After a long, quiet slumber, Nintendo finally announced a more specific launch date for the Nintendo Switch Online. While this isn’t a specific date, a month and year is better than nothing.
While the online has been free, Nintendo will be rolling out pricing plans to utilize their services. Unless Nintendo changes their subscription plans, here’s what you are looking at for cost: monthly subscription for $3.99(USD), 3-month subscription for $7.99(USD), and annually for $19.99 (USD).
So what’s in it for subscribers versus non-subscribers? Online gameplay, Nintendo Switch Online app, Classic Game Selection (title to change)
Nintendo has mentioned classic titles, such as Super Mario Bros. 3, would be involved with the subscription but have been very quiet about it. For now they are calling it Classic Game Selection, we expect the name to change come September. Nintendo maybe going a route to dump their virtual library (Virtual Console) of their classic titles only available to paid subscribers instead of paying per title and downloaded to your console (similar to what the Wii, Wii U and 3DS have done).
Those who have purchased Super Mario World multiple times from previous Nintendo consoles (including myself) will feel a burn, but this may not be a bad idea as long as the library is constantly being updated and your also getting other services with it even if the service is free for now. At least the price is not as high comparing to the PSN and Xbox Live.
You can visit the official website for additional information. For now, enjoy playing Splatoon 2, Super Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and all your other online games for free come September.