Nintendo Switch Online, the gaming subscription for Switch players, offers a lot of content. Everything you need to know about price, games and features.
As early as summer 2018, a good year after the launch of the Nintendo Switch, the paid subscription service Nintendo Switch Online was launched. Subscribers get additional content and features. This makes the service almost a counterpart to PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold. Probably the most important function is online access, which makes it possible to play with friends and is necessary for some game functions.
How much does Nintendo Switch Online cost?
The single subscription is available for an annual price of 19.99 euros. Those who prefer a shorter notice period can choose between two other models: three months for EUR 7.99 or just one month for EUR 3.99. The expansion package with – among other things – additional titles is only available in the annual version for 39.99 euros per year.
However, if there are several Switch players in the family, you can also take out a family membership. Up to eight accounts are possible. This model is also only available for a whole year for EUR 34.99 – EUR 69.99 with an expansion package.
The features of Nintendo Switch Online
play multiplayer
Nintendo Switch Online is needed above all to be able to gamble online with other players. Without the subscription, you are usually limited to single player or, at most, local multiplayer. Switch Online is therefore recommended for games like “Tetris 99” or “Animal Crossing: New Horizons”. Then you can, for example, visit a friend’s island at any time.
Also interesting: You should have seen these Animal Crossing islands!
Game progress saved in the cloud
If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can back up your game data online in the cloud. Game progress is then automatically saved to Nintendo’s online storage when there is an active internet connection. Nintendo is thus solving the problem that saves cannot be taken to new consoles – or are irretrievably lost if the console is lost or defective. Only one save can be saved per player per title and some titles do not support save data cloud.
Voice chats via smartphone app
If you also like to interact acoustically with others while playing, you also need a Nintendo Switch Online membership. However, not all games support this feature. In addition to the subscription and a Nintendo Switch, you also need the corresponding app on a suitable device such as a smartphone. There you can log in with your switch online data.
Exclusive products
There is also a genuine retro controller from Nintendo for subscribers. You can then order this in the Nintendo eShop and choose between NES and SNES style ((Super) Nintendo Entertainment System). The SNES version is available for 29.99 euros, if you want the NES look, you have to pay 59.99 euros, but you also get a 2-pack.
There are also so-called Nintendo Switch game coupons: Two pieces cost 99 euros and are valid for exactly one year. This is particularly worthwhile for large titles such as “Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” or “Pokémon”, which regularly cost upwards of 60 euros. Nintendo Switch Online members can save 20 euros and more and even get the subscription price back if necessary.
Nintendo Switch online games
Basically, all co-op and online multiplayer games require Switch Online access. The only exception are free-to-play games such as “Fortnite”. Well-known titles that require a subscription to fully enjoy are:
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Dark Souls Remastered
- Diablo 3: Eternal Collection
- FIFA 21
- Kirby and the forgotten land
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Minecraft
- Nintendo Switch Sports
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- splatoon 2
Some DLCs such as “Happy Home Paradise” from “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” are also available for free on Nintendo Switch Online. However, if you cancel your subscription, you will lose access.
Membership also gives you access to various old (S)NES classics. Here is a selection:
- Adventures of Lolo
- Brawl Brothers
- Claymates
- Dinkey Kong
- dr Mario
- Gradius
- jelly boy
- Kirby’s Adventure
- mario bros
- Star Fox
- Super Mario Bros.
- The Legend of Zelda
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
- Yoshi
- Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link
The expansion pack
Of course, all the content and benefits of normal membership are included in the expansion package already mentioned. In addition, players get access to a growing collection of old classics for Nintendo 64 and SEGA Mega Drive. Games included so far include:
- dr mario 64
- Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
- Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Lylat Wars
- Yoshi’s story
There is also a wireless Nintendo 64 controller for subscribers, which costs an additional 49.99 euros.