Nintendo Switch Online

From Zelda Wiki, the Zelda encyclopedia

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.[1][2][3]

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.[4]

Overview

This section is incomplete.
Reason: Missing information on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
You can help by adding the missing information.

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 cloud-based server, and play select Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Game Boy 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.[5]

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.[6] Users of the service can enable automatic payment renewal of their subscription.[7]

Online Play

The Nintendo Switch Online service allows many Nintendo Switch games with online play to be played over an internet connection.[8] However, not all games released for the console 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.[8] Prior to the launch of the service, all Nintendo Switch games with online play had offered the feature freely.

Game Online Compatibility Subscription Required
Breath of the Wild  
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition  
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe    
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate    
Cadence of Hyrule   ?
Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch  
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity  
Skyward Sword HD  

Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online

 

Exclusively available through the service, users may download and play a number of Nintendo Entertainment System titles, with more games to be added regularly in the months following the service's launch. Each Nintendo Entertainment System title has newly added online co-op.[9] 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.[10] 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.[11] The Nintendo Entertainment System titles are also compatible with the Nintendo Switch Online App, enabling users to use voice chat as games are played.[12] The Nintendo Entertainment System 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.[13]

The Legend of Zelda is one of the 20 Nintendo Entertainment System titles that was launched with the service, available from September 18, 2018.

Game Release Date
The Legend of Zelda September 18, 2018
The Legend of Zelda: Living the life of luxury! October 10, 2018
The Adventure of Link January 16, 2019
Zelda II - The Adventure of Link: Link, warrior without equal. March 13, 2019

Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online

 

During the September 4, 2019 Nintendo Direct, Shinya Takahashi announced that 20 Super Nintendo Entertainment System games would be playable as of September 5, 2019.[14] A Link to the Past was included among the 20 playable games available at launch.

Game Release Date
A Link to the Past September 5, 2019

Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online

 

During the September 23, 2021 Nintendo Direct, it was announced that nine Nintendo 64 games would be made available as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, to be released sometime in late October 2021. Ocarina of Time was among the games immediately available to play, with Majora's Mask releasing in February of 2022.

Game Release Date
Ocarina of Time
  •   October 26, 2021
Majora's Mask
  •   February 2022
[15]

Game Boy – Nintendo Switch Online

 

During the February 8, 2023 Nintendo Direct, it was announced that nine Game Boy games would be released a short time after the presentation.[16] Link's Awakening DX was among the games immediately available to play, while Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages were released on July 27, 2023.[17]

Game Release Date
Link's Awakening DX February 8, 2023
Oracle of Seasons July 27, 2023
Oracle of Ages July 27, 2023

Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Switch Online

 

During the February 8, 2023 Nintendo Direct, it was announced that six Game Boy Advance games would be released a short time after the presentation, exclusively to members with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.[16] The Minish Cap was among the games immediately available to play.

Game Release Date
The Minish Cap February 8, 2023

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.[18] Save data automatically uploads to the cloud so long as there is an internet connection.[19] 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.[20] Not all Nintendo Switch games can have their save data uploaded to the cloud.[21] 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.[22]

Game Save Data Cloud Compatibility
Breath of the Wild  
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition  
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe  
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate  
Cadence of Hyrule  
Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch  
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity  
Skyward Sword HD  

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.[23] It was released for iOS and Android devices worldwide on July 19, 2017.[24] Prior to the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online service, the smartphone app and all its features could be used freely.[23]

The main feature of the application is to enable users to voice chat with one another while playing.[23] 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 The Legend of Zelda.[12]

Game Voice Chat Compatibility Special Features
Breath of the Wild  
The Legend of Zelda    
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition  
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe    
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate ? ?

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.[25]

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.[26] 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.

Missions & Rewards

On March 1, 2022, the Missions & Rewards section was added to the Nintendo Switch Online service. User can win My Nintendo Platinum Points by completing special "missions", which they can then use to purchase icon elements, consisting of a character, background, and frame. The user can only make an icon when a character is selected. Characters cost   10 platinum points, while background and frames cost   5 platinum points. Every month features a different game, while a special Animal Crossing: New Horizons section features villagers currently celebrating their birthday within the current month. Occasionally, another game can be added, such as Kirby and the Forgotten Land, as a special reward.

