Yes. Nintendo Switch Sports supports a single Joy-Con in some sports, but controller compatibility depends on the sport and player setup. To play without internet, choose Play Locally on one console; you do not need a Nintendo Switch Online membership for same-console local play.
Can you play with one Joy-Con?
Sometimes. Nintendo says controller support varies by sport and includes single Joy-Con configurations. That does not mean one Joy-Con works for every sport or every multiplayer arrangement, so check the controller prompt for the sport and number of players you select. Nintendo does not establish a complete sport-by-sport controller count in its general FAQ. Nintendo’s controller FAQ lists the supported configuration types.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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MLB: The Show 26 - Nintendo Switch | $37.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Nintendo Switch Sports Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513dxGiaPIL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Nintendo Switch Sports Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
30 Sport Games in 1 Nintendo Switch | $25.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Instant Sports - Nintendo Switch | $28.68 | Buy on Amazon |
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The game does not support Handheld Mode. Nintendo recommends TV mode for the best experience. Nintendo Switch Sports FAQ
How to play without an internet connection
On the game’s mode-selection screen, choose Play Locally. This is the offline option: players share one console, and the game supports one to four players depending on the sport. If you play alone, you compete against computer opponents. Nintendo’s support guidance directs players who want to play without communication to Play Locally. Nintendo Support: Nintendo Switch Sports
#1 Best Overall
- Step up and take control of how you leave your mark in the biggest, most immersive MLB The Show yet.
- NEW – Road to Cooperstown & Expanded Amateur Years Career. Your journey to greatness starts here, which path will you choose? Earn a coveted spot at the MLB Draft Combine or catch the eye of one of 11 additional new colleges as you advance through chapters of your career.
- Compete in the officially licensed Men’s NCAA College World Series as you rise from a promising high school talent to one of the all-time MLB greats – immortalized in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and maybe even a place on the first ballot.
- Build your ultimate fantasy team with a new Red Diamond rarity tier and World Baseball Classic player cards featuring elite game-changing players.
- Play revamped Mini-Seasons campaigns as you level up your stars with an upgraded PXP system, customize their skills with Parallel Mods, and hit Parallel V faster through special challenges.
Play options and what they require
| Mode | Internet required? | Nintendo Switch Online required? | How it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play Locally | No | No | One console; one to four players depending on the sport. Solo play is against computer opponents. Nintendo Support Japan |
| Play Globally | Yes | Yes for online play; Nintendo also offers a trial against computer opponents without membership | The trial still requires an internet connection, according to Nintendo Support. Nintendo Support Japan: Nintendo Switch Online FAQ |
| LAN play | Uses a wired local network setup | Not stated in Nintendo’s LAN instructions | A separate option for connecting multiple consoles; it is not wireless local play. See Nintendo’s LAN play instructions. |
Play Locally is not local wireless multiplayer
Play Locally means multiple players use the same console; it does not connect separate consoles over local wireless communication. If you want to play across multiple consoles, Nintendo documents LAN play as a separate wired network setup. Nintendo’s instructions for playing with friends
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 6 sports: Baseball, run's jump, goalkeeper, tennis, bowling & rafting.
- 20 characters to customize (change your name, outfit, accessories & hair)
- Varied game modes - Solo or multiplayer for up to 8 players.
- More than 15 environments and tons of unlockable items.
Rank #3
- The ultimate game that brings together 30 different sports
- Challenge your family or friends and may the best player win
- Multiple game modes available: Quick match or Tournament / Team mode or Solo
- Explore a multitude of environments! Volcano / Desert / Snowy countries
- Unlock new costumes and choose to play with motion or buttons on NSW
Rank #2
- Swing, kick, spike, and bowl your way to victory in 7 sports
- Play Golf, Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton and Chambara (swordplay)
- Motion controls will get you moving and help turn your real-world actions into in-game movements
- Use the Leg Strap accessory to kick the ball in Soccer
- Play with friends and family locally or online—in some sports, you and a friend can even team up on the same system to take on other teams online
What to check before starting
- Choose the sport and number of players first, then follow its controller prompts; requirements vary.
- For offline play on a single console, select Play Locally.
- For online play, plan on internet access and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. The membership-free Play Globally trial is still online and requires internet.
- Use TV mode rather than Handheld Mode.
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