Nintendo Switch Sports details: Release date, gameplay, new modes, DLC

Alan Bernal
nintendo switch sports logo art

Nintendo Switch Sports is closing in and will expand on the beloved Wii Sports series with new games and fan-favorite modes for its upcoming release. Here’s what we know so far, including its release date, beta test details, and all the sports mini-games.

The latest entry in the Nintendo sports franchise is bringing back games like Tennis and Bowling while introducing Soccer and Badminton for your Miis to compete in.

We can expect classic gameplay from Wii Sports to shine in Nintendo Switch Sports, but with more ways to connect with friends and compete online.

Here’s what we know about the long-awaited sequel, including when it comes out, and all the sports mini-games being included.


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nintendo switch sports menu screen
The next entry in the Wii Sports series is coming to next-gen consoles with ‘Nintendo Switch Sports.’

Nintendo Switch Sports release date

Nintendo Switch Sports will release on April 29, 2022 with six base game modes and multiplayer for both local and online play. DLC will be added down the line.

To test out the online connectivity, Nintendo will host an online playtest before its official release to iron out all the technical aspects of multiplayer.

Nintendo Switch Sports platforms

It’s really in the title, but Nintendo Switch Sports will be a Switch-only title. It won’t be coming to other console platforms such as PlayStation or Xbox and it will not be available for PC players either.

Nintendo Switch Sports trailer

The three-minute Nintendo Switch Sports trailer was one of the headline acts of Nintendo’s February 2022 Direct presentation.

In it, the developers showed off all the new and returning game modes, and shared that a free DLC was coming later in the year with the return of Golf. This has inspired hope that even more mini-games will be added down the line to widen the variety and experience.

Then, on March 31, 2022, Nintendo released another trailer promoting the game, this time a proper in-depth look at the game and its functions.

Nintendo Switch Sports gameplay: Soccer, Bowling, Tennis, more

Nintendo Switch Sports will feature a mix of returning favorites from Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort, as well as a host of new mini-games.

Tennis, Bowling, and Chambara will be making their reappearance at launch. Golf will also be coming, but down the line later in 2022. The big news is that three new sports will be joining the fray: Soccer, Badminton, and Volleyball.

The soccer mini-game in Nintendo Switch Sports does have a little Rocket League flair to it, but you can actually strap a joycon to your leg and kick a football — just like real life.

Badminton has the high-octane tennis feel to it, while Volleyball will have you bumping, setting, and spiking your way to victory.

Nintendo Switch Soccer kicking with leg
You can strap a joycon to your leg and kick in Nintendo Switch Sports’ new Soccer mini-game.

The fact Golf is being added later in 2022 means we’ll likely see even more DLC sports added for Nintendo Switch Sports down the line.

We’ll keep you updated on all the news about the gaming classic’s return to the Switch as it comes in.


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About The Author

Alan is a former staff writer for Dexerto based in Southern California who covered esports, internet culture, and the broader games/streaming industry. He is a CSUF Alum with a B.A. in Journalism. He's reported on sports medicine, emerging technology, and local community issues. Got a tip or want to talk?