Nintendo 64



From September 6, 2022 to October 4, 2022, icon elements pertaining to the Nintendo 64 were avaliable on the service.

Ocarina of Time
Characters
File:NSO OoT - Young Link.png File:NSO OoT - Young Link and Navi.png File:NSO OoT - Link and Navi.png File:NSO OoT - Link with Fairy Bow.png File:NSO OoT - Zelda.png
Young Link Young Link and Navi Link and Navi Link with Fairy Bow Princess Zelda
File:NSO OoT - Saria.png File:NSO OoT - Darunia.png File:NSO OoT - Young Ruto.png File:NSO OoT - Shiek.png File:NSO OoT - Ganondorf.png
Saria Darunia Young Princess Ruto Shiek Ganondorf
Majora's Mask
Characters
File:NSO MM - Link & Goron Mask.png File:NSO MM - Link & Tatl.png File:NSO MM - Skull Kid & Tael.png File:NSO MM - Anju.png File:NSO MM - Kafei in Keaton Mask.png
Link & Goron Mask Link & Tatl Skull Kid & Tael Anju Kafei in Keaton Mask
File:NSO MM - Tingle.png File:NSO MM - Deku Link.png File:NSO MM - Goron Link.png File:NSO MM - Zora Link.png File:NSO MM - Majora's Mask.png
Tingle Deku Link Goron Link Zora Link Majora's Mask

Nintendo Entertainment System



The Legend of Zelda
Characters
File:NSO TLoZ - Link.png File:NSO TLoZ - Zelda.png File:NSO TLoZ - Old Man.png File:NSO TLoZ - Ganon.png File:NSO TLoZ - Moblin.png
Link Princess Zelda Old Man Ganon Moblin

Breath of the Wild



From June 6, 2022 to July 4, 2022, icon elements pertaining to Breath of the Wild were available on the service, with the icons swapping every week. An * indicates a "character with background".

Week 1 (June 6, 2022 - June 13, 2022)
Characters
         
Link Link with a Horse* Daruk Mipha Link on field with Zelda*
         
Purah Guardian Royal Crest* Master Sword* Raw Prime Meat
Backgrounds
         
Sheikah language pattern Archway to the River of the Dead Great Plateau Tower Daytime artwork of Hyrule Early morning artwork of Hyrule
Frames
         
Swirling white background with gold band and points Swirling blue background with gold band Sheikah pattern band Swirling blue background with two white border; top features the Crest of the Sheikah Black background with gold band
Week 2 (June 13, 2022 - June 20, 2022)
Characters
         
Link Link fighting Windblight Ganon* Revali Urbosa The Champions*
         
Impa Bokoblin Crest of the Sheikah* Iron Sledgehammer Meat Skewer
Backgrounds
         
In-game map of Hyrule, depicting the Dueling Peaks and Lake Tower regions. Forest of Spirits Mount Hylia Oman Au Shrine River of the Dead
Frames
         
Sheikah language patterns with a gold band and directional points Swirling golden background Black background with gold and gray band Swirling blue background with two white border Light-blue background with golden band
Week 3 (June 20, 2022 - June 27, 2022)
Characters
         
Link riding a Horse Link on the top of a mountain* Mipha Daruk Zelda*
         
Kass Calamity Ganon One-Hit Obliterator icon* Ancient Arrow Wildberry Crepe
Backgrounds
         
Swirling golden background Hyrule Great Plateau Hyrule Temple of Time
Frames
         
Blue Sheikah language patterns with a gold band and points Black Sheikah patterns Black background with gold and gray band Blue background with white wavy borders on top and bottom White background with light blue band
Week 4 (June 27, 2022 - July 4, 2022)
Characters
         
Link wearing the Hylian Hood Link looking up from a cliff* Urbosa Revali Zelda
         
Tera* Bokoblin* Royal Crest Boko Club Dubious Food
Backgrounds
         
Swirling brown background Great Plateau Ja Baij Shrine Stairway entrance to Great Plateau Hateno Village
Frames
         
Swirling white background with feather points White Sheikah language patterns with blue band Swirling brown background with Sheikah band Blue background with white Sheikah pattern borders on top and bottom Gray background with golden band

