Nintendo Switch Sports

Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Sports is available worldwide as of April 29, 2022!
Release Date and Editions / Switch Sports Review
List of Sports / Pro League / Beginner's Guide
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Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online?

You need to have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription if you want to play Nintendo Switch Sports online and obtain items, but it is not necessary if you are mainly playing the game locally. Read on for more information about playing the game with or without an online subscription, as well as a comparison of features!

Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online?

Comparison of Features

With NSO subscription Without NSO subscription
Online opponents Real players and CPUs CPUs only
Pro League access? Yes No
Playing with friends Online and local Local only
Obtaining items Can obtain all items in collections Limited to two items per collection

Yes, If You Want to Play Online and Obtain Items

Needed to play online against real players

Tennis Max Match Point

If you want to play online against random players and test your skills in the game's Pro League ranked matchmaking feature, then you do need to have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Having an active online subscription will allow you to connect with random people online and rise through the ranks of the Pro League, compared to only facing CPU-controlled opponents with no access to the game's ranked matchmaking when playing in Trial Mode, the game's limited online functionality when you do not have an active online subscription.

How to Unlock Pro League

Needed to play with friends online

Online Lobbies

Additionally, if you want to connect with your friends from faraway, you also need to have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to connect with them and play in a lobby.

How to Play Online Multiplayer

Needed to obtain items from collections

Soccer Collection

You also need an online subscription if you want to have plenty of items to customize your Sportsmate or Mii. These items, which range from clothes, hats, and more can be obtained by playing online, earning points, and obtaining them from Weekly Collections.

If you are connected to Nintendo Switch Online, you will have access to various clothing items, stamps, and titles as you play online, something which is very limited when playing in Trial Mode.

List of All Items

No, If You Will Only Play Offline

Not needed to play locally

Local Multiplayer

If the reason why you bought Nintendo Switch Sports is solely to play with your family and friends while being in the same room, then getting a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not necessary. You can enjoy the game locally without an online subscription, although you might need a couple more Joy-Con controllers to accommodate more people.

How to Play Local Multiplayer

Not needed to play in Trial Mode

If you are content with playing against CPU-controlled Sportsmates and obtaining a few items for customization, you also do not need an online subscription and you can play the game in Trial Mode.

Trial Mode will allow you to experience random matchmaking in Play Globally, although you will only face CPUs. Additionally, you can only earn two items from the newest collection added in the game.

What is Trial Mode?

Not needed to play against CPUs

CPUs and Difficulty

If you don't mind only having to match against CPUs when playing alone, then you can opt not to get an online subscription.

Facing against CPUs can come with a challenge, as you can select their difficulty before starting a match against them.

CPU Difficulty Guide

Clothing options limited

Trial Mode Two Item Limit

If character customizations isn't your thing, then you can also opt not to avail Nintendo Switch Online services.

Clothing customizations will be very limited when playing online against CPUs in Trial Mode, as you can only get a limited amount of items in the featured collections, compared to having full access to all items after unlocking them if you do have an online subscription.

As a workaround to look different, you can play the game as a Mii which you can freely customize in your Switch's Mii Maker.

Mii Creation Guide

Switch Sports Related Guides

Switch Sports News and Game Info
News and Game Info

Latest News
Release DateRelease Date & Editions Pre-Order BonusesPre-Order Bonuses
TrailersList of Trailers Online Play TestSwitch Sports Online Play Test
Mii MattIs Mii Matt in Switch Sports? Missing Wii Sports GamesMissing Wii Sports Games
Is Free Roam Possible?Is Free Roam Possible? Switch Sports ReviewReview and Evaluation
Differences from Past GamesDifferences from Past Games -
Game Features
Character CreationCharacter Creation Guide Switch Sports How to Farm Points PartialHow to Farm Points
Multiplayer FeaturesMultiplayer Features Online Pro LeagueOnline Pro League
Using MiisHow to Create & Use Miis Nintendo Switch Sports - Alternate-Color ModeAlternate-Color Mode
Switch Sports - Solo PlayHow to Play Solo Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online?Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online?
Online Play PenaltyOnline Play Penalty -
Software and Hardware Guides
How to DownloadHow to Download and Install Free Software UpdatesFree Software Updates
Leg Strap UpdateLeg Strap Update AccessoriesSwitch Sports Accessories
Controller SupportController Support Switch Lite CompatibilitySwitch Lite Compatibility

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