Nintendo has announced that their online service for the Nintendo Switch, which was supposed to launch last holiday season, will finally come in September 2018. `Judging by the tweet by Nintendo of America, the service is aptly titled “Nintendo Switch Online”.
#NintendoSwitch Online will launch in September 2018! pic.twitter.com/h3Rpeyymsx
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 1, 2018
Nintendo has been very tight-lipped about the service. We do know that the service will offer three differentt pricing plans: $19.99 for one year, $7.99 for three months, and $3.99 for one month. This is extremely affordable compared to Sony and Microsoft’s plans, but it is unknown whether or not the quality of the service will be able to compete with its competition. Subscribers will also get access to the Nintendo Switch mobile app and have access to retro games each month, such as Super Mario Bros. 3 and Dr. Mario. Unlike Sony and Microsoft, you will not be able to keep these games. There will also be exclusive eShop deals for subscribers.
Since all of these features were announced a year ago, it’s possible Nintendo has changed some things, especially considering the service is being delayed. Regardless, $20 a year is very affordable to be able to play online, especially considering it costs $60 for both Xbox and PlayStation.
It is unknown if Nintendo is launching a Virtual Console alongside Nintendo Switch online, but considering the success of the SNES Classic and the re-launching of the NES Classic, I wouldn’t’ count on it.