First Details for Nintendo Switch Online, Cloud Save Data, Smartphone App Still Required

I don't know how I feel about this. There's some good things, and some bad things. I like how you'll get NES games, and they'll probably expand the program to include more games from more systems over time.

The most important part here is the cloud back ups for your save games. There's currently no way to get your save games backed up, which is terrifying with games like Breath of the Wild and Xenoblade 2, where you can spend hundreds of hours in them.

The price seems pretty fair, but I still don't like how the end result is that you are paying to play games online that you used to be able to play for free. I just really, really hope this ends up with online for Smash 5 being a bit better than what we have now.

Here are the full details:

U.S. Pricing: Various price points offer a variety of affordable options for different players.

Individual memberships:

One month: $3.99

Three months: $7.99

12 months: $19.99

Family membership (12 months): $34.99

With a family membership, up to eight Nintendo Account holders will be able to use the Nintendo Switch Online service, even on different systems.

Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online: Subscribers will have access to NES – Nintendo Switch Online, a compilation of classic NES games. The collection will initially include 20 games, with more added on a regular basis. At launch, previously announced games Balloon Fight, Dr. Mario and Super Mario Bros. 3 will be joined by Donkey Kong, Ice Climber, The Legend of Zelda, Mario Bros., Soccer, Super Mario Bros. and Tennis. An additional 10 launch games will be announced in the future.For the first time ever, players will be able to enjoy these classic 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 “pass the controller” at any time. Every classic NES game will support voice chat via the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app*. It will also be possible to play these games offline.

Save Data Cloud Backup: By using Nintendo Switch Online, a backup of Nintendo Switch save data for most Nintendo Switch games will be stored online for easy access. This is great for people who want to retrieve their data if they lose, break or purchase an additional Nintendo Switch system.

Online Play: A Nintendo Switch Online membership will be needed to participate in co-op and competitive online features for many current and upcoming Nintendo Switch games, such as Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS, Mario Tennis Aces and Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido.

Nintendo Switch Online App*: The Nintendo Switch Online smartphone application can be used to enhance the online experience for compatible games through voice chat and other features.

*The Nintendo Switch Online app is for Nintendo Account holders 13 years old or older. Persistent internet access and compatible smartphone are required. Data charges may apply.