Released shortly after the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Online has come a long way in recent years. Primarily a service that provides gamers with access to online features in games, this subscription model follows in the same footsteps as Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus as a requirement for online gaming with friends. That’s not all it offers though, giving players access to a wide range of benefits for their money.
As gamers enjoy access to classic games, DLCs and more, Nintendo has progressively grown this online service with more and more to enjoy over the years. Although it is still far from competing with other subscription services, the recent addition of Nintendo’s new music app shows the company isn’t slowing down with new incentives for players to keep their subscriptions active. But the question remains whether any of these factors are enough to justify joining Nintendo Switch Online when better options exist.
Nintendo’s New Music App Explained
A Spotify-style service for the best Nintendo soundtracks
Despite seemingly coming out of left field, Nintendo’s new music app could actually be a big hit with fans. Allowing players to listen to their favorite soundtracks on their phones, this Nintendo Switch Online members-only app could be very popular. Giving players the ability to stream or download Nintendo soundtracks, create and share playlists, and browse music in different categories, there’s a lot more depth than meets the eye.
With soundtracks from franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Super Marioand Animal crossingthere’s a lot at staker for players of all types. Extra features like extending tracks for up to 60 minutes or hiding soundtracks that might reveal the big ending or surprise boss also make it a great way to enjoy Nintendo’s best music. The only real downside to this collection is the fact that Nintendo avoids more popular streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music.making it more difficult to enjoy the listener’s other favorite songs.
Are the benefits of NSO really worth the price?
Nintendo Switch Online might be better for old-school gamers
Nintendo Switch Online doesn’t compare to the offerings that subscription services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus offer, particularly lacking in the beloved game libraries of current AAA hits that both platforms handpick for their players. Instead of, Nintendo Switch Online offers a library of games in the form of classic NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games. Although this popular collection of retro games is quite vast, it may not be a hit with users who are more interested in current releases.
While the basic version of Nintendo Switch Online doesn’t offer much more than these old-school online games and services, the Expansion Pack offers even more Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Mega Drive games. That’s not all either, with access to DLCs and game expansions for Splatoon 2, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Despite not being the most generous in what he delivers, Nintendo Switch Online continues to offer a price comparable to just a month or two of Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus.
Nintendo Switch Online still doesn’t offer enough
While cheaper than most, NSO has a long way to go
Nintendo Switch Online seems to be in an odd position in the subscription service landscape, offering players some decent perks and still falling short of what most players want from similar services. While Nintendo doesn’t give players access to its new AAA titles, the catalog of older hits, including some The Legend of Zelda gems, it can still be a worthwhile purchase for many old-school players. Even the advantages of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Pass the reinforcement course and Animal Crossing: New Horizons The DLC can also be a valuable extra for many players.
As the ability to play online is still perhaps the main selling point of purchase, there’s still a long way to go to make Nintendo Switch Online worth purchasing, but these continued additions to the service could be setting it up for a future with a lot of potential.
For its price, Nintendo Switch Online still remains somewhat fairfalling at the lower end of most other comparable services. With that said, there isn’t much that most gamers who buy it will return to over and over again, with older games likely to only be revisited occasionally. As the ability to play online is still perhaps the main selling point of shopping, there is still a long way to go to make Nintendo Switch Online It’s worth purchasing, but these ongoing additions to the service can set it up for a future with a lot of potential.
Source: Nintendo/YouTube