Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription-based online service for the Nintendo Switch console. Unlike all previous internet services offered through Nintendo's line of consoles, the Nintendo Switch Online service is the first one that requires a paid subscription to access. The service launched on September 18, 2018, in North America and September 19, 2018 in Europe and Japan.[1][2][3]
Prior to the launch of the service, the Nintendo Switch console offered free online service as a trial period until the service could be fully developed. The service was originally intended to launch in fall of 2017, but was pushed back to the following year.[4]
Overview[]
The service allows users to play most Nintendo Switch games online, utilize the Nintendo Switch Online App with compatible games, backup save data through a cloud-based server, and play select Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System titles with added online co-op. Other online services, such as access to the Nintendo eShop, system and software updates, friend management, and screenshot uploading, do not require the paid service.[5]
The service offers multiple memberships and pricing plans. The Individual Membership allows a single Nintendo Account holder to access the service, and offers three pricing plans: $3.99 USD for one month, $7.99 USD for three months, and $19.99 USD for a year. The Family Membership allows a Nintendo Account holder to invite up to seven users to access the same services as a family group, and is priced at $34.99 USD for a year. A seven-day free trial is also available for individual first-time users.[6] Users of the service can enable automatic payment renewal of their subscription.[7]
Online Play[]
The Nintendo Switch Online service allows many Nintendo Switch games with online play to be played over an internet connection.[8] However, not all games released for the console will require the subscription to play online. The service also allows users to use the Nintendo Switch Online App with compatible games, enabling users to use voice chat while playing.[8] Prior to the launch of the service, all Nintendo Switch games with online play had offered the feature freely.
| Game | Online Compatibility | Subscription Required |
|---|---|---|
| Breath of the Wild | 
|
— |
| Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition |
|
— |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 
|
|
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |
|
|
| Cadence of Hyrule |
|
? |
| Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch |
|
— |
| Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity |
|
— |
| Skyward Sword HD |
|
— |
Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online[]
 |
Exclusively available through the service, users may download and play a number of Nintendo Entertainment System titles, with more games to be added regularly in the months following the service's launch. Each Nintendo Entertainment System title has newly added online co-op.[9] Online features vary from game to game, with some including co-op or competitive play, or enabling turn-taking with the controls in single-player games.[10] It is also possible in some games for players to watch another's gameplay and take control of a hand-shaped cursor to guide and point out hints.[11] The Nintendo Entertainment System titles are also compatible with the Nintendo Switch Online App, enabling users to use voice chat as games are played.[12] The Nintendo Entertainment System titles partly requires internet connection to access and play, as users may play them offline for up to seven days until they are required to connect to the internet with an active service subscription.[13]
The Legend of Zelda is one of the 20 Nintendo Entertainment System titles that was launched with the service, available from September 18, 2018.
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda | September 18, 2018 |
| The Legend of Zelda: Living the life of luxury! | October 10, 2018 |
| The Adventure of Link | January 16, 2019 |
| Zelda II - The Adventure of Link: Link, warrior without equal. | March 13, 2019 |
Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online[]
 |
During the September 4, 2019 Nintendo Direct, Shinya Takahashi announced that 20 Super Nintendo Entertainment System games would be playable as of September 5, 2019.[14] A Link to the Past was included among the 20 playable games available at launch.
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| A Link to the Past | September 5, 2018 |
Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online[]
 |
During the September 23, 2021 Nintendo Direct, it was announced that nine Nintendo 64 games will be made available as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, to be released sometime in late October 2021. Ocarina of Time was among the games immediately available to play, with Majora's Mask releasing in February of 2022.
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Ocarina of Time |  United States of America:• October 26, 2021 |
| Majora's Mask | United States of America: • February 25, 2022[15] |
Save Data Cloud[]
Users with a service subscription can access a cloud-based server where they may upload and retrieve the save data of compatible games.[16] Save data will automatically upload to the cloud so long as there is an internet connection.[17] The save data is linked to the player's Nintendo Account, enabling players to access their save data by signing in and easily transfer data between Nintendo Switch consoles.[18] Not all Nintendo Switch games can have their save data uploaded to the cloud.[19] Save data is stored in the cloud for as long as the user's subscription is active; should their subscription expire, the save data will no longer be available.[20]
| Game | Save Data Cloud Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Breath of the Wild |
|
| Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition |
|
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe |
|
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |
|
| Cadence of Hyrule |
|
| Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch |
|
| Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity |
|
| Skyward Sword HD |
|
Nintendo Switch Online App[]
The Nintendo Switch Online App is a smartphone application that is designed to complement and enhance the online experience while playing compatible Nintendo Switch games.[21] It was released for iOS and Android devices worldwide on July 19, 2017.[22] Prior to the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online service, the smartphone app and all its features could be used freely.[21]
The main feature of the application is to enable users to voice chat with one another while playing.[21] Some Nintendo Switch games also have exclusive features that can be utilized with the smartphone app.
All NES titles released as part of the Nintendo Switch Online service are also compatible with the smartphone app, including The Legend of Zelda.[12]
| Game | Voice Chat Compatibility | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Breath of the Wild |
|
— |
| The Legend of Zelda |
|
|
| Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition |
|
— |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe |
|
|
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | ? | ? |
Special Offers[]
Special offers through the service are also periodically made available, which are meant to incite interest and make use of the service. These offers are exclusively available to users with an active subscription, and at times are only available to certain payment plans.[23]
Users with a subscription may purchase Nintendo Entertainment System-styled controllers starting in December 2018. These wireless controllers, which are modeled after the original NES controllers, can be used to play the Online service's NES titles.[24] The controllers come in a package of two, and feature rechargaeble batteries that are recharged by attaching the controllers to the Nintendo Switch console, similarly to Joy-Cons. The controllers cost $59.99 USD, and are limited to one purchase per Nintendo Account.
