Got a new Nintendo Switch and wondering about Nintendo Switch Online subscription to enjoy it. We tell you everything you need to know about it and if it is for you.
What is Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is a paid subscription for console users Switch, Switch Lite et Switch Oled. It offers access to online play in order to compete in particular with other players in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon or on Super Smash Bros. This also allows you to bring your friends or visit their island in Animal Crossing : New Horizons.
The subscription also allows you to save games and progress in the cloudenjoy retrogaming games and demos, as well as exclusive offers.
How do I access Nintendo Switch Online?
To take advantage of Nintendo Switch Online, all you have to do is take out a subscription for one or more accounts (family subscription) online or from the application on the console. Everything will then be available automatically from the dedicated space on your Switch.
What catalog of games and what advantages for the NSO?
Unlike the Xbox Game Pass, the NSO does not provide a catalog of current games with unlimited access. But you still get to enjoy some titles from the NES and Super NES game library in a retrogramming way. Just download the NES or Super NES app to get access to the games.
This is one of the main interests of the subscription. Since its launch in 2015, this space has been enriched with games like Super Mario World, EarthBound, Super Metroid, Donkey Kong Country 1, 2 et 3, Super Mario All Stars, etc. Super Nintendo Super Mario Bros, Donkey Kong 3, Kid Icarus, Punchout!!, The Legend of Zelda and many more on NES for the most nostalgic.
You can play it solo or in co-op with a friend who has one of the Joy-Cons, or play online against other subscribed players.
Several exclusive games are also reserved for subscribers only, such as Tetris 99 or Pac-Man 99from battle royale revisited where you have to be the last to survive your opponents, while finishing your board.
Pac-Man 99 on Nintendo Switch Online against your opponents // Source: Nintendo / BandaiNamco
Tetris 99
Subscribers can also complete missions offered in different games and get rewards. This ranges from new wallpapers to avatars or costumes for your characters in games. Actions can be saving data online, trying out demos, launching specific games, etc. In particular, this will allow you to earn My Nintendo Platinum points to exchange for personalization items.
Special offers are also offered for the purchase of exclusive classic controllers or games, in-game bonuses (exclusive items in particular). Additionally, Nintendo Shop demos are only available to NSO subscribers.
What is the Nintendo Switch Online app for?
The companion application has recently had a facelift with the arrival of a more ergonomic V2, fluid and complete. In particular, it improves the management of friends. But it is not used to enjoy the games of his Switch on his smartphone.
For a long time, the app did not find favor with the eyes of the players due to its lack of interest. Unless you play Splatoon 2 (for your stats), Super Smash Bros Ultimate (to download courses created by others) or Animal Crossing : New Horizons (to load designs and chat with friends), you were on your way.
It doesn’t go much further today, but V2 makes it easier to see what your friends are doing online, what they’re playing, to change your status and to share your friend code more easily. Nothing to be unavoidable yet…
What is the NSO + Additional Pack package?
Last September, Nintendo expanded its subscription offering by adding an option to his Nintendo Switch Online package + Additional Pack. Much more expensive than the classic subscription (39.99 euros against 19.99 euros per year and per account), it gives access to more things.
You obviously have the basic NSO subscription and all its advantages, but also a catalog of games Nintendo 64 and Sega Mega Drive proposed as The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time, Paper Mario, Kirby 64, Sonic The Hedghog 2, Streets of Rage 2, Shinobi III or Ecco The Dolphin.
Nintendo 64 games available in the Nintendo Switch Online + Additional Pack offer // Source: Nintendo
The Mega Drive games available in the Nintendo Switch Online + Additional Pack offer // Source: Nintendo
But the strength of the subscription is also the access to the DLCs without supplement. The first proposed were Animal Crossing : New Horizons — Happy Home Paradise as well as the new circuits of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (8 already available, 40 added over several years). Players can take advantage of them at no extra cost while they are sold for 25 euros for non-subscribers to the Additional Pack package.
Can we share the Nintendo Switch Online subscription?
Nintendo has provided a family subscription. Up to eight accounts can thus be grouped together and take advantage of the Nintendo Switch Online service and its advantages. This will be valid for games, options, demos, missions and DLCs if you have an NSO + Additional Pack subscription.
How much does the Nintendo Switch Online subscription cost?
In France, the Nintendo Switch Online subscription starts at 3.99 euros for one month, 7.99 euros for three months and 19.99 euros per year for a single user. If you are 2 to 8 people sharing an annual subscription, it will cost you 34.99 euros per year.
For the NOS + Additional Pack subscription, the subscription is annual and set at 39.99 euros for one person, 69.99 euros for a family package.
A seven-day free trial is offered to new subscribers to experience the service.
Here are all the game dates and trailers shown during the Nintendo Direct on February 8, 2022.
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