Nintendo has taken Switch Sports offline due to an update bug

Nintendo has temporarily disabled online play and save data backups for Nintendo Switch Sports.

The platform holder said it has taken the game’s servers offline while it investigates a solution to a recently discovered bug.

The bug in question, which causes the game to close during pre-match loading screens, was discovered following the launch of a new game update, the rollout of which has now been suspended.

“A bug has been found in the Nintendo Switch Sports Ver1.2.1 update which causes the software to close during the pre-match loading screen,” Nintendo tweeted.

“This is unfortunately affecting both online and offline play modes. We have therefore temporarily suspended the rollout of this update.

“Whilst we investigate to find a solution, Nintendo Switch Sports servers will be temporarily taken offline and online play will not be available during this time.

“Save data backup is also temporarily suspended. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience.”

Switch Sports was released in April with six sports: tennis, bowling, chanbara (swordplay), football, badminton and volleyball.

The game’s free summer update launched in July, introducing several new features including leg strap functionality for football matches and new volleyball moves.

A second free Switch Sports update, which was originally scheduled to add golf to the list of playable sports this autumn, was recently delayed to the holiday season.

“Hit the fairway across 21 holes from the Wii Sports series and play with friends in local or online play, or be the last golfer swinging in 8-player Survival Golf!” reads a Nintendo blurb.