Several misconceptions and critiques have surfaced regarding the Nintendo Switch’s Online service, which launches this Tuesday, September 18th.
Nintendo Switch Online will go live on Tuesday, September 18th, 2018. As for the exact time, a maintenance notice indicated that the eShop will be undergoing maintenance for 3 hours from 5-8 PM Pacific Daylight Time (8-11 PM Eastern). After this period, users will be able to purchase an online membership.
Nintendo Switch Online has been promised since the early days of the Switch, but console owners have expressed mixed feelings about the service finally going live. Nintendo has provided little in-depth information about the service until the most recent Nintendo Direct, which included a trailer for Nintendo Switch Online.
Myth: Nintendo Switch Online Forces You To Pay Immediately
For those who are not certain about the online service, the eShop will allow users to enable a 7 day free trial of the online service.
This does seem to require having some funds in your Nintendo eShop account, as the free trial will automatically convert to a 1 month individual membership ($3.99/month). However, you can turn off automatic renewal for the free trial (or an existing subscription) “up to 48 hours before the end of the subscription term.” (Nintendo Switch Online Service FAQ)
Myth: You Must Pay For Each Nintendo Account Individually
Nintendo allows users to share a membership through a family group of up to 8 total accounts. A year of membership will cost $34.99 and covers all members of the group.
One Nintendo account will have an admin position for the group and can add up to 7 other users. The admin of the group must be 18 years or older with access to a credit card or Paypal account. The users don’t have to be on the same console or even in the same country. If you have multiple Nintendo accounts on your Switch, family members, or perhaps friends you may want to share a membership with, Nintendo offers a solidly affordable option.
Myth: Free to Play Games Like Fortnite Aren’t Included
Nintendo has confirmed that, “Some games, such as Fortnite, can be played online without a Nintendo Switch membership.” (Nintendo Switch Online Service FAQ, “Can I play Nintendo Switch games online without subscribing to the service?”)
Games that have been confirmed for the online service include Splatoon 2, ARMS, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Tennis Aces, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and Rocket League. Games will include on their box or on the website whether or not the online service will be needed for online play.
Myth: Nintendo Will Immediately Delete Cloud Save Data When Your Membership Ends
Nintendo has only said that backup cloud save data can be retrieved after “an extended period of time.” (Nintendo Switch Online Service FAQ, Is my save data retained if I cancel my Nintendo Switch Online membership?)
Data on the Switch will not be deleted. The cloud save is merely a backup copy of that data. If you miss a few days between membership, it should still be there, but don’t expect it to last several months without you paying for the space. If you begin a membership again, the data on your Switch will have the option of a cloud-stored backup once more.
True: Not All Games Support Cloud Data Backups
It’s good to have a backup.
For games involving inventory and trading, Nintendo Switch Online does not support cloud backups. Because of the possibility of item duplication between inconsistent saves, Nintendo has opted to prevent this potential exploit. While devoted players of Splatoon 2 and the upcoming Pokémon Let’s Go games may be disappointed, some may find it a worthwhile trade to prevent cheating.
Myth: NES Games Through Nintendo Switch Online Need Mandatory Check-Ins to Play
The Nintendo Switch Online will also include access to several classic NES titles with up to 7 days of offline access.
Simply connecting your Nintendo Switch to the Internet is the only thing required to maintain access. In the meantime, save data is stored locally and not deleted during any lapses in internet connection. The save files are “stored locally on the Nintendo Switch system but cannot be accessed without an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.” (Frequently Asked Questions, After my Nintendo Switch Online membership expires, will my online save data and my Nintendo Entertainment System™ – Nintendo Switch Online data be erased?)
