Nintendo Switch Online: Everything You Need To Know

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Nintendo Switch Online: Everything You Need to Know

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the world of Nintendo Switch Online? If you're a Nintendo Switch owner, you've probably heard about it. It's Nintendo's online service that enhances your gaming experience. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch Online, from what it is and how much it costs to what you get with a membership and whether it's really worth it. Let's get started!

What is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is a subscription-based service that allows you to play most Nintendo Switch games online with friends and other players around the world. Without it, you'll miss out on a huge part of the Nintendo Switch experience. Think of it like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold, but with a unique Nintendo twist.

At its core, Nintendo Switch Online is designed to provide several key benefits to subscribers:

  • Online Play: This is the main draw for most people. If you want to play games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, or Animal Crossing: New Horizons with friends online, you'll need a Nintendo Switch Online membership. It opens up a world of multiplayer possibilities, letting you compete and cooperate with others.
  • Classic Games: Nintendo Switch Online gives you access to a growing library of classic NES and Super NES games. These retro titles are available to play at no additional cost as part of your subscription. Relive the glory days with games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Super Metroid, and many more. It's a fantastic way to experience gaming history and discover titles you might have missed.
  • Save Data Cloud Backup: This is a crucial feature for protecting your game progress. Nintendo Switch Online automatically backs up your save data to the cloud for many games. This means if your Switch is lost, stolen, or breaks down, you won't lose your hard-earned progress. However, keep in mind that not all games support cloud saves, so it's always good to double-check.
  • Smartphone App: Nintendo offers a smartphone app that enhances your Nintendo Switch Online experience. The app provides voice chat functionality for compatible games, allowing you to communicate with friends while playing. It also offers game-specific services, such as SplatNet 2 for Splatoon 2, which provides detailed stats and information about your gameplay.
  • Exclusive Offers: As a Nintendo Switch Online member, you'll get access to exclusive offers and deals. These can include discounts on digital games, special in-game items, and other perks. Keep an eye on the Nintendo eShop for the latest offers available to subscribers.

In short, Nintendo Switch Online is a comprehensive service that enhances your Nintendo Switch experience by providing online play, a library of classic games, cloud save backups, a smartphone app, and exclusive offers. For many Switch owners, it's an essential subscription that unlocks the full potential of the console.

How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?

Alright, let's talk money! Nintendo Switch Online offers a few different membership options, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:

  • Individual Membership:

    • 1 Month: $3.99
    • 3 Months: $7.99
    • 12 Months: $19.99

    The individual membership is perfect for single players who want to enjoy the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online on their own. The 12-month option offers the best value if you plan to use the service regularly throughout the year.

  • Family Membership:

    • 12 Months: $34.99

    The family membership is a fantastic option for households with multiple Nintendo Switch users. It covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts, meaning everyone in your family can enjoy Nintendo Switch Online benefits for one price. If you have more than two people in your household who play Switch games online, the family membership is definitely the way to go. You can split the cost with family members to make it even more affordable.

  • Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack:

    In addition to the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership, Nintendo also offers an Expansion Pack. This premium tier includes all the benefits of the base membership, plus access to a library of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. It also includes access to DLC for select games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2.

    Here’s the pricing for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack:

    • Individual Membership:
      • 12 Months: $49.99
    • Family Membership:
      • 12 Months: $79.99

    The Expansion Pack is more expensive than the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership, but it offers a lot of additional content. If you're a fan of retro games or want access to the DLC, it might be worth the extra cost. However, if you're primarily interested in online play and the basic NES/SNES library, the standard membership is likely sufficient.

When deciding which membership option is right for you, consider how often you'll use the service and how many people in your household will benefit from it. For solo players, the individual membership is a great choice. For families, the family membership offers significant savings. And for retro game enthusiasts and DLC lovers, the Expansion Pack provides even more value. No matter which option you choose, Nintendo Switch Online is a great way to enhance your Nintendo Switch experience.

What Do You Get with a Nintendo Switch Online Membership?

So, you're thinking about getting Nintendo Switch Online, but you're not quite sure what you get for your money? Let's break down all the awesome benefits that come with a membership. Trust me, there's a lot to love!

  • Online Play:

    First and foremost, Nintendo Switch Online is your ticket to online multiplayer gaming. If you want to play games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and many others with friends and players around the world, you'll need a membership. Online play opens up a whole new dimension of gameplay, allowing you to compete, cooperate, and connect with others. Whether you're racing against rivals, battling in arenas, or exploring virtual worlds together, Nintendo Switch Online makes it all possible.

