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.

This isn’t a Mushroom Mix-Up! Two classic Mario Party games are crossing the board to join the Nintendo 64 library on the Nintendo Switch system – and there are no red spaces in sight! Starting Nov. 2, Mario Party and Mario Party 2 will be available for everyone with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership as part of the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online collection.

Mario Party launched for the Nintendo 64 system in 1999 and was the original party-starter for the series! In this classic four-player party game, you’ll join Mario and friends across nine action-packed Adventure Boards and 56 minigames in colorful multiplayer* (or solo!) competition.

Keep the party going with Mario Party 2 and celebrate like it’s the year 2000 all over again! Mario and his Mushroom Kingdom friends return for another round of Bowser-bashing board-game action, complete with fancy costumes, new Adventure Boards and minigames.

The party isn’t over yet!

There’s even more to experience and look forward to with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, including more classic Nintendo 64 titles and features:

• Double Gold Points on Select Titles: Starting Nov. 1, active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members can earn double My Nintendo Gold Points** on the purchase of eligible digital games or DLC in Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store. That means members can earn 10% in Gold Points, which can then be used toward their next eligible purchase.
• Nintendo 64 Icon Elements: Nintendo 64 themed icon elements are coming soon for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members! Redeem My Nintendo Platinum Points*** to purchase and customize icon elements based on classic Nintendo 64 games.
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass Wave 3: More courses are making their way to the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game this holiday with Wave 3 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC!**** Wave 3 will feature eight courses, including Merry Mountain from Mario Kart Tour and Peach Gardens from Mario Kart DS! Enjoy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass for no additional cost as part of a paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. With this next wave, 24 of the DLC’s additional 48 courses will be available! Download now and get all courses as they release between now and the end of 2023.
• GoldenEye 007: Bond is back and coming to the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online collection of games! As the iconic secret agent 007, enter a world of action and espionage. Infiltrate underground bases, command your way through a military train and sneak through the depths of a jungle to help stop the GoldenEye weapon satellite. Play the four-player multiplayer mode locally or online and enjoy round-after-round of first-person competitive action with the iconic split-screen multiplayer mode.
• Even More Nintendo 64 Games: Take to the skies with the recently released Pilotwings 64 game, and in 2023 more games will be gradually added to the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online collection, including Mario Party 3, Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Stadium 2.
• Game Trials: Game Trials are a special, limited-time benefit for Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members. Members in both plans can try select games for free when they are made available. Save data for Game Trials are not deleted when the trial ends, so members can continue where they left off if they purchase the game later.

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.