Nintendo Switch Online Service Pricing
During Nintendo’s Switch Presentation in a few weeks ago, Mr. Kimishima (President) revealed that this time around there would be a fee for its online services. Up until now Nintendo has maintained free online multiplayer, but its rivals have adopted paid subscription models. The Nintendo Switch will roll out its online subscription this fall.
Talking to the Nikkei newspaper in Japan, Mr. Kimishima said the cost of the subscription will be between 2,000 and 3,000 yen per year. That roughly converts to $17.50 to $26.50 per year. Nintendo of America hasn’t officially announced a pricing plan, but it’s looking likely it will be $29.99 or less per year. Both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are $59.99 per year for their subscription services. “With paid [services], we will be able to fully commit to customers,” said Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima.
There are still many unknowns regarding the upcoming paid subscription. Nintendo has a mobile application in the works that will allow for online lobby creation and voice chat with friends. Another perk is a monthly download of a NES or SNES game that’s been enhanced with online functionality. However, at this time it appears that players only have that month to play the game. Afterward Nintendo disables it and users would have to pay to own it.
We will relay any additional information about Nintendo’s online network as it becomes available. The pricing seem enticing at this level, but there are too many unknowns at this point to make an informed decision.
[Sources: Serkan Toto & Nikkei Asian Review]
Craig has been covering the video game industry since 1995. His work has been published across a wide spectrum of media sites. He’s currently the Editor-In-Chief of Nintendo Times and contributes to Gaming Age.
