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Much like the multiplayer-centric services available on PS4, PC and Xbox One, the Nintendo Switch comes complete with its own online subscription aimed at letting players get the most out of Nintendo’s hybrid console. It’s simply called Nintendo Switch Online, and it’s specifically geared to open up a new dimension of play for those wanting to play online against others. Here’s our guide covering all the bonuses Nintendo Switch Online grants you, as well as a detailed breakdown about the different membership types and costs for each.
What is Nintendo Switch Online?
Officially launched on September 19th, 2018 (over a year after the console released worldwide), Nintendo Switch Online is the new online subscription service that grants Switch players access to online multiplayer in games that offer it, such as Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Splatoon 2. Console owners have a choice of subscribing at either a monthly or annual fee, which when paid lifts the lid on a whole world of competitive and co-operative gaming via the internet.
Nintendo Switch Online Membership Options
One major advantage Nintendo Switch Online has over the subscriptions available on other platforms is price. Whereas others generally charge you somewhere around £40 for the privilege of being able to play online, Nintendo Switch’s version is only £17.99 for a 12-month base subscription. This is just one of a few memberships open to you, however, as there’s a subscription option for both singular subscribers as well as family households.
Individual Nintendo Switch Online memberships are as follows: 1 month for £3.49, 3 months for £6.99 and the aforementioned 12 months for £17.99. If you create a family account, though, up to 8 Nintendo Switch owners can enjoy the benefits of online play for the low price of £31.49 for a period of 365 days. All membership SKUs can be bought either online through the Nintendo Switch eShop or as physical cards from a range of online retailers. Check out the best current prices below:
The best prices for a Nintendo Switch online subscription
Of course, if you're looking to purchase a Nintendo Switch Online membership as a physical game card, there are instances when they become discounted. Here's the current price for each type of subscription available:
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In addition to online multiplayer access and two extensive libraries of classic games, Nintenofdo Switch Online sprinkles in a few more bonuses worth touching upon. Most of the below isn’t earth shattering by any means, but definitely helps sweeten the already great deal that is one of the best subscriptions for a low annual price.
Designed to prevent players from losing their game saves in the event they mistakenly corrupt or are deleted, Nintendo Switch Online is the only way console owners can get access to Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud. This also enables you to retrieve your save data and Nintendo Account information should you lose your Nintendo Switch console or buy a new one. With Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud your details and data are always kept safe.
Providing you’re a player aged over 13 you will be able to use the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app. It’s here where you’re able to unlock special features in any Switch games that supports it, also acting as the primary method to play online games like Splatoon 2 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe using voice chat. Fortnite is the only online game on Nintendo Switch that doesn’t require the Smartphone app, so it’s well worth a download for members.
It should go without saying, but Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can look forward to exclusive offers and discounts on games every so often. In some cases, it’s the only way to play certain games outright. Tetris 99 is perhaps the most prominent example of this, being a totally free battle-royale take on the classic puzzle game only accessible for members.
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