The Switch launched with free online play, but Nintendo stated from the beginning that it would turn into a subscription service at some point in the future. And now we know when the subscription charge kicks in (sort of) and how much it costs.
Nintendo announced that the ability to play for free online will continue into 2018. However, at some point before the end of next year, a $19.99 a year membership charge will be introduced. If Switch owners want to continue to play online, they'll have to start paying. If $19.99 is too much to pay all at once or you simply want to try the service out first, Nintendo intends to offer one-month memberships for $3.99 and three-month memberships for $7.99. Clearly $20 for a year of access offers the best value.
In return for your cash, Nintendo will allow continued access to its multiplayer servers, but also a dedicated smart device app. The app can be used to chat with your other Switch-owning friends, invite them to play a game online, and set "play appointments." According to Kotaku, a free version of the app is expected to launch before the end of the summer this year, followed by the members-only enhanced version next year.
As an added bonus, Nintendo intends to offer a "compilation of classic titles with added online play" as well as eShop digital game discounts for members. The classic titles so far include Super Mario Bros. 3, Balloon Fight and Dr. Mario, but there's bound to be many more added to the library before the subscription kicks in.
The classic games access is actually different to what Nintendo originally promised. We were expecting to gain access to a different game each month, but now it looks as though Nintendo decided to open up the full library so you can play as much and as many classic games as you like while still a member.
By pricing online access at just $20, Nintendo is undercutting Sony and Microsoft by as much as $40. Both a year-long Xbox Live Gold pass and PlayStation Plus membership cost $60.
The platform connects you with people from your community, so you might make a new local friend or wind up carpooling with a neighbor or colleague you already know.
Making the Nintendo Switch better with nothing more than plastic and sticky tape.
The big G says complying to the Department of Labor's wage data demands would be too costly.
Google's advertisers will soon be able to measure the success of their online campaigns based on credit card transaction data from physical stores.
Relax Nintendo Switch Online Service Will Cost $20 a Year stories
The ban blocks access to Nintendo's online services due to the use of "unauthorized system modification."
It's not a brand new entry in the series, but a port of the Japan-only 3DS game Monster Hunter XX released in March.
Even though Nintendo is about to refresh the hardware for the sixth time, it looks as though developers are moving to Switch.
Extending your adventure in Hyrule on either Switch or Wii U will cost $19.99 this summer.
Not content with offering a brand new version of the 2DS, Nintendo is already planning a special Metallic Slime design for Japan.
Just when we thought all of Nintendo's focus was on Switch, they go and announce a brand new 2DS handheld.
A Game Boy game created on NES hardware using only a trackball for input. Developers in 1992 were clearly very patient and dedicated.
Total beats its pre-launch goal while 3DS continues to sell well thanks to new Pokemon games.
Maybe this time they can do a better job of providing enough stock to meet demand.
Analysts believe the current Switch is too big for kids, so a smaller one will eventually be released.
Zelda achieved an attach rate of 102% for the Switch in March, which demonstrates just how important the IP is for Nintendo.
While everyone waits for an official Switch battery pack, Nintendo decides to launch an extended battery pack for the Joy-Con controllers.
The Switch is selling well, now Nintendo wants to ensure the games do too by thwarting piracy before it happens.
Is this a heat issue, or a quality control problem owners are only now starting to notice?
Buying the physical version of the game doesn't save you from a huge install on Switch's limited internal storage.
Whatever is custom about this chip doesn't seem to be hardware tweaks. This is the same chip as found in the 2017 Shield Android TV.
You need to be a new subscriber to both the Times and Spotify Premium to get the deal.
Windows 10 remains the clear favorite operating system, but its use declined slightly while Windows 7 use grew.
The voice-powered virtual assistant is getting two handy features that should help you stay on top of everything you need to do.
For some people, the Eve V could surpass Microsoft's Surface Pro.
'Sense8' joins 'The Get Down,' 'Hemlock Grove,' 'Marco Polo,' and more on the list of canceled Netflix shows.
Google plans to block the most annoying advertisements in its Chrome browser, even those that run on the company's own platform.
You can now add DirecTV to an AT&T unlimited mobile plan for just $10 extra per month, instead of the $35 it would cost by itself.
You might not peg the City of Commerce, Calif. as a transportation hub, but revenue from two big nearby businesses has allowed it to offer a smart mass transit system for free.
The system is designed to eliminate both boarding passes and manual passport checks, and is integrated with the federal passport database.
If you've been paying attention to what some of the most popular social media apps have been doing as of late, Highlights won't be a new concept.
A standalone Siri speaker would help Apple better compete against the likes of Google Home and Amazon Echo, according to Bloomberg. Look for it at WWDC next week.