Update: Nintendo Switch Sports Adding a New Free Sport

The June Nintendo Direct was filled with exciting announcements from Nintendo, including a new free DLC for Nintendo Switch Sports. The game’s roster of sports playable with motion controls will now include basketball, which can be downloaded for free by those who already own the game.

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Basketball is Coming to Nintendo Switch Sports

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nintendo switch sports basketball date — Image Source: Nintendo YouTube

To coincide with the 2024 Summer Olympics, Nintendo Switch Sports now offers basketball for active Switch players. The game provides multiple ways to keep it exciting, including 2v2 matches against other pairs and various training modes to improve your skills. These 2v2 matches are available for local play or online with an active subscription.

The event will feature a solo three-point challenge, in which participants attempt to score as many baskets as they can within a designated time frame. Additionally, there is a Five-Streak Battle mode where four players, including yourself, compete to make five consecutive baskets while shooting at the same time.

In Nintendo Switch Sports, you have the ability to use the JoyCon’s motion controls to perform various actions such as dribbling, passing, and shooting the basketball. As a defender, you can also attempt to block your opponent’s shots and steal the ball during a pass. For added flair, you can even dunk the ball if you are able to get close to the net.

As players become aware of the availability of new sports, there may be an increased demand for additional games in the future. While it is uncertain if this will result in more regular updates to the game, the fact that the current update is free to play is a positive indication.

During the Nintendo Direct, it was announced that Basketball will be added to Nintendo Switch Sports sometime this Summer. The exact release date was not disclosed. Players will be able to update the game for free once the new sport is available, and it will be included on the main menu alongside the other sports.