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Nintendo reveals details on their online service, which won’t arrive until next year

By Brandon Crespo

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 3: The new Nintendo Switch game console is displayed at a pop-up Nintendo venue in Madison Square Park, March 3, 2017 in New York City. The Nintendo Switch console goes on sale today and retails for 300 dollars. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 3: The new Nintendo Switch game console is displayed at a pop-up Nintendo venue in Madison Square Park, March 3, 2017 in New York City. The Nintendo Switch console goes on sale today and retails for 300 dollars. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) /
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On Thursday, Nintendo officially revealed Nintendo Switch Online details. It’ll include an online lobby, a voice chat, and much more.

At long last, Nintendo has finally given us an update on the upcoming Nintendo Switch online service. We see expanded information on features we already knew about, as well as some new ones. For one, they touched on online play on the Nintendo Switch.

As of right, online play is free for all Switch owners. That being said, it won’t be once the paid online service launches in 2018. Most games that have an online multiplayer mode will require the subscription, so there’s no way of playing online without it. On the bright side, the prices are very affordable.

A one-month membership is $3.99, a three-month membership is $7.99 and a year is $19.99. Compared to other online subscriptions, this is very affordable. Paying $20 a year for an online service is something that most owners won’t complain about. Well, at least we hope.

With this online subscription service, you’ll be able to play from a classic game selection for free. For example, games like Super Mario Bros. 3 and Dr. Mario will be playable with this subscription service. There will also be Nintendo eShop deals on select games.

As far as the online lobby and voice chat are concerned, you’ll be able to download a smartphone app which you can connect to the Switch. With this app, you’ll be able to create an online lobby and voice chat with your friends. This is something that sounds like it could work if you’re on the go. However, we think Nintendo should’ve incorporated that into the console itself. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem like it’s happening.

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Overall, we’re pleased with what Nintendo is doing with this online service. It could use some improvements, but it’s a step in the right direction and we hope it works out. You’ll be able to test out a limited version this summer. We should expect more information at E3 2017 as well.