Missions & Rewards[]
On March 1, 2022, the Missions & Rewards section was added to the Nintendo Switch Online service. User can win My Nintendo Platinum Points by completing special "missions", which they can then use to purchase icon elements, consisting of a character, background, and frame. The user can only make an icon when a character is selected. Characters cost 
10 platinum points, while background and frames cost 5 platinum points. Every month features a different game, while a special Animal Crossing: New Horizons section features villagers currently celebrating their birthday within the current month. Occasionally, another game can be added, such as Kirby and the Forgotten Land, as a special reward.
Breath of the Wild[]
From June 6, 2022 to July 4, 2022, icon elements pertaining to Breath of the Wild were available on the service, with the icons swapping every week. An * indicates a "character with background". Another set of icon elements pertaining to Breath of the Wild were later released from October 3, 2022 to October 31, 2022, this time focusing on the Four Champions.
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External Links[]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "#NintendoSwitchOnline memberships will start on 9/18. You can sign-up for a 7-day free trial from Nintendo #eShop at launch! We will introduce more information during the Nintendo Direct on 9/13." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo of America on Twitter, Twitter, published September 12, 2018, retrieved September 12, 2018.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Nintendo Switchをもっと楽しく、もっと便利にする新サービス『Nintendo Switch Online』は9月19日より開始。公式ホームページでサービス詳細や紹介映像を公開。 #NintendoDirectJP" — 任天堂株式会社, 任天堂株式会社 on Twitter, Twitter, published September 14,2018, retrieved September 19, 2018.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "See what the paid #NintendoSwitchOnline membership service has to offer when it launches on 19/09! #NintendoDirect" — Nintendo of Europe, Nintendo of Europe on Twitter, Twitter, published September 14,2018, retrieved September 19, 2018.
- ↑ "Paid service launching fall 2017" — Brian, Nintendo Switch Online Service details – SNES games with online play for members, more, Nintendo Everything, published January 13, 2017, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Yes. Online features including Nintendo eShop, Friend registration and management, the sharing of screenshots over social networks, Nintendo Switch Parental Controls, system and software updates, and Nintendo Switch News will not be affected by the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online paid service." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 12, 2018.
- ↑ "One free, seven-day trial per Nintendo Account is available through Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "If automatic renewal is set, the subscription amount will be deducted from your Nintendo Account funds within 48 hours before your subscription is set to expire." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Nintendo Switch Online memberships include online play in games including Splatoon™ 2, Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate, and more. You can also voice chat while you play via the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app* (in supported games)." — Nintendo of America, Online Play – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Play NES games anytime, anywhere, with a growing selection of classic games—with newly added online play—available exclusively for members. Get 20 games at launch, with new games added regularly." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Connect with friends online and share your screen for co-op or competitive play. Select a 1- or 2-player mode and go. In single-player games, you can take turns at the controls." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "When playing online, you can display a hand-shaped cursor on your friend's screen. Use it to give hints or point out strategic locations. You can even clap to congratulate them." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "You can use voice chat in these games via the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app. It’s the next best thing to hanging out together." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Yes, these games can be played offline for up to 7 days as long as you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ Nintendo Direct 9.4.2019, YouTube, published September 4, 2019, retrieved September 4, 2019.
- ↑ "The Legend of #Zelda: Majora's Mask comes to #NintendoSwitch for #NintendoSwitchOnline + Expansion Pack members in February!" — @NintendoAmerica, Nintendo of America Official Twitter, Twitter, published January 20, 2022, retrieved January 20, 2022.
- ↑ "Back up your game save data to the cloud*. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one." — Nintendo of America, Save Data Cloud Backup – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Game data will automatically save to the cloud when you have an internet connection. No complicated settings or updates required." — Nintendo of America, Save Data Cloud Backup – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Save data is linked to your Nintendo Account, so you can access it by signing in. If you move to a new system, you can pick up right where you left off in your game by downloading your data." — Nintendo of America, Save Data Cloud Backup – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "*Save Data Cloud backup compatibility varies per game. Some titles, including Splatoon 2 and 1-2-Switch, are not compatible." — Nintendo of America, Save Data Cloud Backup – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Save data stored via the Save Data Cloud backup is available for as long as you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 "The Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app* is designed to enhance your online experience for compatible games. Open the app while playing compatible games to voice chat with your friends as you play. You can use the Nintendo Switch Online app for free until the paid Nintendo Switch Online membership launches on September 18, 2018." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online app – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "The Nintendo Switch Online app looks to be launching slightly early. Nintendo had intended to release it alongside Splatoon 2 on Friday, but it’s already appearing around the world." — Brian, Nintendo Switch Online app has launched, Nintendo Everything, published July 18, 2017, retrieved September 15, 2018.
- ↑ "Exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members
New offers will be added, so be sure to check back regularly." — Nintendo of America, Special Offers – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018. - ↑ "With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can play enhanced NES™ games the way they're meant to be played—using Nintendo Entertainment System-style controllers!" — Nintendo of America, Special Offers – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
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