This afternoon Nintendo released more details about their upcoming console, convertible, tablet, controller thingy. The Nintendo Switch can switch between a console connected to your TV, shared with your family, to a portable device to take the game with you.
This time around, Nintendo will copy Xbox Live and begin charging for online services. This is pretty easy to justify as a growing user base requires more server capacity and having a revenue stream makes investment in improvements much easier.
What we know is that the service will start with a free trial when the Switch launches on March 3rd for US$299.99 but what we don’t know is how much the paid service will be. The free period ends when the paid service starts and that’s schedule for US fall 2017.
Here’s where Aussie’s get really upset.
The paid online service will be available in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico only at launch.
This means the service won’t be available to Australia at launch and I wouldn’t be surprised if that means not in 2017 at all. This raises the question of what the console functionality would be without the online service.
While all owners will get game updates, below is the list of what you won’t get unless you hand over your credit card to Nintendo.
Online lobby and voice chat
Our new dedicated smart device app will connect to Nintendo Switch and let you invite friends to play online, set play appointments, and chat with friends during online matches in compatible games─all from your smart device.
A free, limited version of this app will be available for download in summer 2017.
Monthly game download
Subscribers will get to download and play a Nintendo Entertainment System™ (NES) or Super Nintendo Entertainment System™ (Super NES) game (with newly-added online play) for free for a month.
Exclusive deals
Special offers for subscribers may include discounts on select digital games and content.
More information at nintendo.com/switch/online-service/
