Nintendo Switch Online Service Detailed, Launches September

Nintendo’s online service for their lucrative Nintendo Switch console is still in its infancy, but details concerning the Kyoto-based company’s forthcoming Nintendo Switch Online service were disclosed on May 7, giving a better picture of what awaits fans.

NINTENDO SWITCH NEWS: ONLINE DETAILS DIVULGED

As with its counterparts on Sony’s and Microsoft’s consoles, Nintendo Switch Online is a paid service. You’ll be able to subscribe for one month, three months or 12 months, with each respectively costing $3.99, $7.99 and $19.99. Alternatively, a family membership – wherein one Nintendo Account can invite up to seven other people to join in – will cost $34.99. Players can buy their membership through the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo’s official website or through select retailers.

Upon becoming a member, players will be able to play with friends and strangers alike in any online multiplayer game, such as in the excellent Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. In a first for Nintendo’s ecosystem, players will also be able to save their game saves online through cloud storage. More details on the latter will come as the Nintendo Switch Online service nears its launch. Additionally, there will be special offers available to members.

Nintendo’s fans have grown accustomed to the company’s Virtual Console branding for their digital re-releases of legacy titles, though it’s a brand Nintendo is abandoning for the Switch. NES titles will nevertheless grace the platform, however, enhanced with online capabilities. 20 free NES titles will be available at launch to members, with the following confirmed:

• Balloon Fight
• Donkey Kong
• Mario Bros.
• Ice Climber
• Mario Bros.
• Soccer
• Super Mario Bros.
• Super Mario Bros. 3
• Tennis
• The Legend of Zelda

Finally, the Nintendo Switch Online service will formally launch this September.