Nintendo Switch Online is the subscription service for the Nintendo Switch, designed as Nintendo’s response to PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass. Initially launched as a way to access online multiplayer, cloud saves, and a small retro game library, the service has evolved significantly. Today, it boasts a vast collection of retro games from three consoles, three unique battle royale titles, and even a streaming music service. However, some limitations—like inconsistent cloud save support and the cumbersome voice chat system—continue to be drawbacks.
How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?
A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is competitively priced:
- Individual Plan: $19.99 per year
- Family Plan: $34.99 per year (supports up to 8 accounts)
For added value, the Expansion Pack tier offers additional games and DLC, such as bonus tracks for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:
- Individual Plan with Expansion Pack: $49.99 per year
- Family Plan with Expansion Pack: $79.99 per year
This pricing undercuts PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, which cost significantly more for comparable services.
Online Multiplayer and Cloud Saves
The core feature of Nintendo Switch Online is enabling online multiplayer gaming, similar to the premium services offered by Sony and Microsoft. However, unlike its competitors, Nintendo’s multiplayer infrastructure has not seen significant improvements despite the subscription requirement.
On a positive note, free-to-play games like Fortnite remain accessible without a subscription.
The service also includes cloud saves, allowing users to back up game progress to Nintendo’s servers. This feature is invaluable for protecting data in case of hardware issues or device loss. Unfortunately, there are two major limitations:
- Not all games support cloud saves—popular titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are excluded.
- The Switch does not allow local backups to USB drives or SD cards, leaving users solely reliant on cloud storage for game data protection.
Voice Chat: A Clunky Experience
Voice chat for Nintendo Switch Online is unnecessarily complicated. Instead of using a headset connected to the console, players must download the Nintendo Switch Online app on a smartphone. This setup involves juggling multiple devices and audio sources, making it far less convenient than third-party platforms like Discord.
Nintendo Music: Nostalgic but Incomplete
Nintendo Music, included with the subscription, lets users stream tracks from classic Nintendo games on the Switch, Android, and iOS devices. The service includes music from iconic franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. However, its library is surprisingly limited, with glaring omissions like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Bros. 3.
Nintendo Music does offer a unique “Extend” feature, allowing tracks to loop for up to an hour, and the library grows weekly with new albums. While promising, it still has a long way to go to match its potential.
How Nintendo Switch Online Compares
Nintendo Switch Online is significantly more affordable than its competitors:
- PlayStation Plus starts at $9.99 per month ($79.99/year), with its Premium tier costing $17.99 per month ($159.99/year).
- Xbox Game Pass Core costs $9.99 per month, while the Ultimate tier, which includes hundreds of games and PC compatibility, costs $19.99 per month.
Unlike Nintendo Switch Online, neither service offers a family plan to share benefits with multiple users.
Final Thoughts
Nintendo Switch Online offers excellent value for its price, particularly for casual gamers and retro game enthusiasts. Its growing game library, affordable pricing, and unique features like Nintendo Music make it appealing. However, limitations in cloud saves, the outdated voice chat system, and the incomplete music catalog highlight areas for improvement.
For players seeking to enjoy multiplayer Switch games or explore nostalgic classics, Nintendo Switch Online remains a compelling and cost-effective choice.
Ayush Kumar Jaiswal is a writer and contributor for MakingIndiaAIFirst.com, a platform dedicated to covering the latest developments, trends, and innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) with a specific focus on India’s role in the global AI landscape. His work primarily revolves around delivering insightful and up-to-date news, analysis, and commentary on AI advancements, policies, and their implications for India’s technological future.
As a tech enthusiast and AI advocate, Ayush is passionate about exploring how AI can transform industries, governance, and everyday life. His writing aims to bridge the gap between complex AI concepts and a broader audience, making AI accessible and understandable to readers from diverse backgrounds.
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For more of his work and insights on AI, visit MakingIndiaAIFirst.com.