Tears of the Kingdom



External Links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "#NintendoSwitchOnline memberships will start on 9/18. You can sign-up for a 7-day free trial from Nintendo #eShop at launch! We will introduce more information during the Nintendo Direct on 9/13." — @NintendoAmerica on Twitter, September 12, 2018 (Archive)
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Nintendo Switchをもっと楽しく、もっと便利にする新サービス『Nintendo Switch Online』は9月19日より開始。公式ホームページでサービス詳細や紹介映像を公開。 #NintendoDirectJP" — @Nintendo on Twitter, September 13, 2018 (Archive)
  3. 3.0 3.1 "See what the paid #NintendoSwitchOnline membership service has to offer when it launches on 19/09! #NintendoDirect" — @NintendoEurope on Twitter, September 13, 2018 (Archive)
  4. "Paid service launching fall 2017" — Brian, Nintendo Switch Online Service details – SNES games with online play for members, more , Nintendo Everything, published January 13, 2017, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  5. "Yes. Online features including Nintendo eShop, Friend registration and management, the sharing of screenshots over social networks, Nintendo Switch Parental Controls, system and software updates, and Nintendo Switch News will not be affected by the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online paid service." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 12, 2018.
  6. "One free, seven-day trial per Nintendo Account is available through Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  7. "If automatic renewal is set, the subscription amount will be deducted from your Nintendo Account funds within 48 hours before your subscription is set to expire." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  8. 8.0 8.1 "Nintendo Switch Online memberships include online play in games including Splatoon™ 2, Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate, and more. You can also voice chat while you play via the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app* (in supported games)." — Nintendo of America, Online Play – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  9. "Play NES games anytime, anywhere, with a growing selection of classic games—with newly added online play—available exclusively for members. Get 20 games at launch, with new games added regularly." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  10. "Connect with friends online and share your screen for co-op or competitive play. Select a 1- or 2-player mode and go. In single-player games, you can take turns at the controls." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  11. "When playing online, you can display a hand-shaped cursor on your friend's screen. Use it to give hints or point out strategic locations. You can even clap to congratulate them." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  12. 12.0 12.1 "You can use voice chat in these games via the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app. It’s the next best thing to hanging out together." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  13. "Yes, these games can be played offline for up to 7 days as long as you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  14. Nintendo Direct 9.4.2019 , YouTube, published September 4, 2019, retrieved September 4, 2019.
  15. "The Legend of #Zelda: Majora's Mask comes to #NintendoSwitch for #NintendoSwitchOnline + Expansion Pack members in February!" — @NintendoAmerica on Twitter, January 21, 2022 (Archive)
  16. 16.0 16.1 Nintendo Direct 9.4.2019 , YouTube, published February 8, 2023, retrieved February 9, 2023.
  17. Game Boy – July 2023 Game Updates – Nintendo Switch Online , YouTube, published July 27, 2023, retrieved July 27, 2023.
  18. "Back up your game save data to the cloud*. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one." — Nintendo of America, Save Data Cloud Backup – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  19. "Game data will automatically save to the cloud when you have an internet connection. No complicated settings or updates required." — Nintendo of America, Save Data Cloud Backup – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  20. "Save data is linked to your Nintendo Account, so you can access it by signing in. If you move to a new system, you can pick up right where you left off in your game by downloading your data." — Nintendo of America, Save Data Cloud Backup – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  21. "*Save Data Cloud backup compatibility varies per game. Some titles, including Splatoon 2 and 1-2-Switch, are not compatible." — Nintendo of America, Save Data Cloud Backup – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  22. "Save data stored via the Save Data Cloud backup is available for as long as you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online FAQ , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 "The Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app* is designed to enhance your online experience for compatible games. Open the app while playing compatible games to voice chat with your friends as you play. You can use the Nintendo Switch Online app for free until the paid Nintendo Switch Online membership launches on September 18, 2018." — Nintendo of America, Nintendo Switch Online app – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  24. "The Nintendo Switch Online app looks to be launching slightly early. Nintendo had intended to release it alongside Splatoon 2 on Friday, but it’s already appearing around the world." — Brian, Nintendo Switch Online app has launched , Nintendo Everything, published July 18, 2017, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  25. "Exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members
    New offers will be added, so be sure to check back regularly."
    — Nintendo of America, Special Offers – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.
  26. "With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can play enhanced NES™ games the way they're meant to be played—using Nintendo Entertainment System-style controllers!" — Nintendo of America, Special Offers – Nintendo Switch Online , Nintendo.com, published N/A, retrieved September 15, 2018.