Nintendo Teams Up with ISEA to Bring Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Smash Bros., and Splatoon 3 to U.S. School Esports

Nintendo of America has officially joined forces with the Interstate Scholastic Esports Alliance (ISEA) in a strategic partnership designed to elevate the presence of competitive gaming in U.S.

schools.

Announced ahead of the 2024–2025 school year, this collaboration will introduce school-organized tournaments featuring Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate, and Splatoon 3—three powerhouse titles from Nintendo’s acclaimed lineup.

These events will be available for students in grades 4 through 12, utilizing both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED Model systems. The scope of the initiative is vast, aiming to reach more than 80,000 elementary, middle, and high school students across 23 states.

By providing an organized platform for competition, the collaboration seeks to make gaming more social, accessible, and rewarding for young players of all skill levels.

As part of this nationwide program, Nintendo of America is supplying a significant number of Nintendo Switch Online memberships and digital game download codes at no cost to participating schools and students.

These resources are intended to break down barriers to entry and encourage broader participation, regardless of previous gaming experience or access to equipment at home. ISEA President Danielle Johnson noted the importance of inclusive, community-driven competition, stating, "We are thrilled to unite with Nintendo to expand competitive gaming opportunities throughout the country.

Gaming offers a uniquely social experience.

By making these activities accessible, we’re helping students—many of whom may not have participated in group competitions before—find a space to belong within their schools.

These programs increase student attendance and achievement, while also fostering healthy, long-lasting relationships." Nintendo of America has taken various initiatives in recent years to support community gaming.

In November 2023, the company streamlined official guidelines and the application portal for organizers of independent competitive gaming events, enhancing clarity and transparency for smaller, not-for-profit tournaments involving Nintendo Switch titles. Bill Trinen, Vice President of Player and Product Experience at Nintendo of America, affirmed the company’s commitment to fostering positive play: “Our mission is to support kids in celebrating their enthusiasm for gaming—whether they are discovering it for the first time or nurturing an existing passion.

Working in partnership with ISEA enables us to create memorable experiences that welcome all students.” By working closely with the ISEA, Nintendo continues to strengthen its presence within the educational esports landscape.

The partnership not only enriches extracurricular options for schools but also underscores Nintendo’s ongoing mission to build connected, engaged, and supportive gaming communities.

As schools nationwide prepare for these upcoming competitions, students, educators, and parents can anticipate a more robust, inclusive esports environment powered by some of the Nintendo Switch’s most beloved games.

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