  • Classic Games Library:

    One of the coolest perks of Nintendo Switch Online is access to a growing library of classic NES and Super NES games. These retro titles are available to play at no extra cost as part of your subscription. Imagine reliving your childhood with games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Super Metroid, and Donkey Kong Country. Or, if you're a younger gamer, it's a fantastic way to discover the classics that paved the way for modern gaming. Nintendo regularly adds new games to the library, so there's always something new to explore. It's like having a virtual retro arcade right on your Switch!

  • Save Data Cloud Backup:

    This is a feature that every gamer should appreciate. Nintendo Switch Online automatically backs up your save data to the cloud for many games. This means if your Switch is lost, stolen, or breaks down, you won't lose your precious game progress. Hours of gameplay, rare items, and hard-earned achievements will all be safe and sound. It's a huge relief knowing that your progress is protected. However, keep in mind that not all games support cloud saves, so it's always a good idea to check which games are compatible.

  • Nintendo Switch Online Smartphone App:

    Nintendo offers a smartphone app that enhances your Nintendo Switch Online experience. The app provides voice chat functionality for compatible games, allowing you to communicate with friends while playing. This is especially useful for games like Splatoon 2, where teamwork and coordination are key. The app also offers game-specific services, such as SplatNet 2 for Splatoon 2, which provides detailed stats and information about your gameplay. It's a handy tool for staying connected and getting the most out of your online gaming sessions.

  • Exclusive Offers and Deals:

    As a Nintendo Switch Online member, you'll get access to exclusive offers and deals. These can include discounts on digital games, special in-game items, and other perks. Keep an eye on the Nintendo eShop for the latest offers available to subscribers. Sometimes, Nintendo even offers exclusive physical items that you can purchase as a member. It's a nice bonus that adds even more value to your subscription.

In summary, a Nintendo Switch Online membership unlocks a treasure trove of benefits. From online play and classic games to cloud saves, a smartphone app, and exclusive offers, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the Nintendo Switch, a membership is a great way to enhance your gaming experience.

Is Nintendo Switch Online Worth It?

Okay, the big question: is Nintendo Switch Online actually worth the money? Let's weigh the pros and cons to help you decide if it's right for you. Honestly, for most Nintendo Switch owners, the answer is a resounding yes!

Pros:

  • Affordable Price: Compared to other online gaming services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold, Nintendo Switch Online is relatively inexpensive. The individual membership is particularly affordable, and the family membership offers incredible value for households with multiple Switch users.
  • Online Play: If you enjoy playing games online with friends or other players, Nintendo Switch Online is essential. It unlocks the online multiplayer features of popular games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Without it, you'll miss out on a huge part of the Nintendo Switch experience.
  • Classic Games Library: The growing library of classic NES and Super NES games is a major draw for many subscribers. It's a fantastic way to relive your childhood memories or discover retro titles for the first time. Nintendo regularly adds new games to the library, so there's always something new to play. For retro gaming enthusiasts, this alone can make the subscription worthwhile.
  • Save Data Cloud Backup: This is a crucial feature for protecting your game progress. Knowing that your save data is backed up to the cloud provides peace of mind, especially if you've invested a lot of time and effort into your games. It's a lifesaver if your Switch is lost, stolen, or breaks down.
  • Family Membership Value: If you have multiple Nintendo Switch users in your household, the family membership is an absolute steal. It covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts for one low price, making it much more affordable than purchasing individual memberships for everyone.

Cons:

  • Limited Online Features: Compared to PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold, Nintendo Switch Online offers fewer online features. For example, it doesn't include free monthly games like the other services do. However, the lower price point reflects this difference.
  • Smartphone App Required for Voice Chat: The fact that you need to use a smartphone app for voice chat in some games can be inconvenient. It would be nice if voice chat was integrated directly into the Switch console.
  • Not All Games Support Cloud Saves: While most games support save data cloud backup, not all do. This means you'll need to manually back up your save data for certain games, which can be a hassle.

Overall:

Despite a few minor drawbacks, Nintendo Switch Online is definitely worth it for most Nintendo Switch owners. The affordable price, online play, classic games library, and save data cloud backup make it a compelling package. If you enjoy playing games online or want to protect your game progress, a membership is essential. And if you have multiple Switch users in your household, the family membership is an unbeatable value. So go ahead and subscribe – you won't regret it!