Do I Need the Nintendo Switch Online Membership?
The Nintendo Switch is a wildly popular gaming console that offers a ton of fun and exciting games to play. However, to get the most out of your Switch experience, you might wonder if you need to purchase the Nintendo Switch Online membership. In this article, we’ll dive into the details to help you decide whether or not this premium service is right for you.
So, What Does the Nintendo Switch Online Membership Offer?
Before we start discussing whether or not you need the Nintendo Switch Online membership, let’s first examine what it offers. The subscription provides various benefits, including:
- Access to Online Multiplayer: Yes, you read that right! Multiplayer gaming is a crucial part of modern gaming, and the Nintendo Switch Online subscription allows you to play with friends online in eligible games.
- Cloud Saves: A cloud save feature is convenient as it allows you to access your saved progress from any Switch console connected to your account.
- Free Classic Nintendo Games: As a subscriber, you gain access to a growing library of classic NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) and SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System) games.
Do I Need the Nintendo Switch Online Membership?
Now that you have a better understanding of what the Nintendo Switch Online membership offers, let’s consider a few scenarios to help you decide.
Scenario 1: Single-player gamer
If you mostly play single-player games and don’t participate in multiplayer gaming, you might not need the Nintendo Switch Online membership. Many top-rated games, such as the recent The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Pokémon Mystery Dungeons: Rescue Team DX, don’t require online multiplayer to enjoy their full experience.
Scenario 2: Local multiplayer enthusiast
However, if you enjoy playing games locally with your family and friends, you still need access to online multiplayer to fully maximize your gaming experience. In that case, the Nintendo Switch Online subscription comes in handy.
Scenario 3: Classics enthusiast
If you love nostalgia and want to play classic retro games, the Nintendo Switch Online subscription is a must-have. Not only do you get access to a growing library of classic NES and SNES games from the 80s and 90s, but you can also download or stream them directly to your console using the Nintendo Switch Online app on your mobile device or TV screen.
Additional Benefits: Voice Chat and Online Storage
There’s more to the Nintendo Switch Online membership than just online multiplayer, online storage, and classic games. Additional features include:
- Voice Chat: Nintendo’s online voice chat offers a seamless way to communicate with fellow online players.
- Online Storage: While the Nintendo Switch Online service doesn’t offer an absurdly large storage capacity, an additional 2GB might be helpful for those running short on internal storage.
Alternatives to the Nintendo Switch Online Membership:
If you’re hesitant about committing to a subscription, alternatives like the following services might be worth considering:
- Citra: A third-party emulator that allows you to play original NES and SNES games using its own online service.
- Twitch: Livestreaming platform where you can still play classic games and socialize with fellow gamers.
Farewell, and Don’t Forget the Free Trial
While Nintendo’s Nintendo Switch Online service shines in various aspects, ultimately whether or not you need it largely depends on your gaming habits and needs. Try the 30-day free trial to test its merits and decide for yourself. You also have the option to change subscription plans at any given time, so you can pause it if you’re not currently online gaming.
Conclusion
Nintendo Switch Online membership is not necessarily the most essential feature for the casual game player. However, it still proves to be a valuable service particular for those who engage in frequent online multiplayer gaming, use cloud saves, or fuss over classic retro titles.
In summary, the Nintendo Switch Online membership is strongly recommended for:
• Multiple players
• Classics gamers
• Those seeking to stream SNES and NES games
Remember you also have the option to try before buying with the 30-day free trial offer.