Nintendo Switch Online allows players to engage in competitive or cooperative gameplay with people around the world in many current and upcoming games like Splatoon 2, ARMS, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Tennis Aces, Super Mario Party and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
As a reminder, players won’t automatically become Nintendo Switch Online members when the service starts, so they will need to purchase an Individual or Family Membership to avoid disruption of their online play in compatible games. A seven-day free trial is also available from Nintendo eShop.
For the first time ever, players will be able to enjoy NES games online. Depending on the game, players can engage in online competitive or co-op multiplayer, or take turns controlling the action. Friends can even watch each other play single-player games online, and virtually “pass the controller” at any time.
The next additions to the Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online game collection star some of Nintendo’s most beloved characters, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad and Kirby! On Feb. 13, the Kirby’s Adventure and Super Mario Bros. 2 games will be available to play anytime, anywhere as part of the Nintendo Switch Online service.
- Kirby’s Adventure – Using 20 unique tricks and Kirby’s ability to steal enemies’ powers by swallowing them, you’ll have to make your way through a horrific land filled with all kinds of nightmares. Recover the broken pieces of the Star Rod, and everyone in Dream Land will sleep peacefully once again. If you fail, the citizens of Dream Land will be subjected to a lifetime of terrible nightmares.
- Super Mario Bros. 2 – Mario, Luigi, Princess Toadstool and Toad embark on a quest together to save the day against the villainous Wart. Pick up items and throw them at your adversaries to clear levels in seven fantastical worlds. Even enemies can be picked up and tossed across the screen. This unique installment in the Super Mario Bros. series will keep you coming back for more.
These titles join the growing library of NES games with newly added online play on the Nintendo Switch system, which also includes more than 30 classics like Super Mario Bros. 3, Metroid and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link that are available exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online members.
Also, over the next month, Nintendo is hosting a series of online qualifier events for the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate North America Open 2019 and Splatoon 2 North America Inkling Open 2019 tournaments for Nintendo Switch Online users. The winners of the final qualifying events have the chance to compete in a final tournament at this year’s PAX East conference in Boston. More details about how to enter the online tournaments can be found here.
The Save Data Cloud backup that comes with Nintendo Switch Online memberships automatically creates a backup copy of save data for compatible Nintendo Switch games. This makes it easy for players to retrieve save data if they lose their system or start using a new one.
Nintendo Switch Online expands support for voice chat via the smartphone app with a variety of fan-favorite multiplayer online games, including Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS and Mario Tennis Aces. Additionally, the entire NES – Nintendo Switch Online game library also will support voice chat using the smartphone app.
A Nintendo Switch Online membership also gives people access to special offers, such as the exclusive chance to purchase a pair of wireless Nintendo Entertainment System Controllers, which look like the original NES controller. The accessory makes playing NES – Nintendo Switch Online games feel even more authentic. Plus, it docks with and charges on the Nintendo Switch system. NES controllers can be pre-purchased as a set of two for $59.99 (plus shipping and tax) here by users with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. Free trial users are not eligible. NES controllers are limited to one set per Nintendo Account holder, and initial orders of the controllers will ship in December.
Also, everyone who buys an Individual 12-Month Membership or a Family Membership to Nintendo Switch Online will receive a download code for exclusive in-game Splatoon 2 gear, based on the jerseys worn by the team that won the Splatoon 2 World Championship during E3 2018.
Individual memberships are available for $3.99 for one month, $7.99 for three months or $19.99 for 12 months. Up to eight Nintendo Account holders can use a family membership, which costs $34.99 for a year.
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