The Nintendo Switch online subscription fee is not that expensive compared to its rivals. Industry observers also believed that the Switch online service offers features in a non-traditional way.
Cheapest Online Service
Nikkei recently interviewed Nintendo head Tatsumi Kimishima about Switch's online service. It turns out that the annual subscription fee will range from around$18 to more than $26. In contrast, both the Xbox Live Gold and PlayStation Plus networks cost around $60 in annual subscription fees. Many upcoming Switch games such as Splatoon 2 will have online multiplayer features.
Limited Free Switch Every Month
Many are not thrilled about Nintendo's free Switch game offers. Subscribers will received either a NES or SNES free game per month. Players will have to pay for it though if they want to continue playing it beyond the one-month period. Critics pointed out the Xbox and PlayStation online subscribers can play monthly free games for as long as they like. They could not understand why Nintendo would not give the same. The free titles that its offering are the old 8-bit and 16-bit games.
Switch Network Using Mobile Apps
Nintendo will offer online network standard features. Switch subscribers though could only use voice chat and lobbies via mobile apps. This approach is radical departure from the traditional setup of its competitors. Parents can also control their children's playing time using a Switch mobile app.
Possible VR Feature
Kimishima also hinted that the Switch may include Virtual Reality (VR) features. The company though is looking for ways that minimize the negative effects of playing VR for long periods of time. Unfortunately, he could not give a specific date as to when the Switch will get VR capabilities.
Nintendo Switch Online Service Release Date
The Nintendo Switch is coming out this March 3. Players can avail of its online service for free until it becomes fully operational by fall. Interestingly, the Nintendo 3DS Miiverse and Wii U are not included in the Switch Online Network.
