Nintendo Switch Online Service Coming In Second Half Of September
Nintendo has updated its news site with information that the Switch Online service will be coming in the second half of September. You’d think with us being only three weeks away from next month that they’d be able to announce an exact start date, but then again this is Nintendo we’re talking about and they like to reveal things in their own way. The press release doesn’t really offer any new information that we didn’t already know, except that we shouldn’t expect to see the rollout until sometime after September 15. We’re still waiting to hear full details on the 20 NES games that will be included and the special member discounts that are promised.
Also of note is that other retailers have begun selling the codes for the online membership. We already knew of Amazon (links below), but now GameStop and Best Buy are as well. So if you’re feeling the urge to pre-order a membership – have at it. Oddly enough none of them seem to be doing the Family Account as of yet, which we imagine many of our readers will want. At $34.99 a year that one allows up to 8 Switch users to share an online account, even if on separate Switches.
OFFICIAL PR:
With the launch of Nintendo Switch Online in the second half of September, it’s a great time for Nintendo Switch fans to plan ahead for the new service.
Your Nintendo Switch Online membership will include:
- Online play in compatible games, including Splatoon™ 2, ARMS™, Mario Kart™ 8 Deluxe, Mario Tennis™ Aces, and more.
- Nintendo Entertainment System™ – Nintendo Switch Online – A selection of classic NES™ games with newly added online play.
- Save Data Cloud Backup – Save your game data online for easy access*. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
Plus, you can enhance your online experience with features available through the smartphone app** and receive special offers. To learn more about Nintendo Switch Online, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/online-service.
Please note that Nintendo Switch owners won’t be automatically subscribed to the service when it starts, so they will need to purchase an individual or family membership in order to avoid disruption of their online play in compatible games. For pricing information, and to pre-order a 3- or 12-month individual membership from select retailers so you can be ready to go once the service launches, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/online-service/pricing.
*Save Data Cloud backup compatibility varies per game
**Persistent internet and compatible smartphone or tablet required to use the Nintendo Switch Online app; data charges may apply.
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.
