Nintendo announced a new partnership with PlayVS earlier today. The goal of the partnership is for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Splatoon 2 along with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to be officially recognised as varsity sports at participating high schools in the United States.
The first two games will be part of the 2021 fall high school season, which kicks off on 20 September. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will do the same in spring 2022.
We leave you with the published message:
Through this partnership with Nintendo and PlayVS’ unique partnership with state and national high school athletic associations, high school players can now compete in officially sanctioned high school Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Splatoon 2 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe matches. In addition, PlayVS and Nintendo will provide a Nintendo Switch console to hundreds of selected qualifying schools that compete in a PlayVS Nintendo title league this school year 2021-2022.
Three thousand selected qualifying schools will each receive either the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 2 game and a 12-month individual Nintendo Switch Online membership. Qualification details will be shared at a later date.
Schools can check with their respective state athletic associations to see what games will be available for their state leagues this fall. High school coaches interested in having their teams join the upcoming college game competition season can join the waiting list and find more information at this link.
We’re excited to share an official partnership with @PlayVS that will make #SmashBrosUltimate & #Splatoon2 officially recognized varsity athletics at participating high schools beginning in Fall 2021!
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) May 27, 2021
Learn more, including how to join the waitlist today!https://t.co/UCYcxtYDW7 pic.twitter.com/J5zjAJJuKM