To play Nintendo Switch Sports together on one console, connect the Switch to a TV, open the game’s local-play option, choose the player count offered for the sport or mode, then assign controllers by following the on-screen prompts. The Joy-Con setup varies by sport, so you do not necessarily need a full pair for every player. For a typical living-room game, you do not need LAN or a second console.
What you need for same-console play
- A Nintendo Switch console and a copy of Nintendo Switch Sports. Nintendo lists eight sports: Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton, Chambara, Basketball and Golf. The product page describes playing with friends and family on the same system: Nintendo Switch Sports product page.
- Compatible Joy-Con controllers. The required number and arrangement depend on the sport and selected mode; Nintendo lists paired Joy-Con, single Joy-Con, and Joy-Con with a Leg Strap among supported play styles: Nintendo Switch Sports FAQ.
- A TV setup. Nintendo says the game does not support Handheld Mode and recommends TV Mode on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED and Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers and Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controllers are not compatible with the game. A Leg Strap is relevant only to supported Soccer play, not a general requirement for local multiplayer.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Nintendo Neon Purple/Neon Orange Joy-Con (L-R) - Switch | $87.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo Joy-Con (L/R) - Neon Red/Neon Blue (Renewed) | $60.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo Blue/Neon Yellow Joy-Con (L-R) - Switch | $79.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Nintendo Joy-Con (L)/(R) - Pastel Purple/Pastel Green | $87.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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How to set up local multiplayer on one Switch
- Place the console in its dock and connect it to a TV.
- Start Nintendo Switch Sports and choose the local-play option.
- Select the number of participants offered for the sport or mode you want to play.
- Use the controller diagrams on screen to assign each Joy-Con. The game will show the arrangement required for that selection; it may be one Joy-Con per player or another supported setup.
- Put on the wrist straps when appropriate, clear the play area, and leave enough room to swing safely. Nintendo advises players to be aware of their surroundings and allow adequate space: Nintendo health and safety information.
There is no single controller arrangement or player limit that applies to every sport. Follow the prompts shown for the selected mode instead of assuming each player needs a pair.
How many Joy-Con do you need?
It depends on the sport and mode. Some play styles use one Joy-Con per person; others may call for a different supported arrangement. Nintendo’s general controller guidance says a Switch can connect up to eight wireless controllers in most circumstances, but that is a console connection limit—not proof that a particular Nintendo Switch Sports mode supports eight players. See Nintendo Switch controller pairing support for the general connection guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Two Joy Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as 1 game controller when attached to the Joy Con grip
- They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two player action in supported games
- Each Joy Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible
Examples by sport
- Bowling: Players with a Joy-Con can roll at the same time rather than wait for turns.
- Tennis: A single Joy-Con works like a racket, and the sport supports playing with a friend on the same system.
- Soccer Shoot-Out: Two people can play on one Switch; each player gets five attempts. A Joy-Con attached to the Leg Strap can be used to kick.
- Volleyball, Badminton and Chambara: These sports use Joy-Con motion controls, but their specific controller assignment depends on the selected mode.
Nintendo provides these examples in its Nintendo Switch Sports announcement. They illustrate different control styles; they do not establish one universal player count or Joy-Con requirement for all eight sports.
Soccer and the Leg Strap
Use the Leg-Strap option only when it is offered for the selected Soccer mode and the players want that control style. The Leg Strap is not required for other sports or for local multiplayer generally. Nintendo says Joy-Con 2 controllers are not compatible with the Leg Strap; check the Nintendo Switch Sports FAQ for the compatibility details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Same-console play versus LAN play
For a normal two-player session in the same room, use local play on one console. LAN is a separate option for groups using multiple consoles connected by Ethernet.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →| Setup | Hardware and connection | Group size described by Nintendo |
|---|---|---|
| Same-console local play | One Switch; no wired network setup. Assign Joy-Con as prompted for the sport and mode. | Sport- and mode-specific; Nintendo does not give one universal cap for all sports. |
| LAN play | Multiple Switch consoles, the game on each, Ethernet cables and a wired router. A network switch may be needed if the router lacks enough ports. | Up to four consoles and up to two players per console, up to eight total; the sport determines simultaneous participation. |
The LAN figures are Nintendo’s limits for its wired multi-console setup, not a same-console player limit. See Nintendo’s LAN-play instructions.
Rank #3
- Two Joy Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as 1 game controller when attached to the Joy Con grip
- They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy 2 player action in supported games
- Each Joy Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible
Set up LAN play only if you have multiple consoles
- Connect each console to the same wired router by Ethernet, and start the game on each console.
- On the host console, highlight Play with Friends, hold L and R, then click and hold the Left Stick to open LAN Play.
- Choose one or two players for that console, select the users, and create a room.
- On each other console, follow the same LAN Play path and join the room.
Use Nintendo’s LAN instructions for the full wired setup and room-joining details: Nintendo Switch Sports: How to Play Using LAN Play.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Expand your collection with these colorful pastel Joy-Con controllers.
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