Nintendo Switch online service set to finally be detailed in May
It’s been a long time coming, but we might finally be about to learn what form the Nintendo Switch‘s online service is about to take.
As part of the company’s recent financial reporting, it announced that it is planning to announce details about the online service in “early May”. Unfortunately, that’s all the company was willing to say at the time, meaning we still have much the same information as we did previously about what form the online service will take.
First announced alongside the console, the paid online service was originally due to launch late last year, however its release was later pushed back, and was confirmed as coming in September 2018 earlier this year.
#NintendoSwitch Online will launch in September 2018! pic.twitter.com/h3Rpeyymsx
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 1, 2018
The hybrid console’s online subscription service will cost $20 per year, the publisher previously announced. Alternatively, you can purchase a one-month membership for $3.99 or three months for $7.99. UK pricing is yet to be confirmed.
Voice chat and online lobby features won’t be available through the system itself. These will be accessed through a separate Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app that launched last summer.
“Our new dedicated smart device app will connect to Nintendo Switch and let you invite friends to play online, set play appointments, and chat with friends during online matches in compatible games – all from your smart device,” Nintendo explained at the time.
In terms of games, the original plan was to see Switch Online subscribers get access to one free classic game a month, though that quickly changed. Now, Nintendo intends to provide players with an expanding library of classic titles that will remain accessible so long as you have an active membership.
Nintendo Switch Online includes ongoing access to a library of classic games you can take anywhere! pic.twitter.com/TtRKcImCiS
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 2, 2017
It remains to be seen whether such a scheme will replace Nintendo’s existing Virtual Console, or if players can still choose to purchase games individually.
As you can see, we have a lot of questions about the upcoming service, and we’re hoping we’ll see answers to all of them as part of the forthcoming announcement.
Related: Upcoming Nintendo Switch games
Will you be going online with Nintendo Switch in September 2018? Tweet us @TrustedReviews.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
