Yes, does switch sports have basketball? Yes: Nintendo Switch Sports added basketball in a free update released in July 2024. You can play a two-on-two game or take on a shooting challenge using Joy-Con motion controls.
This guide explains how to find the sport, what its modes involve, and what to expect from local and online play. It also clears up a common mix-up: the basketball update is part of Nintendo Switch Sports, not the older Wii Sports games.
Does switch sports have basketball now?
Yes. Basketball is a playable sport in Nintendo Switch Sports. It arrived in a free software update, so you do not need to buy a separate basketball expansion or game to access it.
The sport was not included when Nintendo Switch Sports first launched. If you remember the original lineup of soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, and chambara, that is why you may not have seen basketball before. Updating the game adds it to the available sports.
Basketball plays as an arcade-style activity rather than a detailed basketball simulation. You use motion controls to dribble, pass, and shoot, with options for a team match or a focused shooting challenge.
How to find basketball in Nintendo Switch Sports
If basketball does not appear in your sport selection, first check that the game has installed its latest update. Then open the game and look through the sport selection for Basketball.
- Connect Joy-Con controllers. Make sure each player has the controller setup required by the mode you choose.
- Open Nintendo Switch Sports. Allow the game to finish any update or software check before starting.
- Choose Basketball. Select either the two-on-two match or the three-point shooting challenge.
- Pick your play setup. Choose local play or an available online option, then follow the on-screen controller instructions.
- Make room to move. Keep a clear space around you and use the Joy-Con wrist strap as directed.
If the sport is still missing, confirm that the update finished successfully and restart the game. An out-of-date game is the most likely reason a returning player cannot find the added sport.
What basketball modes can you play?
The update includes two main ways to play. The first is a two-on-two basketball match, where players use motion gestures to handle the ball and try to score against the other team. The second is a three-point challenge focused on making shots from marked positions.
The modes suit different moods. A match gives you the back-and-forth feel of playing against an opponent, while the shooting challenge lets you practice aiming and timing without a full team contest.
| Mode | What you do | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Two-on-two match | Work with a teammate to move the ball and score against the opposing side. | Players who want a competitive team game |
| Three-point challenge | Take shots from designated positions and focus on shooting rhythm. | Quick rounds or practicing your release |
These are motion-controlled game modes, not a full recreation of organized basketball. Do not expect detailed playbooks, full team rosters, or a season mode. The appeal is quick, accessible play with physical gestures.
How the Joy-Con basketball controls work
Basketball uses Joy-Con motion controls, so your movements guide actions on screen. The game gives you prompts for the required gestures, including how to handle the ball and take a shot. Follow those prompts at the start of a mode, especially if you have not played since the update.
For better control, use smooth, deliberate movements instead of swinging hard. A forceful motion does not necessarily make a more accurate shot, and it can make it harder to repeat the same timing. Keep the controller securely attached to your wrist strap.
Pay attention to the timing of a shot as well as its direction. If your attempts keep missing, slow down and repeat the motion shown in the tutorial. Small, consistent gestures are usually easier to control than hurried ones.
Can you play basketball locally or online?
You can play basketball as a local multiplayer activity, making it a good choice for a quick match with people in the same room. Online play options can also let you compete or play with others remotely. The exact setup depends on the mode and the type of online session you select.
For local play, check the player and controller instructions shown on screen before the match begins. That avoids a common setup delay: choosing a mode before confirming that everyone has the required Joy-Con controllers ready.
For online play, follow the game’s on-screen prompts to select the available session type. Online features may require an internet connection and a Nintendo Switch Online membership, depending on the feature. Check the game’s current online notice for the requirements that apply to your session.
How basketball compares with the other sports
Basketball fits the same pick-up-and-play approach as the other activities in Nintendo Switch Sports, but it uses its own gestures and match structure. The table below can help you decide which sport to choose for a group.
| Sport or mode | Main focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | Motion-controlled shooting and two-on-two play | Quick team competition |
| Bowling | Aiming and rolling a ball | Taking turns at a relaxed pace |
| Tennis | Rallying and returning shots | Fast, familiar racket play |
| Volleyball | Coordinating timed team actions | Players who enjoy cooperative rallies |
The best option depends on the group. Basketball is a natural pick if players want a team contest and enjoy motion-based controls. Bowling can be easier to dip into casually, while volleyball puts more emphasis on coordinating actions with a partner.
What to know before you start
- It is included in Nintendo Switch Sports. Basketball is added through the game update, not sold as a separate sport pack.
- It is not a full basketball simulation. The focus is on accessible motion-control play, not detailed league or franchise features.
- Update the game if it is missing. Basketball was added after the original release, so an older installation may not show it.
- Use the on-screen instructions. The game explains the gestures for each mode, and the prompts help you adjust your timing.
- Make space before swinging. Keep a safe distance from people, furniture, and other objects while using motion controls.
One detail players often overlook is the difference between owning the game and having the latest version installed. If you already own Nintendo Switch Sports but cannot see basketball, check for a software update before assuming the sport requires a separate purchase.
Yes, does switch sports have basketball? It does, with a two-on-two match and a three-point challenge added in a free update. The game offers a quick motion-controlled take on basketball, not a full simulation.
To try it, update Nintendo Switch Sports, open the sport menu, and select Basketball. Check the controller prompts and clear a safe space before you start playing.