While the Nintendo Switch has an online service up and running, the full fledged version, called Nintendo Switch Online, will be a paid service just like its counterparts the PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live.
Originally set to launch in fall 2017, the Nintendo Switch Online service has been pushed back to fall 2018! This was revealed by the Italian Nintendo website, with the message translated below.
You’ll be able to play compatible co-op and competitive games online by signing in with your Nintendo Account. Online play is free for Nintendo Account holders until our paid online service launches in 2018.
After the free-trial period, most games will require a paid online service subscription from Nintendo in order to play online. Currently the free-trial, the paid service, and online play (for applicable modes in compatible games) will be available for customers in the US, Canada, and Mexico. For the latest list of countries, please visit Customer Support.
This service is only for Nintendo Switch. It does not affect Wii U or Nintendo 3DS systems or online play.
Bear in mind that there is a chance that this delay only applies to the Italian version of the service, though that’s highly unlikely.
Do you think Nintendo will really delay its paid Nintendo Switch Online service until late 2018? Do you even care at this point?