Nintendo of America is teaming up with the Interstate Scholastic Esports Alliance (ISEA) to expand competitive gaming opportunities in the U.S. Beginning in the fall, Schools will be able to use Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon 3 for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch — OLED Model systems for tournaments and events.
The programs reach more than 80,000 elementary school, middle school, and high school students in fourth grade and beyond. Nintendo of America and the ISEA are aiming to provide students with esports (electronic sports) experiences at school, where they can foster meaningful connections with other students through fun and friendly competition.
In addition, Nintendo will offer Nintendo Switch Online memberships and digital game download codes for free.
“Games are a fun, communal experience,” says Danielle Johnson, ISEA President. “We want to make gaming accessible to as many students as possible, regardless of their previous gaming experience. School-based gaming programs connect students who may not have been involved in social competitive activities before, and every student deserves a place to belong at school. These programs not only raise student attendance and achievement but also help students build healthy relationships that can last a lifetime.”
In further efforts to make hosting nonprofit, community tournaments easier and more transparent, Nintendo reorganized its official guidelines and application portal for individual competitive gaming event organizers in November 2023.
“We support kids who want to celebrate their passion — or discover a new passion — by getting involved in memorable cooperative and competitive play experiences,” says Bill Trinen, Vice President of Player and Product Experience at Nintendo of America. “Working closely with the ISEA ensures that we are creating a fun experience that is open to everyone.”
For more information, visit iseaesports.org and nintendo.com.
