Following their Switch presentation tonight, Nintendo has given even more information on the online functions and services coming to the system. A new page on Nintendo’s website has gone up divulging new details like a monthly subscription with free games included.
Right now it’s merely being called the Nintendo Switch Online Service, with a free trial period beginning in March and a paid service launching Fall 2017. No price range has been given for the service yet but the description reads as follows, “This service lets Nintendo Switch owners enjoy online multiplayer gaming as well as a dedicated smartphone app that connects to your Nintendo Switch system and helps you connect with friends for online play sessions.”
Apparently online play will be free for all users until the paid subscription launches in the fall. A note on the website says that most games will require a paid online service subscription to well….. play online.
Three more features are planned to launch this fall with the paid service; online lobby and voice chat, free game downloads, and exclusive deals. Here’s what Nintendo says about voice chat, “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. A free, limited version of this app will be available for download in summer 2017.”
Subscribers of the service will get a free download every month of either an NES or SNES title. These titles will also have newly added online play. Unfortunately it looks like the free games will only be available for the month they’re released in, according to Wired’s Chris Kohler. After that month-long period, you’ll need to purchase the classic to continue playing it.
https://twitter.com/kobunheat/status/819956802741747712
Nintendo Switch launches on March 3, 2017 for $299.
What do you think of all the Switch information shared tonight? Are you going to try and pick one up at launch, or wait a while? Let us know down in the comments below.
