Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is Nintendo's digital service allowing players to enjoy multiplayer features, similar to Sony's PS Plus. Launched in 2018, it was the first time Nintendo required a paid membership for online gameplay. However, Nintendo sweetens the deal with perks such as cloud saves, game trials, and exclusive offers. Perhaps the most valuable benefit is the ever-expanding library of retro games available to subscribers. The service started with titles from the NES and has since added games from multiple consoles as part of its repertoire.
Evolution of Nintendo Switch Online
The Humble Beginnings
Switch Online began its journey with NES (or Famicom) games. This marked the debut of many classics on the platform, allowing a new generation of gamers to experience the titles that started it all. The NES library on NSO is extensive, featuring over 70 games, including timeless classics like Super Mario Bros and The Legend of Zelda, as well as games that were previously exclusive to Japan.
Expansion of the 16-bit Era
Building on its initial success, NSO introduced SNES games in September 2019, effectively expanding its service to cover the 16-bit era. With over 60 games from the Super Nintendo and Super Famicom, the SNES collection grew to become the second-largest selection on the platform. This includes gems like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, bringing nostalgia to older gamers while new gamers discovered these classics for the first time.
Modern Additions
Game Boy and Game Boy Color
The February 2023 Direct brought news that excited many fans—a long-awaited inclusion of Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. These titles are included in the standard NSO membership. Offering classics such as Tetris and Pokémon Red and Blue, the addition of Game Boy titles marked another significant expansion for NSO's retro library.
Game Boy Advance
Alongside the Game Boy titles, Nintendo also revealed that the Game Boy Advance (GBA) games were coming to NSO, another highly anticipated inclusion. However, these games are only accessible with the Expansion Pack membership. The GBA library includes popular games like The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap and Metroid Fusion, adding another layer of value to the premium membership.
Premium Offerings
Nintendo 64
In September 2021, Nintendo Direct announced the Expansion Pack membership, which included games from the N64. Featuring over 30 games, including iconic titles like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, the N64 library offers classic 3D platforming experiences that define an era.
Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
Perhaps the most surprising addition to the Expansion Pack was the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis in the United States) library. From the era when Nintendo and SEGA were staunch rivals, the inclusion of Mega Drive games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Streets of Rage on a Nintendo platform bridged a historic gap. Announced also during the September 2021 Direct, this showed Nintendo's commitment to diversifying their retro collection.
Exclusive DLC Packs
The Expansion Pack isn’t just about additional game libraries. It also includes exclusive DLCs for select Nintendo Switch games. This means members get added value and in-game expansions without extra cost, making the premium membership more appealing.
Special Games and Future Updates
SP Games
NSO also features SP versions of certain classic games. These special editions offer unique twists, such as starting the game with extra items or at different points in the game, catering to both newcomers and seasoned players seeking a new challenge.
99 Games
Switch Online has developed a unique category of battle royale-style games, identifiable by the '99' suffix in their titles. Games like Tetris 99 and F-Zero 99 reinvent classic experiences with a competitive edge, aiming to be the last player standing—a modern twist on beloved classics.
Upcoming Games
New titles are consistently added to NSO's library and frequently announced during Nintendo Direct events. Though there's no fixed schedule, fans eagerly await these updates to broaden their gaming horizons even further. Recently, Nintendo added games to the Game Boy library, and subscribers are always staying tuned for what’s coming next.
Navigating Membership Options
Cost and Membership Tiers
Understanding the diverse membership plans of NSO is essential. The basic membership provides access to multiplayer gaming, NES, SNES, Game Boy games, cloud saves, game trials, and battle royale games like Tetris 99 for as low as £3.49 for a single month or £17.99 for a year. Family plans, covering up to eight accounts, are available starting at £31.49 for a year.
The Expansion Pack
For an enhanced experience, the Expansion Pack membership, priced at £34.99 annually for a single account or £59.99 for a family plan, includes everything in the base membership plus access to N64, Sega Mega Drive, and Game Boy Advance games, as well as exclusive DLC. The expanded offerings make it a go-to option for retro game enthusiasts.
So whether you're a fan of throwback titles or new-age multiplayer experiences, Nintendo Switch Online offers a rich tapestry of gaming options tailored for extensive enjoyment.