choose the physical edition if you want the included Leg Strap for Soccer. Nintendo says the physical package includes one.
- Choose digital if you do not need the strap in the package; Nintendo says it can be purchased separately.
These edition details are from Nintendo’s US product listing and may differ by region or change with availability. Check the listing for the edition sold where you live.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED console, and joy con controllers,for Switch Sports-soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, and the Chambara,Just dance 2024 2023 2022 2021,Mario Kart 8,Tennis Aces,Zumba,and more games
- Arisll Switch Sports Accessories: Designed to enhance your experience in Switch sports, Just Dance, and racing games. This kit includes everything you need to make your game time more immersive and enjoyable
- Switch Accessories Sports 14-Piece Set: Includes 2 racing wheel grips, 2 tennis rackets, 2 boxing grips, 2 golf grips, 2 wrist straps, 2 sword grips, 1 leg strap, and a 24-in-1 game cartridge case
- Ultimate Family Fun: the Arisll switch sports accessories kit ensures everyone stays engaged and entertained in family game nights, and adds a competitive endless fun.Enjoy battling it out in a soccer match or challenging each other in a tennis game
- Enhanced Competition and Realism: Step beyond traditional video gaming and immerse yourself in a genuine sports experience. These switch sports accessories bring your favorite games to life, offering a more interactive and competitive play style
Rank #4
- 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
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.
