Nintendo isn't the last to push its subscription service! Switch Online (NSO) is a practically essential offering for those who want to play online against their friends and the entire world. Otherwise, it's impossible to fight against each other in Smash or Splatoon! Which, admittedly, takes away a good part of the fun of these games.
Online Gaming and Retro Catalog
Nintendo doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to online gaming. It's still all too common to lose a connection or suffer from latency, which is a deal-breaker in games like Mario Kart. Fingers crossed, hoping that the launch of the Switch 2 has pushed the manufacturer to seriously invest in its infrastructure.
Another very important NSO feature: cloud backup, which stores game data on Nintendo's servers. This makes it very easy to restore these files to a new Switch. Good to know: The cloud data transfer system between a Switch 1 and a Switch 2 does not require an NSO subscription, a simple Nintendo Account is enough (see the Nintendo support sheet).
The NSO is not limited to these essential functions. Over time, Nintendo has added additional content in the form of a library of retro games for the NES, Super NES, and Game Boy. Subscribers who have purchased the Expansion Pack get a selection of Mega Drive, N64, and Game Boy Advance titles. Lucky Switch 2 owners will enjoy GameCube games. The Expansion Pack also includes expansions for Splatoon 2, Animal Crossing, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
This retro offering has grown over time, but Nintendo adds games in dribs and drabs, and some consoles seem to be completely forgotten, like the Mega Drive. Some great classics are also missing (no Pokémon games, except for spinoffs). We miss the good old days of the Virtual Console, which on Wii, Wii U, and 3DS allowed you to buy retro games — with NSO, you just rent them. And when the subscription ends, you lose access!
Two exclusive games are also available to NSO subscribers: Tetris 99 and F-Zero 99, two frenetic variations of these great classics. Warning: addictive games! Members also benefit from "trial games" to test recent or older titles for free, for a limited time.
The NSO subscription allows you to take advantage of the excellent Nintendo Music app to listen to the soundtracks of the manufacturer's games. A must-have for everyone! Still in the mobile apps department, the NSO enables advanced features in the Nintendo Switch App.
Finally, a subscription gives you access to a selection of retro controllers to buy on the Nintendo Store: fans will be able to treat themselves to expensive NES, Super NES, N64, Mega Drive and GameCube controllers, but compatible with Switch and Switch 2 (and wirelessly). Even more interesting: members have the option to purchase vouchers that offer discounts on a selection of Nintendo games—but only for the Switch 1, unfortunately.
The NSO subscription is therefore mandatory for online play, but Nintendo has been able to enrich its offering over time, and everyone should find something for them. However, if you only play solo and are not interested in retro games, it becomes difficult to recommend this option.
With Switch 2 required, the NSO adds specific features for the new console, starting with GameChat. Paying to chat with your friends? The proposition is a bit strange, which is why Nintendo is offering GameChat for free until next March. But then... you'll have to pay.
Switch 2 Add-on Pack subscribers will also be able to enjoy exclusive improvements to N64 games (CRT filter and rewind), as well as free Switch 2 updates for Zelda games (Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom).
The standard NSO costs €3.99 per month, but it's better to get a year's subscription, which is much more attractive: €19.99. A family version is also available at €36.99 for one year (up to 8 people connected). The Add-on Pack costs €39.99 per year, or €69.99 for the family plan.
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