The Nintendo Switch has been immensely popular since its launch. Nintendo did announce prior to launch that they’d roll out their own paid online service, but that early adopters of the system would be able to take advantage of many of that then-unnamed services’ features up until that service actually launched. Nintendo has taken the wraps off of Nintendo Switch Online and revealed some of the reasons why you might want to pay for the service when it launches in September.
At its most basic, Nintendo Switch Online will allow for multiplayer gaming. Switch owners have been able to get a taste of multiplayer gaming now, so Nintendo will obviously want to offer more to show gamers that their online service is worth the money. What better way to do that than with free games?
While Nintendo has confirmed that Switch Online won’t be getting a Virtual Console specifically, there will be a selection of 20 games at launch — with more said to be added regularly — that subscribers can play in order to scratch that retro gaming itch they might have. The games will include online play for the first time ever, allowing you to play with (or against) your friends from across the couch or across town. The initial offering obviously features Nintendo first-party titles, but there are some absolute classics available right out of the gate:
- Donkey Kong
- Mario Bros.
- Super Mario Bros.
- Balloon Fight
- Ice Climber
- Dr. Mario
- The Legend of Zelda
- Super Mario Bros. 3
Nintendo Switch Online will also offer cloud saves, though Nintendo has not said exactly what that will entail, only that more details would be available before the service launches. Similarly, special offers are said to be rolling out after launch, though no word on what those are quite yet. Nintendo has confirmed that system and software updates, friends lists, screenshot sharing, parental controls, and the eShop will still be available to all without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Pricing has been outlined, and if you’re used to what Microsoft and Sony have been charging for their respective services, this will be a breath of fresh air, though obviously with a less robust service behind it. Nintendo Switch Online is available in Individual or Family memberships.
Individual memberships come in tiers at $3.99 USD per month, $7.99 for 3 months, or $19.99 per year. The Family membership comes in one size at $34.99 per year, though if you have more than one player it’s by far the best way to go. The Family membership will allow up to seven additional family members (for a total of 8 accounts) to access Nintendo Switch Online services.
What do you think about Nintendo Switch Online? Does it offer enough for the money they’re asking? Tell us what you think in the comment section below, or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
[button link=â€https://www.nintendo.com/switch/online-service/†icon=â€fa-external-link†side=â€left†target=â€blank†color=â€285b5e†textcolor=â€ffffffâ€]Source: Nintendo[/button]
