Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription-based online service for the Nintendo Switch console. Unlike all previous internet services offered through Nintendo's line of consoles, the Nintendo Switch Online service is the first one that requires a paid subscription to access. The service launched on September 18, 2018, in North America and September 19, 2018 in Europe and Japan.

Prior to the launch of the service, the Nintendo Switch console offered free online service as a trial period until the service could be fully developed. The service was originally intended to launch in fall of 2017, but was pushed back to the following year.

Overview
The service allows users to play most Nintendo Switch games online, utilize the Nintendo Switch Online App with compatible games, backup save data through a server, and play select NES titles with added online co-op. Other online services, such as access to the Nintendo eShop, system and software updates, friend management, and screenshot uploading, do not require the paid service.

The service offers multiple memberships and pricing plans. The Individual Membership allows a single Nintendo Account holder to access the service, and offers three pricing plans: $3.99 USD for one month, $7.99 USD for three months, and $19.99 USD for a year. The Family Membership allows a Nintendo Account holder to invite up to seven users to access the same services as a family group, and is priced at $34.99 USD for a year. A seven-day free trial is also available for individual first-time users. Users of the service can enable automatic payment renewal of their subscription.

Online Play
The Nintendo Switch Online service allows many Nintendo Switch games with online play to be played over an internet connection. However, not all games released for the console will require the subscription to play online. The service also allows users to use the Nintendo Switch Online App with compatible games, enabling users to use voice chat while playing. Prior to the launch of the service, all Nintendo Switch games with online play had offered the feature freely.

Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online
Exclusively available through the service, users may download and play a number of NES titles, with more games to be added regularly in the months following the service's launch. Each NES title has newly added online co-op. Online features vary from game to game, with some including co-op or competitive play, or enabling turn-taking with the controls in single-player games. It is also possible in some games for players to watch another's gameplay and take control of a hand-shaped cursor to guide and point out hints. The NES titles are also compatible with the Nintendo Switch Online App, enabling users to use voice chat as games are played. The NES titles partly requires internet connection to access and play, as users may play them offline for up to seven days until they are required to connect to the internet with an active service subscription.

is one of the 20 NES titles to be launched with the service, available on September 18, 2018.

Save Data Cloud
Users with a service subscription can access a cloud-based server where they may upload and retrieve the save data of compatible games. Save data will automatically upload to the cloud so long as there is an internet connection. The save data is linked to the player's Nintendo Account, enabling players to access their save data by signing in and easily transfer data between Nintendo Switch consoles. Not all Nintendo Switch games can have their save data uploaded to the cloud. Save data is stored in the cloud for as long as the user's subscription is active; should their subscription expire, the save data will no longer be available.

Nintendo Switch Online App
The Nintendo Switch Online App is a smartphone application that is designed to complement and enhance the online experience while playing compatible Nintendo Switch games. It was released for and  devices worldwide on July 19, 2017. Prior to the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online service, the smartphone app and all its features could be used freely.

The main feature of the application is to enable users to voice chat with one another while playing. Some Nintendo Switch games also have exclusive features that can be utilized with the smartphone app.

All NES titles released as part of the Nintendo Switch Online service are also compatible with the smartphone app, including.

Special Offers
Special offers through the service are also periodically made available, which are meant to incite interest and make use of the service. These offers are exclusively available to users with an active subscription, and at times are only available to certain payment plans.

Users with a subscription may purchase Nintendo Entertainment System-styled controllers starting in December 2018. These wireless controllers, which are modeled after the original NES controllers, can be used to play the Online service's NES titles. The controllers come in a package of two, and feature rechargaeble batteries that are recharged by attaching the controllers to the Nintendo Switch console, similarly to Joy-Cons. The controllers cost $59.99 USD, and are limited to one purchase per Nintendo Account.