While Nintendo Switch has definitely been a success so far in terms of excellent game releases, it still lacks many of the features which its competitors hold as standard. Since launch, fans have been clamoring for a more substantial Nintendo online service, the details of which have recently just been announced. It’ll bring a slew of new features to Nintendo Switch, and is available as part of a variety of different levels of membership. Here’s everything you need to know.
Release Date
Everything You Need to Know About Nintendo’s Online Service
Since launch, Nintendo Switch has allowed players to play games online free of charge. This is all set to change when the online service launches later this year, with games like Splatoon 2 and Super Smash Bros. requiring a subscription to be played online. Nintendo has set a launch window of September 2018 for the Online service, though no exact timings have been announced. We’ll likely hear more details closer to the launch.
Pricing
Everything You Need to Know About Nintendo’s Online Service
Nintendo is offering three separate standard membership plans for customers to choose from. The cheapest is the one-month (30 days) plan which costs $4 (£3.49, €3.99). Then there’s the three-month option that will set you back $8 (£6.99, €7.99). Finally, you can pick up a year’s subscription for $20 (£17.99, €19.99). On top of the regular subscription options, Nintendo is also offering a family membership, which allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to use one Nintendo Switch Online membership. It costs $34.99 (£31.49, € 34.99). We’ll likely hear more details relating to the family membership soon, given that it could allow people to cheat the system a bit.
This price-point positions Nintendo’s online service at a much lower price than its competitors, most likely due to the lack of free modern titles which come packaged with the likes of PS Plus and Xbox Live Gold.
NES Library
Everything You Need to Know About Nintendo’s Online Service
There was a collective sigh across the internet when the full details of Nintendo’s upcoming online service were announced. Many had been hoping for some form of Virtual Console, the likes of which had featured on the Wii and WiiU. Instead, Nintendo is offering a regularly-updated library of NES games, with updated features. The list of launch games so far includes:
- Ice Climber
- The Legend of Zelda
- Balloon Fight
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Mario Bros.
- Super Mario Bros.
- Dr. Mario
- Super Mario Bros. 3
- Donkey Kong
As mentioned previously, these games won’t just be straight up ports, instead being updated with a host of new features. Each one will be playable online, and friends can even watch each other play single-player games online, and ‘pass the controller’ at any time. There will be another 10 games at launch, but they have yet to be announced.
Cloud Saves and a Smartphone App
Everything You Need to Know About Nintendo’s Online Service
One of the most frequently requested features for Nintendo Switch is cloud saving. Currently, there is no way to protect your game data in the event of your console biting the dust, other than moving everything to an SD card. Thankfully, Nintendo Switch’s online service will implement cloud saves, meaning that players can rest a little easier.
As well as cloud saves, Nintendo intends to offer an updated version of its smartphone app. The app allows players to use voice chat via their mobile devices, which is currently the only way to do so between Switch users. It will work with a variety of games in different ways specific to each one. Further details are yet to be announced. Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will also be eligible for exclusive offers via the eShop, with more details to be announced at launch.
Stay tuned for more details as we get them and in the meantime, you can read our thoughts on the announcement here.
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