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.
Diddy Kong gasped in horror when he discovered Donkey Kong’s favorite beach chair smashed to pieces, surrounded by hundreds of strange footprints in the sand. A ransom note left by Kaptain K. Rool claimed responsibility for the cowardly kidnapping of Donkey Kong. What cruel fate could possibly await?
Luckily, on Sept. 23, you’ll have the chance to come to the rescue when the classic Super NES game Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest arrives for the Nintendo Switch system. With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can join the nimble Diddy Kong and the powerful ponytail-wielding Dixie Kong as they embark on a sweeping adventure filled with animal friends, collectibles and more hidden areas than Cranky Kong could ever dream of discovering back in his day.
In addition, the puzzle game Mario’s Super Picross and the cult beat-’em-up The Peace Keepers are also joining the Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online library for the Nintendo Switch system. The Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online collection expands its roster with the addition of an NES game too: the sci-fi shoot-’em-up S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack Team.
A Nintendo Switch Online membership grants instant access to a total of 90 classic games to explore and enjoy in the service’s expanding libraries. Here are additional details on the games arriving this month:
Super NES
- Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest – Kaptain K. Rool and his Kremlings have kidnapped Donkey Kong. Enter Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong, who are ready to brave the seas to save our hairy hero. Diddy Kong's Cartwheel can sprint him across a distance, while Dixie Kong's Helicopter Spin will let her float from high places. Play solo or with a friend in eight exciting worlds. All aboard, and let's set sail!
- Mario’s Super Picross – Use numbers as clues and chisel away squares to bring a hidden image to the surface, with Mario cheering you on as you progress through the game’s puzzles. You can get a friend in on the excavation too. Two chisels are better than one! This puzzle game launched on the Super Famicom system in 1995 and has never been released in the U.S. until now. You can view a video tutorial to help you dive into the game here.
- The Peace Keepers – The DM Corp is responsible for a new string of troubling incidents. It's up to Flynn and his crew to rise up and stop them. Progress through each stage by executing on the deep action gameplay and unleashing each character's unique super attacks. The story changes based on the route you take!
NES
- S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack Team– In the year 2029, Supreme Commander Vile Malmort and his army land on Earth, aiming for world domination. Your main objective is to send these alien invaders packing. Blast and fly through relentless enemies and bosses while collecting new weapons, speed boosts and life recoveries. Get ready, soldier. You're Earth's only hope.
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.
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.
For more information about all the benefits and services available with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, and to learn about a free seven-day trial for new users, visit here.
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