Nintendo has finally revealed the full details of its paid online service, which was announced during the Switch Presentation in January. The service will cost $19.99 a year, with options for $3.99 a month and $7.99 every three months. While the service was meant to debut in the fall, it will now launch sometime in 2018. The service will include access to online multiplayer, exclusive deals on the eShop, and the upcoming smart device app which will receive a free, limited version this summer. The service will also give players access to the “Classic Game Collection” which gives players access to classic Nintendo games with added online play. Confirmed games so far are Dr. Mario, Super Mario Bros. 3, and Balloon Fight.
Nintendo was the final holdout to paid online console gaming, and will be joining Sony and Microsoft with this upcoming service. While it’s much cheaper than Playstation Plus and Xbox Live Gold, it’s still a shame all online gaming on console will require annual payments. At least all three offer games as well, and it’s cool to see old-school games receive online functionality. Until then, Nintendo Switch online functionality will remain free throughout 2017.
