Nintendo Switch Online subscription service detailed

June 2, 2017

When the Nintendo Switch was fully revealed in January this year, Nintendo mentioned that they would be launching an online subscription service similar to Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Today, Nintendo has finally revealed details about the service.

The service will be called Nintendo Switch Online, and will now be launching in 2018.The service will cost US$20 for a full year subscription, US$7.99 for a three month subscription, and US$3.99 for a one month subscription. Users who purchase a subscription will have access to online gameplay (which will remain free for all users until the service launches), access to an Online Lobby and Voice Chat-app, access to a Classic Game Selection and deals on the Nintendo eShop.

The Classic Game Selection in particular was expanded on. This service will let users access a “compilation of classic titles with added online play, such as Super Mario Bros. 3, Balloon Fight and Dr. Mario … Users can play as many of the games as they want, as often as they like, as long as they have an active subscription.”. It’s sounding like the service will act similar to a Netflix subscription where users have an instant, ever-changing library. Originally, it was expected that users would only get a handful of Virtual Console titles every month and then would not be able to play them again (unless purchased) once the next month’s titles kicked in.

Nintendo will announce more details in the future.