Nintendo has finally revealed more information about its long-awaited Switch Online Service that will be launching in September of 2018. Alongside details of pricing, Nintendo has also unveiled Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online, the long awaited Save Data Cloud Backup, and that the Nintendo Switch Online App will receive additional features, but there are no further details at this time.
The Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online feature is a service that is potentially the beginnings of the newly worked Virtual Console and will allow you to play NES games on your Nintendo Switch. 20 titles will be available at launch, including; Balloon Fight, Dr. Mario, Super Mario Bros. 3, Donkey Kong, Ice Climber, The Legend of Zelda, Mario Bros., Soccer, Super Mario Bros. and Tennis. The additional 10 launch games will be announced at a later date.
It’s important to note that these aren’t just simple ports, as you will be able to play these classic games online. Depending on the title you are playing, you will be able to play in online competitive or co-op multiplayer, or take turns playing single player games. Friends can even watch you play a title, and you have the ability to give them control at any point. The NES games will support voice chat via the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app, and you will be able to play these games offline.
Save Data Cloud Backup is pretty self-explanatory, but very exciting none-the-less. This, alongside virtual console, has been one of the most requested features for the Nintendo Switch, as up to this point there has been no way to protect your save data were anything to happen to your Nintendo Switch.
Of course, this service launching means that Online co-op and competitive play will be restricted to those who will pay for this new service. There are various pricing options to make it as easy as possible for gamers to play online, and they are as follows;
- One Month: $3.99
- Three Months: $7.99
- 12 Months: $19.99
- Family Membership (Up to eight Nintendo Account holders will be able to use the Nintendo Switch Online service, even on a different system): $34.99
Are you excited for the long-awaited launch of Nintendo Switch Online? What features are you hoping for? I know I can’t wait for more classic systems to be added to this service, like SNES and Gamecube. Let us know below and stay tuned to Marooners’ Rock for all things Nintendo!
