To play together on one Nintendo Switch, start Nintendo Switch Sports, choose Play Locally, select a sport, then follow its on-screen prompts to set the player count and assign Joy-Con controllers. If you mean playing on several consoles in the same room, use the separate LAN Play option, which connects systems by Ethernet.
Play locally on one Nintendo Switch
- Start Nintendo Switch Sports.
- Select Play Locally.
- Choose a sport. Follow the prompts to choose the number of players and the controller setup for that sport.
- Pass or assign compatible Joy-Con controllers as the game instructs, then begin.
For a specific example, Nintendo’s beginner guide shows this Soccer practice route: Play Locally → Soccer → One Player → Free Practice. The game’s prompts vary by sport, so use the player and controller options shown for the one you choose.
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Can two people play on one Switch?
Yes. Same-console play supports multiple players, but the available player count and controller arrangement depend on the sport. Nintendo describes players sharing Joy-Con for 1v1, 2v2, or free-for-all play; Bowling also allows all players to bowl at the same time. See Nintendo’s product page for the listed sports and play modes.
Check controller and console compatibility
- Supported controller configurations vary by sport and include paired Joy-Con, a single Joy-Con, and Joy-Con with a Leg Strap.
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers and Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controllers are not compatible.
- Nintendo Switch Sports does not support Handheld Mode. Nintendo recommends TV Mode on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED Model, or Nintendo Switch 2 for the best experience.
These compatibility details are from Nintendo Support’s FAQ.
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Use the Soccer Leg Strap only if you want that mode
The Leg Strap is optional and applies to Soccer. On the Joy-Con holding screen in Play Locally or Play with Friends, press + to switch to Leg-Strap Mode. Nintendo says the physical version’s included strap and the Ring Fit Adventure Leg Strap can be used; Joy-Con 2 controllers cannot be used with the strap. See Nintendo’s beginner guide for the documented menu example and strap information.
Connect several consoles with LAN Play
LAN Play is for several consoles on the same wired network, not for two players sharing one console. Nintendo documents support for up to four consoles and up to two players on each, or eight total; the number who can play simultaneously depends on the sport. Each console needs the game, a dock, an Ethernet cable, and a television. A LAN adapter is needed for a dock without a built-in LAN port. Connect every console by Ethernet to the same router; a network switch can provide additional ports.
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- 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
- On each console, start the game and highlight Play with Friends.
- Hold L and R, then click the Left Stick at the same time to reveal LAN Play.
- Select LAN Play, choose Single Player or Two Players, and select the participating user.
- On one console, choose Make a New Room. On each other console, choose Join Room.
- After everyone has joined, the host selects Play with this group!, then continues through the on-screen sport selection.
Nintendo’s LAN Play instructions include dock and adapter notes for Nintendo Switch, OLED, Lite, and Switch 2 models.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo identifies a Nintendo Switch Online membership as a requirement for online play, not for same-system Play Locally. Without a membership, choosing Play Globally provides only a trial competition against computer opponents. Check Nintendo Support’s FAQ for its online and compatibility details.
Quick Recap
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
