Audio Video News

Nintendo has announced that its Switch Online game service will launch in the second half of September.

The subscription service supports the popular Nintendo Switch hybrid home/portable game console the company introduced last year, which became the fastest-selling home video game system in U.S. history with sales of 4.8 million units in just 10 months.

Subscribers will be able to play games such as Splatoon 2, ARMS, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Tennis Aces, and others online and take advantage of a feature called Save Data Cloud Backup that makes it easy to retrieve game data if a system is lost or being replaced. Membership also provides access to classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) titles including Donkey Kong, Balloon Fight, Dr. Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Super Mario Bros. 3.

With a Switch Online subscription, members will be able to “enhance [their] online experience with features available through the smartphone app and receive special offers,” according to the company.

Nintendo was careful to point out that Nintendo Switch owners don’t automatically become members when the online service starts. They will have to purchase an individual or family membership to avoid disruption of online play in compatible games.

Subscription fees for an individual membership are $3.99 for one month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 for one year. A family membership will cost $34.99 for one year.

For more information, visit nintendo.com.