Nintendo has confirmed the major features and pricing model for their paid online service for the Nintendo Switch. Although we can expect expanded features as the system ages.
The basics go like this, we get full online play for co-op and competitive games, with voice chat functionality. Although for the latter you still need the Switch Online app on a smartphone.
The online multiplayer works as one would expect, in games that support it, we can play in co-op or competitive modes. According to the announcement on Nintendo’s website, games like Splatoon 2, ARMS, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Tennis Aces, and Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido are being billed as launch titles for the service.
Various price points offer a variety of affordable options for different players.
- Individual memberships:
- One month: $3.99
- Three months: $7.99
- 12 months: $19.99
There’s also a Family bundle for $34.99 a year. With a family membership, up to eight Nintendo Account holders will be able to use the Nintendo Switch Online service, even on different systems. That sounds like a great deal to me.
One additional benefit for subscribers is that they gain exclusive access to the Nintendo Entertainment System, NES, online library. The library of games marks the first time Nintendo has made these games with multiplayer support. At launch, previously announced games Balloon Fight, Dr. Mario and Super Mario Bros. 3 will be joined by Donkey Kong, Ice Climber, The Legend of Zelda, Mario Bros., Soccer, Super Mario Bros. and Tennis. An additional 10 launch games will be announced in the future. These games will also support voice chat, and can be enjoyed offline too.
But that’s not all, Cloud-based save backups for all of your games are included in the service as well. The ease of access and QoL features for anyone who has to replace their Switch hardware is a pretty great addon for fans.
Nintendo Switch Online is launching sometime this September.
