The recent Nintendo Direct featured many exciting updates about new games coming to the Nintendo Switch. Many popular Nintendo game brands received big updates, but Nintendo’s most ambitious sports project stirred some under-the-radar excitement.Nintendo Switch Sportswas released back in 2022 with an emphasis on physical play, offering a more immersive experience.
Soccer, golf, volleyball, tennis, bowling, badminton, and chambara (swordplay) are the sports currently offered. Players can even purchase tennis rackets, swords, and other accessories that hold the joy-con for users to play each respective sport. However, a desire for more sports options has lingered aroudn the game for some time. Basketball was announced in the Nintendo Direct and may be the game changer forNintendo Switch Sportsto continue growing.
Nintendo Switch Sports Has Been Consistently Popular Even Before Adding Basketball
The launch ofNintendo Switch Sportsin 2022 has seen it remain relatively popular as a top-20 all-time Nintendo Switch game with over a dozen million copies sold. Games like this andRing Fit Adventureoffer a physical element with Joy-Cons, allowing a fun form of exercise while playing the games. Nintendo sold users the idea of playing sports games or matches in one’s living room with friends in person or even online.
61.97 million
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31.85 million
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Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!
15.07 million
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
15.06 million
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13.44 million
Nintendo Switch Sports
13.11 million
The video game continues to sell consistently as an evergreen title, which makes it clear that updates are valuable for such a unique project.Basketball is among the most popular sports video game genresinternationally to open new interest in the game for users all over the world. Nintendo will add this update for users who already have the game at some point during the summer. Basketball is the first update since golf was added a few years ago.
A younger demographic also lovesNintendo Switch Sports, and so the summer break off from school is the perfect time to introduce this new feature. Golf, tennis, and bowling don’t have the same level of reach that basketball does in the sports world.NBA 2Kthrives every year, despite a lot of fan criticism, thanks to the novel concept of the basketball video game experience being fun. Basketball was likely intentionally selected to sell more games and bring back users who own it already.
How Will Basketball Mechanics Work For Nintendo Switch Sports?
The innovative idea of selling accessories to provide the most realistic immersive experience of playing sports video games likely won’t follow the same blueprint for basketball.Nintendo Switch Sportssells the full slate of items for the other sports that were part of the initial release.The Nintendo Direct trailershows users holding the Joy-Con in hand and trying to perfect a shooting motion within the game, like shooting an actual basketball in the park.
There likely won’t be anything replicating the golf club or tennis racket accessories for the other sports in the game. Nintendo may be smart in going this route, since it’s much harder to have a physical basketball or hoop aligned with video game play. The act of holding a Joy-Con and shooting hoops is simple enough on its own.
Nintendo Switch Sportsmultiplayer will see2v2 games available online, since the online player max is set at two as a team or opponents. Local play with friends in person will see the same 2v2 option offered, but there are a few other options. A solo three-point challenge gives users the chance to practice their shots and challenge themselves if playing alone.
Five-streak battle is another cool basketball mode that allows four people to play allat the same time in aNintendo Switch Sportsparty mode. Each mode offers a way to enjoy playing basketball, whether with friends, strangers, or even alone, for the full gaming experience.
Will Nintendo Switch Sports Add More Sports?
Wii Sports Past Games Create High Expectations For Nintendo Switch Sports Adding More
Nintendo Switch Sportswasclearly inspired by Nintendo’s olderWii Sportsgamesas the first outlet to play a video game offering the perks of playing the game physically. Basketball being included in some of the Wii games had Nintendo fanatics wanting that sport in the Switch game from the start. The update proves that Nintendo is willing to listen to the audience of this game to extend its shelf life.
However, there are plenty of other sports in the Wii games that have yet to be added toNintendo Switch Sports.Baseball, boxing, cycling, and archery are some of the sports that could be part of future updates. However, Nintendo already has a fair share of boxing games using the Joy-Con to physically box, including the popularFitness Boxingseries with licensed songs. Archery, cycling, and other secondary options might be just slightly too niche for Nintendo to prioritize.
Baseball is the most likely option for future updatessinceMLB: The Showfinds popularity every year. Major American sports typically get prioritized by Nintendo since one of its main customer bases is in the United States, and it already features soccer, which gives it more international appeal. Whatever the sport is, though, the length of time between launch and basketball’s release may meanNintendo Switch Sportsdoesn’t get a new sport for quite some time.
Everything likely depends on howmany more copiesNintendo Switch Sportssellsafter this announcement and if the time played for those already owning it improves. The time put into the basketball update needs to result in the mode working well to appease customers. All hopes for more sports getting added will be dictated by the success or failure of the basketball mode.Nintendo Switch Sportshas a chance to get new legs for 2024 and beyond.
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.
