HEARD of Nintendo Switch Online but not sure what it’s all about? Here’s a quick guide.
NSO is essential to playing games online and unlocking a whole host of other perks – but it’s certainly not free.
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What is Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo Switch Online is a premium membership scheme for owners of the smash-hit console.
You pay a monthly fee to enjoy bonus perks.
The main advantage is that you get access to online multiplayer, so you can hang out with pals over the web.
It’s essential if you want to visit friends in Animal Crossing, or take on your Mario Kart nemesis on the Rainbow Road.
But that’s not all.
Your membership will also get you access to a curated library of classic NES and Super NES games.
There are more than 90 titles baked in to the offering, including Super Mario Bros, Metroid, Kirby’s Adventure and Yoshi.
You can check out the full list here.
Nintendo also gives away members-only deals, including exclusive games and special offers on content.
Save Data Cloud is included with each membership.
That means your save data is automatically connected to your Nintendo account and then stored online for supporting games.
And you also get access to the Nintendo Switch Online app, letting you voice chat in compatible games using a smartphone or tablet.
The app also includes special features for some games, including Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon 2.
Nintendo Switch Online price – how much does it cost?
There aren’t any special Nintendo Switch Online tiers beyond the standard price.
That means the only decision you’ll have to make is how long you want to sign up for.
For a one-month membership, you’ll pay:
- £3.49
- €3.99
- $3.99
For a three-month membership, you’ll pay:
- £6.99
- €7.99
- $7.99
And for a 12-month membership, you’ll pay:
- £17.99
- €19.99
- $19.99
As you can see, it’s cheaper to buy bulk memberships in the UK, US and EU.
A three-month membership in the UK works out at £2.66 a month, while a 12-month membership ends up costing you just £1.50 a month.
But it’s sometimes more convenient to pay a bigger fee each month rather than a larger one-off payment, or you might only want to sign up for a short period of time.
