Nintendo‘s highly anticipated online service is finally here.
Nintendo Switch Online is a paid online service for the Nintendo Switch that offers players online play, NES games, a cloud backup, and more. Individual memberships are available for $3.99 for one month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 for 12 months. Up to eight Nintendo account holders can use a family membership, which costs $34.99 for a year. A seven-day free trial is also available from Nintendo eShop.
Let’s break down the features:
Online Play
Players can engage in competitive or cooperative gameplay with people around the world in current and upcoming games such as Splatoon 2, ARMS, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Tennis Aces, Super Mario Party, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
NES Gameplay
For the first time ever, NES games will be available online. Depending on the game, players can engage in online competitive or co-op multiplayer, or take turns controlling the action. Players can also watch each other play solo games online, and virtually “pass the controller” at any time.
The 20 NES games launching with the service today are Balloon Fight, Baseball, Donkey Kong, Double Dragon, Dr. Mario,Excitebike, Ghosts ’n Goblins, Gradius, Ice Climber, Ice Hockey, The Legend of Zelda, Mario Bros., Pro Wrestling, River City Ransom, Soccer, Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Tecmo Bowl, Tennis, and Yoshi. Today marks the first time that Pro Wrestling has been available anywhere since it launched for the original NES.
Nintendo will roll out additional classic NES games. Games planned for October include NES Open Tournament Golf, Solomon’s Key, and Super Dodge Ball. In November, members will receive Metroid, Mighty Bomb Jack, and TwinBee. And in December, members get Adventures of Lolo, Ninja Gaiden and Wario’s Woods. The NES—Nintendo Switch Online library will continue to grow next year.
Save Data Cloud Backup
This backup automatically creates a copy of save data for compatible Nintendo Switch games, making it easy for players to retrieve save data if they lose their system or start using a new one.
Smartphone App
Voice chat will be supported via the smartphone app with a variety of multiplayer online games, including Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS, and Mario Tennis Aces, and the entire NES—Nintendo Switch Online game library.
Special Offers
Members will have access to special offers, such as the exclusive chance to purchase a pair of wireless Nintendo Entertainment System Controllers. These Joy-Cons look like the original NES controller and docks with and charges on the Nintendo Switch system. Users with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership can purchase the set for $59.99 here, which will ship in December.
Everyone who buys an individual 12-month membership or a family membership will receive a download code for exclusive in-game Splatoon 2 gear, based on the jerseys worn by the team that won the Splatoon 2 World Championship during E3 2018.
