It's safe to say that Nintendo Switch Online isn't perfect. How the Nintendo SwitchNSO's flagship online service, NSO has received a lot of criticism, whether it's about online multiplayer performance for certain titles or the introduction of the most expensive Expansion Pack tier in 2021. And while certainly cheaper than the premium tiers for Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, other NSO issues will lead some players to question the value of joining the service.
Fortunately, NSO has seen some improvements, especially in the last year. Whether resolving certain system issues or introducing new features for existing subscribers, the service is certainly in a more attractive state than at launch. Now, as the new year approaches, NSO will not only need to maintain its recent success, but the service will also have to find new ways to evolve as Switch 2 approaches.
Nintendo Switch Online received a lot of criticism
The rate of classic games added to NSO was pitiful
It's not hard to see why NSO has the reputation it does. Aside from the aforementioned issues with online multiplayer and pricing, NSO's biggest problem lies in its legacy content. The service is known for the abysmal rate at which classic games and console libraries are added to subscribers. If the meager selection of 20 NES games at launch wasn't bad enough, it would take Nintendo more than four years to add SNES, N64, Game Boy and Game Boy Advance to the service.
Additionally, NSO has faced criticism over the quality of titles added to the service. The launch of the N64 catalogue, for example, was fraught with problemsas players have noticed input lag and rendering issues in titles like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timethis affected the overall enjoyment of playing these games on NSO. Nintendo's lackadaisical approach to its legacy content on NSO has proven to be a huge disappointment for gamers who may be experiencing these classic titles for the first time.
NSO's issues with legacy content are disappointing, especially considering it's one of the service's biggest features. Nintendo's catalog of classic games is unmatched by almost any other publisher or developer. Furthermore, with the monumental success of the Switch, NSO will be the easiest way to access this library for many playersmaking it a guaranteed success. The service's failure to capitalize on one of its biggest selling points has resulted in a huge downgrade in its overall quality, calling into question the value of joining NSO.
2024 was an important year for Nintendo Switch Online
More games were added to the service than in any previous year
Fortunately, Nintendo has shown a willingness to fix issues with legacy content on NSO, especially over the past year. As reported by Game rant, More retro titles were added to NSO in 2024 than in any other year, with 56 games being added across the console's libraries. Not to mention the most surprising titles that were added this year. Two of Rare's most beloved titles, Banjo-Tooie and Perfect Darkarrived on a Nintendo console for the first time since their debut on the N64, while F-Zero ClimaxThe addition marks the game's first release outside of Japan.
NSO's 2024 additions were indicative of a major shift in Nintendo's approach to the service. Even though the new record is only a small improvement over the 55 games added in 2023, the increase demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to providing more consistent support for NSO's legacy content. Furthermore, the addition of some titles, whose appearance on the service previously seemed impossible, shows recognition of the importance of making these beloved games more widely available, making NSO more appealing with its larger and more varied library.
2025 could be decisive for NSO
Switch 2 puts more pressure on NSO
While improvements to NSO have helped broaden the service's appeal, 2025 will be a crucial year for its future success. For starters, the increase in games added to the service will be accompanied by expectations from players that Nintendo will be able to maintain consistent support in the future. The appeal of an online service like NSO is not just the content already available, but the promise of future additions to justify ongoing monthly payments, making consistency a priority.
However, the biggest challenge facing NSO in 2025 is the launch of the Switch 2which will support the service at launch. The introduction of a new system puts pressure on NSO to not only maintain last year's momentum, but also to take advantage of the more powerful console to evolve beyond what it was previously capable of. For NSO to continue its success on the Switch 2, Nintendo must prove to players that there is more for the service to offer beyond what is currently available to subscribers.
How NSO should evolve for Nintendo Switch 2
More benefits can help gain subscribers
There are many ways NSO could evolve for the Switch 2. Of course, while the service's legacy content has certainly improved, it's still not quite where it needs to be. More specifically, the service is still missing certain console libraries, including the GameCube. The launch of Switch 2 is a perfect opportunity to quickly expand NSO's current library of classic games with the addition of more console libraries like the GameCube, reassuring subscribers of Nintendo's commitment to supporting legacy content, while also which shows the scale the library could achieve. on the new console.
Nintendo could also improve NSO by incorporating more features for subscribers to enjoy. The company has already shown interest in adding new features, with the introduction of the Nintendo Music app, along with the Playtest Program that gave participants an exclusive look at what Nintendo is currently working on. Additional services like these are a great incentive for players to join NSOas subscribers are consistently rewarded for their commitment. Whether through more playtesting or potentially even early access to new titles, more benefits should be rewarded to current NSO subscribers on the Switch 2.
It is clear that NSO has an important year ahead. Not only must the service continue to provide consistent support for existing features, but the launch of Switch 2 will be a pivotal moment for NSO to prove it can evolve and deliver new experiences for subscribers to enjoy in the twilight of the year. Nintendo Switchuseful life. 2025 is the most crucial year for NSO to date, and only time will tell if the service will be delivered.
Source: Game rant