Nintendo recently confirmed that paid online services will launch in the second half of September for the Nintendo Switch.
Currently, it is free to play any and all Nintendo Switch titles online, however, much like Microsoft and Sony, Nintendo will be rolling out a premium paid subscription service, which will in-turn require users to pay in order to play most of the currently available Switch titles, online. Free to play titles, such as Fortnite and Paladins, will likely remain free, even for users who decide not to purchase Nintendo’s online multiplayer pass.
The confirmation for the September release comes from Nintendo of Canada’s official Twitter account, in which the company also took the time to announce cloud saving as well as the promised addition of NES titles, that will become available for subscribers.
#NintendoSwitchOnline will launch the second half of September. The service provides access to online play & Save Data Cloud backup in compatible games & a growing library of NES titles with added online play. https://t.co/HPbMjW4PqJ pic.twitter.com/cRTqurST98
— Nintendo of Canada (@NintendoCanada) August 10, 2018
Although, not as robust as Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus’s lineup of monthly games, it is nice to see Nintendo offer anything at all, on top of the paid access to online multiplayer. It should also be noted, that the NES games up on offer, will for the first time, feature online capabilities, which should help breath in some fresh air to the otherwise standard lineup of classic titles. Cloud saving will also be a nice feature, especially for users who may have had the misfortune of breaking or damaging their switch, forcing them to send the console in for repair can rest assured, that all personal save data will be available to do them, regardless of Nintendo factory resetting their devices or sending in another unit.
The full list of launch NES titles can be read down below:
Soccer
Tennis
Donkey Kong
Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros.
Balloon Fight
Ice Climber
Dr. Mario
The Legend of Zelda
Super Mario Bros. 3
A single month’s subscription will cost $4.99 CAD, with three months costing $9.99 CAD and finally, a year for $24.99 CAD. Additionally, special family membership will also be available for $44.99, giving access to the full suite of online features for up to 8 accounts.
