We’re now into the throes of August. We’re getting closer and closer to the launch of Nintendo’s paid online service. The Nintendo Switch Online service was originally slated to launch in September, and now, as we’re nearing the month in question, Nintendo has slapped down a a more precise release window. However, we are still without an exact release date. Instead, Nintendo has told us that the Nintendo Switch Online service release date is during “the second half of September.”
Taking to Twitter to announce the move from a vague September window to “the second half of September.”, the developer explains:
#NintendoSwitchOnline will launch in the second half of September. The service provides access to online play & Save Data Cloud backup in compatible games and a growing library of NES titles with added online play.https://t.co/74Hzxk9spt pic.twitter.com/JtNgmjnilE
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) August 10, 2018
As you can see in the above tweet, Nintendo also provided a few additional details. These are nothing new, however. We’ve known for a good while that the service will provide “access to online play & Save Data Cloud backup”. We also already know that we’ll be able to play classic “NES titles with added online play.” All we don’t know is when exactly we’ll have to start paying for the privilege to play our games online.
We also don’t know for sure whether or not we have to pay for the Nintendo Switch Online service to play free-to-play games such as Fortnite. We do know, however, how much it will set us back. A 12-month subscription will cost $19.99, three months, $7.99 and one month, $3.99. The modest price-point is a nice bonus, at least.
Hopefully, Nintendo officially confirms an exact release date for the Nintendo Switch Online service soon. At least we know we’ll have to start paying for it before October rolls into town.
