Although the Nintendo Switch has been out for a while, its online service isn’t seeing a full release until September. Nintendo announces further details on its online service, which includes Switch Online pricing, cloud save backups, and free NES games.
Before we get into any of it, note that multiplayer will no longer be free when the update happens in September. Users who want to keep playing multiplayer games like Splatoon or the upcoming Super Smash Bros for Switch will have to make a subscription.
Switch Online prices at 3.99 USD per month. Additional tiers offer a discount per month, with 7.99 USD being for three months and 19.99 USD for 12 months. These are much cheaper offers than from Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus, which go for 9.99 USD per month. A family membership costing 34.99 USD per month also exists, which provides the service to everyone in a ‘family group’.
Putting aside Switch Online pricing, subscribers can expect a compilation of free NES games. These games come with full online co-op support for every classic game. The service launches with 20 games, with new games to be added later on. These games include the likes of:
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Donkey Kong
- Mario Bros.
- Super Mario Bros.
- Balloon Fight
- Ice Climber
- Dr. Mario
- The Legend of Zelda
- Super Mario Bros. 3
Perhaps the biggest part of the announcement is cloud save backups. Previously, Switch owners had no options for backing up the save data of their games. Nintendo intends to provide more details on this feature in the coming weeks.
Next, Nintendo Switch Online’s mobile app allows users to use voice chat and invite friends to play. Like Switch Online’s multiplayer, this is currently free, but will soon become part of the subscription instead.
Last of all, subscribers can expect exclusive deals on games. Nintendo will deliver special offers and discounts as another trade-off for buying their service.
(Source: Gamespot)
