Details About Nintendo Switch Online Revealed

After over a year of waiting, Nintendo has finally announced details about the Nintendo Switch online service, which will be launching in September.

Nintendo's website now includes a page that includes information about the long-awaited online service, which was announced early on in the Switch's life but has been conspicuously absent since then. The site details perks, pricing, and a FAQ for the service, as well as the tentative September launch date. The list of features includes online play, 20 classic NES games available at launch (with more to be added regularly), cloud backup, an online smartphone app, and additional special offers, to be detailed at a later date.

Also detailed were the 20 NES games to be featured at launch, including the original Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros.; Dr. Mario; The Legend of Zelda; Donkey Kong; and more. These games are set to include online play for the first time ever.

Pricing plans include individual and family memberships ranging from $4 a month for individuals to a $34.99 family plan for up to eight members.

Perhaps the most troubling news is that all of the Nintendo Switch games that were previously free to play online will now be locked behind the Switch Online pay wall. This includes Splatoon 2, ARMS,and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, as well as the upcoming Mario Tennis Aces and Sushi Strikers: The Way of Sushido. Some online services, including the eShop, friend lists and management, and screenshot sharing will not be restricted to Switch Online members only, but it seems like any online play for Switch games will require such a membership.

Full details on the new service can be found at Nintendo's website here.