My fellow Switch brethren, I’m afraid the day has finally come. We now know the Nintendo Switch Online release date; the point at which we’ll have to start actually paying for the system’s online services.
The Switch-pocalypse will happen sometime during September of this year, as confirmed by the @NintendoAmerica Twitter account:
#NintendoSwitch Online will launch in September 2018! pic.twitter.com/h3Rpeyymsx
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 1, 2018
I suppose we should be thankful, as Nintendo Switch Online release date was initially planned for fall 2017. That’s a delay of one whole year, which isn’t too shabby.
Here’s the section of the recent earnings call which revealed the Nintendo Switch Online release date:
“Next let’s talk about Nintendo Switch Online, the paid subscription service that expands the online functionality of the Nintendo Switch. We reported previously that the service would launch in 2018, and now the official start time has been set to September 2018. Work is progressing on ways to further heighten the gaming experience for consumers. Details will be made available as they are finalized.”
Also mentioned in the earnings call, was the potential for more Nintendo Switch DLC, which would “promote longer gameplay for individual software titles.”
“To promote longer gameplay for individual software titles, we plan to implement even more downloadable content and events that build excitement for games.”
GameSpot noticed Wall Street Journal writer Takashi Mochizuki sharing more details on Twitter:
<rephrase&resend>
Nintendo Takahashi:
-Preparing some attractive (contents or programs) for subscription-based online membership. Please wait for the detail announcement later in the year.— Takashi Mochizuki (@mochi_wsj) February 1, 2018
Nintendo CEO:
-plan to announce details of subscription-based online program later in the year— Takashi Mochizuki (@mochi_wsj) February 1, 2018
So, we know when the Nintendo Switch Online release date is happening, but we don’t know if the cost will deviate from the previously stated $20. We also need to wait to hear what services will be bundled with the subscription. Here’s hoping Nintendo combos the great Switch hardware, with a great online program!
