
Enjoy exclusive features and take your games online for some epic fun for as little as $4 a month.
Owners of the Nintendo Switch can perform a bunch of things online in its current state, including downloading remarkable titles from the eShop or performing system and software updates.
But come September, Nintendo will be introducing Nintendo Switch Online, a service offering more optional online features to enrich your gaming experience for a nominal fee. Users can save their precious data using cloud backup and enjoy multiplayer in popular games like Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Tennis Aces or wacky fighting game ARMS.
The bad news is that players currently enjoying multiplayer features now will require a fee to continue playing online as soon as the new service hits.
▼ Which is a bummer, but it does come with some perks.
Members can access an initial 20 NES games with added online play, which include fun classics like Balloon Fight, Dr. Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3, with lots more being added in the future.
The Nintendo Switch Online app for smartphones will also be available to members, allowing players to communicate or swear at each other via voice chat.
▼ Say goodbye to buying additional mics or headsets.
All these features will be available to players for a mere US$4 a month, a price considerably lower than the $10 required for similar services on other consoles like the Xbox or PlayStation 4. Subscribe for 12 months and the fee drops even further to a piddly $1.67 per month, a steal considering the amount of features packed into the membership.
Users on the fence about Nintendo’s upcoming online subscription model still have several months to mull over their options. Once the upcoming Nintendo Switch Pokémon game arrives, however, we’re pretty sure no one will be able to resist going online to test their newly captured Pocket Monsters.
Source: Nintendo via IT Media
Top image: Nintendo
Insert images: Pakutaso (1, 2)



Nintendo FINALLY adds 16-bit Super NES/Super Famicom games to Switch Online service!
Mario Paint arrives for Nintendo Switch Online, finally can reach its potential after 34 years
Nintendo launches new Nintendo Music service with decades’ worth of iconic game tunes【Video】
Nintendo makes a huge crowd-pleasing announcement about the Switch successor
Yakiniku Simulator coming to Nintendo Switch and smartphones
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan is so hungry for workers it used up its five-year visa quota in record time
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
With an Evangelion watch on your wrist, “all is right with the world.”
Buddhist priest arrested for using health insurance card he found on the street
Japan now has stricter requirements for foreigners applying for citizenship
Bomb-diffusing cop is also finalist in male beauty pageant, looks gorgeous both in and out of uniform
World’s most popular emoji ranking shows something missing from Japan’s top picks
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Finally! Nintendo Japan expands Switch 8-bit controller sales to everybody, Online member or not
Nintendo might record what you say and show friends in Switch 2 GameChat
Dating simulator involving sexy cosplayer makes its way into Japanese Nintendo Switch game store
Switch 2 announced by Nintendo, wisely switches up very little【Video】
VR Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey modes coming, for free, from Nintendo
Nintendo’s newest Switch game will teach you how to make games of your own【Video】
Nintendo Wii U: Our Impressions of the New Console’s Biggest Launch Titles
Switch 2 release date announced, Nintendo to sell both “Japan-only” and “multi-language” versions
Nintendo puts out important notice for casual gamers who’ve bought a Switch during the pandemic
Nintendo announces last day of online service for 3DS and Wii U, coming this spring
Japanese gamers report their Nintendo Switch batteries are draining at shocking speeds【Videos】
Cool trailer for Mario Tennis Aces pits Mario against world champion Rafael Nadal【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon games, Sword and Shield, announced for Nintendo Switch【Video】
Nintendo announces new Switch RPG from the developers of the world-famous Pokémon series
Japan’s 10 best-selling video games this century so far