Nintendo Switch Sports: How to Play Local and Online Multiplayer

Nintendo's Online Multiplayer Options

Nintendo has always excelled at creating fantastic party games for families and friends to enjoy together in the same room. In recent years, they've also focused on expanding online multiplayer options in their gaming experiences.

Nintendo Switch Sports: Local Play

The introduction of Nintendo Switch Sports is a prime example of Nintendo's efforts to blend local and online multiplayer gaming. When you boot up the game, you're presented with three options: Play Globally, Play Locally, and Play with Friends. To enjoy a gaming session with friends in the same room, select "Play Locally."

Upon choosing local play, you'll be taken to the sports selection menu, offering the chance to play any of the six available sports. If you have 1-2 players, all sports are accessible. However, for 3-4 players, Bowling, Tennis, and Volleyball are the options, as Soccer is replaced by a smaller indoor facility.

Nintendo Switch Sports: Online Play

For those interested in online gaming, Nintendo provides two options: "Play Globally" and "Play with Friends." To compete with random players worldwide, head to "Play Globally" on the main menu. It's a single-player or local co-op experience, depending on the number of players present.

In the single-player mode, you can access all six sports with various modes for each. With two players, you'll have the same options if each player has their Joy-Con controller. However, if you're playing with two Joy-Cons each, you won't have access to Soccer and twin-sword mode in Chambara.

If you prefer to play online with friends you know, "Play with Friends" is a great choice. Similar to local play, it offers options for one or two Joy-Cons. Three players grant access to all sports.

Once you navigate these menus and select your character, you can either join an existing room or create a new one. Custom room passwords are an option for added security, and the Nintendo Switch Online app enables voice chat. Up to eight friends can join a room for some online multiplayer fun.