'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is a paid online subscription similar to Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. It provides online multiplayer, cloud save, and access to some free Nintendo titles. The service starts at $3.99 per month or $19.99 for the year. At that price, is Nintendo Switch Online worth it in 2024?
For players who enjoy online competition or co-op games like Mario Kart or Splatoon, the NSO is a must-have. However, the service is more than just access to online play. In this article, we will have a look at what this subscription offers and whether you should subscribe to it.
Note: This article is subjective and may reflect the author’s opinions.
What does Nintendo Switch Online offer?
1) Online multiplayer
The core function of Nintendo Switch Online is access to online play in compatible Nintendo Switch games. This allows you to battle friends or team up with them online in titles like Super Smash Bros. and Splatoon. You can also voice chat with your friends via the Nintendo Switch Online app on your Android or iOS device.
On that note, the NSO membership isn’t required for local co-op, single-player, or free-to-play titles. So, if you generally play games like The Legend of Zelda, Bayonetta, or Fortnite, then you may not need the subscription.
2) Cloud saves
Ever lose precious game progress because you misplaced your cartridge or your console malfunctioned? Nintendo Switch Online’s cloud save feature can be a godsend in such an uneventful happening. The service allows you to store your game progress online and access it from any Nintendo Switch console linked to your Nintendo account.
This can be great if you own multiple Switch devices or travel often as the feature saves you from transferring your saves manually. Moreover, the service also preserves your data in case you lose access to the game cartridge or corrupt your Switch.
3) Access to NES and SNES games
The NSO membership allows you to revisit timeless Nintendo classics like Super Mario Bros. and Super Metroid. The service currently features 74 NES games and 50 SNES games, with new titles added every few months.
The emulation of these old titles is good and responsive. You even have the choice to apply filters to give your games an old CRT look. These old beloved games also come with local and online multiplayer. So, if you are a gamer looking to relive your childhood, the library of NES and SNES games definitely makes the subscription worth it.
4) Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
The Expansion Pack is an upgrade to the standard NSO membership and costs $49.99 annually. This upgrade grants access to a library of classic Nintendo 64, Game Boy, and SEGA Genesis games with titles like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Super Mario World, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Similar to the NES and SNES games from the base membership, these titles can be enjoyed solo or with friends online for a more comprehensive nostalgic experience. However, the additional content fails to justify the $30 price difference with what little extra it has to offer.
5) Free DLCs and in-game rewards
Purchasing the NSO + Expansion Pack subscription may occasionally grant you access to special bonuses or free DLCs for some Nintendo Switch titles. These perks can range from exclusive in-game items or cosmetics to additional game modes or story content. For example, past offerings included special outfits for characters in Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Booster Course pass for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
However, do note that these bonuses and free DLCs are not guaranteed and their availability depends on the ongoing promotions of certain games. Therefore, these free perks should be considered an additional bonus for subscribing to the service.
Is Nintendo Switch Online worth it in 2024?
Nintendo Switch Online offers a solid online multiplayer experience, cloud saves, and access to a library of classic games. The price of $19.99 for the individual plan is worth the services that the membership offers.
However, the Expansion Pack costs $49.99 and can only be recommended to those who really want to enjoy certain N64, Sega Genesis, or Gameboy titles on their Nintendo Switch.
Check out more Nintendo articles here:
All Nintendo home consoles, ranked || Is WWE 2K24 available on Nintendo Switch? || Should you wait for the Nintendo Switch 2 or buy the Switch OLED?
