Nintendo shared some good news and some bad news regarding the Switch Online paid service. The good news is that pricing is way lower than competitors, as customers will be able to get a one-year subscription for $19.99, a three-month subscription for $7.99 and a monthly subscription for $3.99.
The bad news is that the launch of Switch Online has been delayed until 2018.
This paid service lets Nintendo Switch owners enjoy online multiplayer gaming as well as a dedicated smartphone app that connects to your Nintendo Switch system and helps you connect with friends for online play sessions.
Online Play on Nintendo Switch
You’ll be able to play compatible co-op and competitive games online by signing in with your Nintendo Account. Online play will be free for Nintendo Account holders until our paid online service launches in 2018.
After the free-trial period, most games will require a paid online service subscription from Nintendo in order to play online.
This service is only for Nintendo Switch. It does not affect online play or features for the Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
Online lobby and voice chat
Our new dedicated smart device app will connect to Nintendo Switch and let you invite friends to play online, set play appointments, and chat with friends during online matches in compatible games─all from your smart device.A free, limited version of this app will be available for download in summer 2017.
Classic Game Selection
Subscribers will get to download a compilation of classic titles with added online play, such as Super Mario Bros. 3, Balloon Fight and Dr. Mario.
Nintendo eShop deals
Special offers for subscribers may include discounts on select digital games and content.
Additionally, Nintendo decided to change their original plan of giving access to a monthly selection of classic games. Now, subscribers will have ongoing and unrestricted access to the library of classic games as long as the subscription stays active. At launch, the library will include NES games, though the addition of Super NES games is being evaluated by Nintendo.
Stay tuned for more on the Switch Online paid service - Nintendo might reveal additional information during their E3 2017 Direct.
