What is Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online is, in short, the business version of Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Although online multiplayer play is free on PC, it often required additional payment on consoles. Nintendo started this practice with the Switch, introducing Nintendo Switch Online a few years ago. Service is a key part of the Switch, but isn't always necessary as players often have different needs.
Do you need Nintendo Switch Online
What do you get with Nintendo Switch Online? The most important is online multiplayer. Did you get Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Animal Crossing: New Horizons and want to play with your friends across the country? Then you need Nintendo Switch Online. It's also simple for most, as the cost is offset by being able to join games with friends and random people when and where you want, with the right internet access.
However, NSO isn't limited to online multiplayer. On top of that, you also get a great selection of old Nintendo games from the NES and SNES days. More are added all the time, but you can see an up-to-date list of all Nintendo Switch Online games here. On top of these, you also get special access to games like Tetris 99 and Super Mario Bros. 35, along with other perks like the ability to purchase NES and SNES controllers for the Switch. All in all, so it's a subscription that amplifies your Switch and its features. But do you just want a subscription for yourself or should you splurge for the family account?
Individual or family account?
An individual Nintendo Switch Online membership costs $ 19,99 per year. This allows you to get all of the above under one account on your Switch. However, an ONS family membership is also available and costs just $ 34,99 per year, which is less than two memberships together. For this, you get up to six members on your subscription. There are stipulations, so be sure to follow all Nintendo rules. But if you have a lot of family members with a Switch, or want to share the console a lot, the Nintendo Switch Online family membership is probably the best, especially if you can share the cost.
So here's an overview of Nintendo Switch Online, explaining what it is, do you need it, and whether you want to get an individual or family account.