Japanese company Nintendo will debut its Nintendo Switch Online service in the second half of September, just 18 months after the success of the console’s first launch. The Nintendo Switch, a hybrid Nintendo console, functions as both a home gaming device and portable handheld. Within its first year of release, the Switch sold over 10 million units. To keep the momentum going, Nintendo has detailed what players can expect to get when subscribing for their new service.
Nintendo Switch Online is a paid online service. Much like Xbox Live or Playstation Plus, signing up to the service affords players additional content, offers, and access to online multiplayer play. Nintendo Switch Online will give members access to online compatible games, a selection of NES games, extra features for the online app and more.
By subscribing for the Switch Online, gamers will get access to online games like Splatoon 2, Arms, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Mario Tennis Aces. Players can also access classic Nintendo Entertainment System games like Super Mario Bros. 3, The Legend of Zelda, and Dr. Mario.
Players will also be able to save all of their hard-earned progress online for easy access by using the Save Data Cloud Backup. Like other cloud systems, Nintendo’s Cloud Backup system will make it easy to retrieve game data if any is lost in the system or when players want start a new game.
Subscribers will also get access to features on the Nintendo Switch smartphone app and receive special offers. More information on the app will be released as the launch date draws closer.
Nintendo Switch owners will not automatically become members of the online service; they will need to purchase an individual or family membership in order to avoid disruption to their online compatible games. Individual memberships start at $4 a month, or $8 for three months, or $20 a year. A family membership can include up to eight members and will cost $35 a year.
By: Maytinee Kramer
