Nintendo of America and the ISEA partner to bring gaming esports to schools

Nintendo of America is partnering with the Interstate Scholastic Esports Alliance (ISEA) to make gaming competitions more social, accessible, and rewarding. Starting this fall, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Splatoon 3 games for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model systems will be used for school-organized tournaments and events for grades 4 through 12, reaching over 80,000 elementary, middle, and high school students across 23 states. Nintendo of America and the ISEA are excited to offer students another way to gather in the name of fun and friendly competition. As part of the partnership, Nintendo will provide a large quantity of Nintendo Switch Onlinememberships and digital game download codes at no cost.

“We are so excited to partner with Nintendo as we continue to grow and expand competitive gaming opportunities for students across the country,” said ISEA President Danielle Johnson. “Games are a fun, communal experience. We want to make gaming accessible to as many students as possible regardless of their previous gaming experience. School-based gaming programs connect students that may have not 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 November 2023, Nintendo of America reorganized its official guidelines and application portal for individual competitive gaming event organizers. The goal was to make the process of hosting not-for-profit, small-scale community tournaments involving games for which Nintendo owns the copyright easier and more transparent. This partnership with the ISEA is yet another way to help build and support an engaged and connected gaming community.

“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.”

Nintendo of America