The end of free online for Switch owners is nigh.
Nintendo have announced that their premium paid online service for the Nintendo Switch will officially launch in September 2018, having been delayed since its original planned launch window of Autumn 2017. This service currently lets Nintendo Switch owners ‘enjoy online multiplayer gaming as well as a dedicated smartphone app that connects to your Nintendo Switch system’ [source], and has thus far been free for Nintendo Account holders ahead of its official launch.
The additional benefits and perks of the paid online service upon its launch have been advertised previously, including special offers for subscribers, free classic games with added online functionalities in the form of the Classic Game Collection (name subject to change), and access to increased tie-in gameplay experiences via the Nintendo Switch Online App, such as Splatoon 2‘s mobile tie-in SplatNet 2, which has been available since the game’s launch in July 2017. The service will cost $3.99 (USD) for a one-month membership, $7.99 (USD) for a three-month membership and $19.99 (USD) for a 12-month membership.
Nintendo have updated their official Nintendo Switch Online page on their website already to reflect this launch date announcement, and details about the service, including its features, price and requirements, can be viewed on there. The FAQ page for the online service has also been updated, so be sure to check there for any specific queries such as which countries the premium paid online service will be available in.
Will you be subscribing to this premium online service for the Nintendo Switch once it launches? Or will you be giving it a miss? Be sure to let us know in the comments and stick around here at Switch Player to be updated with all the latest news about the service.