Online service
You can enjoy online multiplayer gaming as well as a dedicated smart device app that connects to your Nintendo Switch system and helps you connect with friends for online play sessions.
Check back for more details on the service after Nintendo Switch launches.
Nintendo Switch online service
Available in March
Online play on Nintendo Switch
You’ll be able to play co-operative and competitive games online by signing in with your Nintendo Account. Online play will be available for free until the subscription service launches in autumn 2017.
Please note: in general, usage of this service is required to play online on Nintendo Switch (exceptions may apply). This service is only for Nintendo Switch, and is not required to play online on Nintendo 3DS family systems or Wii U.
Planned for autumn 2017
Online lobby and voice chat
A dedicated smart device app will connect to Nintendo Switch and let you invite friends to play online,
set play appointments and chat with friends during online matches in compatible games – all from your
smart device.
Before its official launch in autumn 2017, a free, limited version of this smart device app will be
available in summer 2017.
Monthly game download
Subscribers will get to download and play a Nintendo Entertainment System or Super Nintendo Entertainment System game (with newly-added online play) for free for a month.
Exclusive promotions
Subscribers may receive special subscriber-only price promotions for certain products in Nintendo eShop.
Enjoy online services for free until the subscription service’s official launch in autumn 2017
The paid service lets you play online and enjoy exclusive benefits. Standard online features such as system and game updates will be free for all Nintendo Switch users.
To access any of your system’s online services, you’ll need a Nintendo Account. You can create a Nintendo Account now so you’ll be ready when Nintendo Switch launches.
Online services list
| Feature: | Online service subscribers | Non-subscribers |
|---|---|---|
| Online play* | ||
| Online play* |  |
Free trial until autumn 2017 |
| Smart device app for online lobbies and voice chat | ||
| Smart device app for online lobbies and voice chat | |
 |
| Monthly game download | ||
| Monthly game download | |
|
| Subscriber-only exclusive price promotions | ||
| Subscriber-only exclusive price promotions | |
|
| Nintendo Switch system updates | ||
| Nintendo Switch system updates |  |
|
| Software updates | ||
| Software updates | |
|
| Access to Nintendo eShop | ||
| Access to Nintendo eShop | |
（**） |
| Register and manage friends | ||
| Register and manage friends | |
（**） |
| Share screenshot images on social networks | ||
| Share screenshot images on social networks | |
（**） |
| Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app | ||
| Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app | |
（**） |
- * With some exceptions, usage of this service is required to play online on Nintendo Switch.
- ** A Nintendo Account is required to take advantage of this service.
