Up to eight users can split a family plan for $35 a year
Nintendo’s $20-per-year online subscription service for Nintendo Switch launches this September. Today, the company finally divulged more specifics, including talk of much-needed cloud saves.
Along with the ability to play Switch games like Splatoon 2 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online, the program will allow users to backup their save data “for most Nintendo Switch games” in the cloud. If you’ve ever dreaded potentially having to send in your system for repairs, that’s some serious peace of mind.
The paid online service will also include Nintendo Entertainment System games with online multiplayer and even voice chat support (through the Switch smartphone app, naturally). To start, Nintendo Switch Online will have Balloon Fight, Dr. Mario, Super Mario Bros. 3, Donkey Kong, Ice Climber, The Legend of Zelda, Mario Bros., Soccer, Super Mario Bros., Tennis, and 10 other yet-to-be-announced games.
The service is $4 per month, $8 per three months, and $20 per year — if you’re an individual. Interestingly, there’s a “family membership” for $35 per year. With the latter, “up to eight Nintendo Account holders will be able to use the Nintendo Switch Online service, even on different systems.”
Nintendo says it will let users create a Nintendo Account Family Group starting May 15.
As a reminder, existing online features like the Switch eShop, friends, screenshot sharing on social networks, parental controls, system and game-specific updates, and Nintendo Switch News “will not be affected by the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online paid service.”
Nintendo Switch Online [Nintendo]