One of the major differences between Nintendo Switch Sports and its Nintendo Wii predecessor Wii Sports is that the game has an online mode. For the first time, players are able to take part in sports like bowling and tennis while facing other players from around the world. However, who players take on depends on how much they play the game.

RELATED: Nintendo Switch Sports: How to Unlock Cosmetics

This is where the Nintendo Switch Sports Pro League comes in. This is essentially an online ranked system that will help the game to determine who players should be facing at any given time. Competing in the Pro League means extra incentive to play the game again, but players need to unlock the league first.

How To Unlock Pro League in Nintendo Switch Sports

Bowling with strangers in Nintendo Switch Sports

Pro League is not available when players initially boot up Nintendo Switch Sports. This is because it wants players to play some online matches before they are thrown into that mode. Luckily, Pro League only needs to be unlocked for the sport that players want to actively compete in. To get into the league, players must play a total of 10 online rounds of the specific sport that they want to unlock the mode for.

RELATED: Nintendo Switch Sports: How to Play Local and Online Multiplayer

In other words, 10 rounds of bowling against random opponents online will get players into competing against others who wanted to go pro as well. To set up an online match, players will need to select the "Play Globally" option. From there, they must choose to play alone as playing with a local friend will not contribute to the 10 rounds necessary to get into the Pro League. Once 10 rounds are played, a message will be sent to the player saying that they are a "Certified Pro."

How Does Pro League Work

Two players competing in Chambara in Nintendo Switch Sports

After receiving the message about becoming a "Certified Pro," players will be automatically be put into Pro League mode for that sport. This means that every time players log on to online solo-play, they will be competing at a Pro League status. Players are given a rank to start their time in the Pro League, which will begin at Rank E. From there, league play essentially pits the player against another group of players that are the same rank as them. As players get better, they may qualify for higher ranks.

With the exception of Rank A, each letter grade has a minus, normal, and plus stage. Rank A is the highest level that players can reach in any sport, and continuing to play will see players come up against the very best players in the world. Players should be wary though, as league rank will depend on both wins and losses, meaning that a loss could push players back down to a lower ranking. Inactivity will not affect a player's rank.

Every Rank in Nintendo Switch Sports

  • A
  • B+
  • B
  • B-
  • C+
  • C
  • C-
  • D+
  • D
  • D-
  • E

Nintendo Switch Sports is out now on the Nintendo Switch.

MORE: Things We Loved About Nintendo Switch Sports (& Things We Didn't)