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What is the Point of Nintendo Switch Online?

The point of Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is multifaceted, serving as the gateway to a richer and more connected Nintendo gaming experience. Primarily, it unlocks the ability to engage in online multiplayer for a vast majority of Switch games, transforming solitary adventures into shared experiences with friends and players worldwide. Beyond multiplayer, NSO provides access to a growing library of classic NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games, complete with added online functionality for cooperative and competitive play. Furthermore, it offers crucial features like cloud save backups to protect your hard-earned progress, access to a smartphone app for voice chat and game-specific enhancements, and exclusive special offers for members. In essence, NSO enhances the overall functionality and enjoyment of your Nintendo Switch.

Understanding the Core Benefits of Nintendo Switch Online

At its heart, Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that unlocks a range of benefits that significantly enhance the Switch experience. These benefits can be broadly categorized into:

Online Multiplayer: This is the most fundamental offering. Without NSO, you’ll be locked out of online play in many of the most popular Switch titles, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Splatoon 2/3, and many more. It allows you to compete and cooperate with friends and other players from across the globe.
Classic Game Libraries: NSO grants access to a curated selection of classic NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games. These aren’t just emulations; many feature enhanced online functionality, allowing you to play cooperatively or competitively with friends, adding a new dimension to these retro favorites.
Cloud Save Data Backup: One of the most valuable features, cloud save backups protect your game progress. If your Switch is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can easily restore your save data on a new console, ensuring you don’t lose hours of gameplay. Note that this feature is not compatible with all games.
Smartphone App Integration: The Nintendo Switch Online app offers voice chat functionality for compatible games, allowing you to coordinate strategies and chat with friends during gameplay. It also offers game-specific features, such as Splatoon 2’s SplatNet 2, which provides detailed stats, gear information, and more.
Special Offers: NSO members receive exclusive deals and promotions on games, accessories, and other Nintendo products, providing additional value for their subscription.

Nintendo Switch Online vs. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Nintendo offers two tiers of its online service: Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The base tier, Nintendo Switch Online, provides all the core benefits mentioned above: online multiplayer, classic NES and SNES games, cloud save backups, smartphone app access, and special offers.

The Expansion Pack tier adds even more value, including:

Nintendo 64 Games: A library of classic Nintendo 64 titles, often with enhanced online multiplayer.
Sega Genesis Games: A selection of retro Sega Genesis games with online play.
Game Boy Advance Games: Adds a library of Game Boy Advance titles.
Downloadable Content (DLC): Access to certain downloadable content for select Switch games, such as the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass and Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise DLC.

The Expansion Pack is naturally more expensive, but the additional content and DLC can make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a deeper dive into Nintendo’s retro gaming library and extra content for their favorite titles.

The Value Proposition: Is Nintendo Switch Online Worth It?

Whether Nintendo Switch Online is “worth it” depends on your individual gaming habits and preferences.

For Multiplayer Enthusiasts: If you frequently play online multiplayer games on your Switch, NSO is practically essential. Without it, you’ll miss out on the core gameplay experience of many popular titles.
For Retro Gaming Fans: If you have a fondness for classic NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games, NSO provides a convenient and affordable way to revisit these timeless titles. The Expansion Pack expands this offering with N64 and Sega Genesis games.
For Data Security Conscious Gamers: The cloud save backup feature alone can be worth the subscription price for those who value their game progress and want to safeguard against data loss.
For Casual Gamers: If you primarily play single-player games and have little interest in online multiplayer or retro titles, NSO may not be as essential. However, the cloud save backup feature still provides a valuable safety net.

The affordable price point of the base Nintendo Switch Online plan makes it an easy decision for most Switch owners. The Expansion Pack is more of a niche offering, appealing primarily to retro gaming enthusiasts and those who want access to the included DLC. You can learn more about gaming and its impact on learning at the Games Learning Society by visiting GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nintendo Switch Online

1. Do I really need Nintendo Switch Online to play online multiplayer games?

Yes, for most first-party and third-party Nintendo Switch games, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to participate in co-op and competitive online features. There are some exceptions, like Fortnite, Rocket League, and other free-to-play games which do not require the membership.

2. What happens if my Nintendo Switch Online subscription expires?

If your subscription expires, you will lose access to online multiplayer, classic games, cloud save backups, and other NSO benefits. Your cloud saves will be stored for a limited time, but they will eventually be deleted if you don’t renew your subscription.

3. Can I play the classic NES and Super NES games offline?

Yes, you can play the classic games offline, but you must have an active membership and verify your membership every seven days by connecting online.

4. How much does Nintendo Switch Online cost?

Nintendo Switch Online individual membership costs:

$3.99 per month
$7.99 per 3 months
$19.99 per year

Family memberships are also available and offer a more cost-effective option for households with multiple Switch users.

5. What is a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership?

A Family Membership allows up to eight Nintendo Account holders to use the Nintendo Switch Online service. This is a great option for families or groups of friends who all own a Switch.

6. Can I share my Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership with people outside my household?

Yes, Nintendo allows you to share your Family Membership with anyone who has a Nintendo Account, regardless of their physical location. However, it is intended for use within a family or close group of friends.

7. Does every game support cloud save backups?

No, not every game supports cloud save backups. Some games, particularly those that rely heavily on online features or competitive leaderboards, may disable cloud saves to prevent cheating or manipulation.

8. How do I access the classic NES and Super NES games on Nintendo Switch Online?

You can download the NES and Super NES apps from the Nintendo eShop. These apps serve as launchers for the respective classic game libraries. The Game Boy and Game Boy Advance libraries work similarly.

9. What games are available on Nintendo Switch Online?

The selection of games available on Nintendo Switch Online is constantly growing. Nintendo regularly adds new titles to the NES, Super NES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and Sega Genesis libraries. Check the Nintendo Switch Online section of the Nintendo eShop for the latest list of available games.

10. Can I use my own controllers with the classic games?

Yes, you can use a variety of controllers with the classic games, including Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, and even officially licensed NES and Super NES controllers designed specifically for use with Nintendo Switch Online.

11. Does Nintendo Switch Online offer a free trial?

Yes, Nintendo Account users can sign up for a free 7-day trial individual membership for Nintendo Switch Online. The free trial is available once per Nintendo Account.

12. Are there any age restrictions for Nintendo Switch Online?

No, there’s no age restriction. A parent account must purchase the Family Membership, but then any Nintendo Account of any age in the Family Group (including Child Accounts) can use the Nintendo Switch Online services.

13. Can I buy Nintendo Switch games online?

Yes, you can purchase Nintendo Switch games digitally through the Nintendo eShop. For released games, the game will begin downloading to your Nintendo Switch console as soon as you place your order.

14. Why are Nintendo Switch games so expensive?

Nintendo games are generally priced higher than games on other platforms due to Nintendo’s strong brand reputation, high quality standards, and loyal fanbase. The company also controls its own publishing, giving it more control over pricing.

15. What happens when I buy a game online through the Nintendo eShop?

For released games, the game will begin downloading to your Nintendo Switch console as soon as you place your order. Once the download is complete, start the game from your console’s HOME Menu to begin playing. For pre-ordered games, the game will be pre-loaded to your console at the time of your order.

In conclusion, Nintendo Switch Online is a valuable service that enhances the overall Nintendo Switch experience, especially for those who enjoy online multiplayer, classic games, and the peace of mind that comes with cloud save backups. The value proposition depends on your individual gaming habits, but the affordable price point makes it a worthwhile investment for most Switch owners.

What is the point of Nintendo online?