It was reported Nintendo’s online services would only be free at launch and that report has turned out to be true, but now more details have followed, directly from Nintendo, so here’s everything we know so far:
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Paid service launches in Fall 2017
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Free period starts in March, the same time the Switch releases.
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Online services will allow players to play co-op and against others, but players will need a Nintendo account.
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After the free trial period, most games will require a paid online service subscription from Nintendo in order to play online.
Important details (Planned for Fall 2017):
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Online lobby and voice chat: Our new 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.
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A free, limited version of this app will be available for download in summer 2017.
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Monthly game download: Subscribers will get to download and play a Nintendo Entertainment System™ (NES) or Super Nintendo Entertainment System™ (Super NES) game (with newly-added online play) for free for a month.
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Exclusive deals: Special offers for subscribers may include discounts on select digital games and content.
Source: Nintendo
