Nintendo Switch Online Update: Free Multiplayer through 2018, Delayed Voice Chat, & More!
When first announced earlier this year, many people were very skeptical of Nintendo’s online payed service arriving in the Fall of 2017 for Nintendo Switch. Many issues arose such as problems with using Voice Chat through a phone app (an absolute horrible idea.), how pricing for the payed service will work, problems with free monthly VC downloads, and more. Now, Nintendo has just delivered us an update to address some of these concerns.
First things first, Voice chat & the monthly subscriber games have been delayed 2018. While this at first may seem to be bad news, it could actually very much benefit Nintendo is some great ways. This could possibly mean that Nintendo realized how terrible of an idea using voice chat through a phone app actually is, and might be working on ways to change it. While this does sound hard to believe, Nintendo does seem open to change.
The best news out of this has to be the change of how Nintendo will handle free Virtual Console games to subscribers. Originally, the service was going to be one pitiful NES or SNES game only playable for that month, but now the newer service is much more interesting and awesome. Now instead of only 1 VC game a month, you will gain access to a netflix style service called Classic Game Selection. This will feature a number of NES/SNES titles to choose from including Super Mario Bros. 3, Balloon Fight, Dr. Mario, and more that will be available for selection. Not only that, but some of these games will now also include online play.
Nintendo Switch Online includes ongoing access to a library of classic games you can take anywhere! pic.twitter.com/TtRKcImCiS
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 2, 2017
The service will also still include regular E-shop discounts much like how PSN and XBL have weekly subscriber discounts. Also as one last gesture of good will, Nintendo has decided to extend the free online multiplayer trial for all Switch users into 2018 until the online service is ready to go. Last, but not least, the service will only cost $20 a year, which is the lowest price for an online subscription as compared to XBLG & PSN. What are your thoughts on the service overhaul? Tell us in the comments below!
