Nintendo of America Partners with ISEA to Bring Competitive Esports to Schools Across 23 States

Nintendo of America has announced a significant new partnership with the Interstate Scholastic Esports Alliance (ISEA), aiming to enhance accessibility, community engagement, and rewards in competitive gaming for students.

This initiative will see the introduction of tournaments and school-organized events featuring popular Nintendo Switch titles such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate, and Splatoon 3, starting in fall 2024. The collaboration between Nintendo and ISEA marks a major step in incorporating esports into the landscape of elementary, middle, and high schools across the United States.

Over 80,000 students from grades 4 through 12 in 23 states are expected to participate, making it one of the most expansive scholastic gaming programs in the country.

To support these efforts, Nintendo of America will provide a substantial number of complimentary Nintendo Switch Online memberships and digital game download codes, ensuring wider accessibility for participating students. Danielle Johnson, President of the Interstate Scholastic Esports Alliance, expressed enthusiasm for the new initiative.

She emphasized the partnership's goal to make gaming an inclusive and enjoyable social activity for all students, regardless of gaming experience.

Johnson noted that school-based gaming programs offer students a unique sense of belonging, often connecting those who may not have previously engaged in other competitive or extracurricular activities.

She also highlighted the additional benefits, stating that such programs have been shown to improve attendance and foster long-lasting, healthy relationships among students. Nintendo of America’s Vice President of Player and Product Experience, Bill Trinen, reinforced the company’s dedication to fostering positive play experiences.

Trinen remarked that Nintendo supports young people who wish to explore or deepen their passion for gaming via cooperative and competitive events.

He added that collaborating closely with the ISEA will create a welcoming and enjoyable environment open to all students. In November 2023, Nintendo of America updated its official guidelines and launched a streamlined application portal to assist organizers of small-scale, nonprofit community tournaments.

The revised system was designed to simplify and clarify the process for hosting events featuring Nintendo-owned titles. For those interested in learning more or finding their state’s official scholastic esports organization, further information is available on the Interstate Scholastic Esports Alliance's website.

This joint endeavor signifies Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to education, community building, and the development of the next generation of competitive gamers through the popular Nintendo Switch platform.

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