During the official Nintendo Switch reveal, fans were reportedly surprised by Nintendo's announcement of their paid online service. That time, the only information released what its tentative launch date in 2017. Gamers using the Switch are required to subscribe in order to access online multiplayer functions as well as a free game each month. However, the latest reports speculate that gamers will find the fee somehow affordable.
It has been reportedly revealed that the service will range between 3,000 yen and 2,000 yen in Japan, according to Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima. Given the current exchange rate, the cost should translate into an estimated $27 to $18 for a one year subscription. Game Rant notes that the annual service fee will help the company "support online features," says Kimishima. It remains to be seen if the gaming giant will also offer a monthly option.
The final North American price for Nintendo's online service fee for the Nintendo Switch has not yet been officially confirmed. However, if the price stays in the same range as the Japanese service, it would make the yearly service cheaper than Microsoft's Xbox Live Gold and Sony's PSN Plus. According to The Verge, it seems like the online service offered by the Japanese company lacks some features compared to the competition.
Meanwhile, most consumers appear to be waiting for the Nintendo to elaborate more about its paid online service. Other reports are wondering about the mechanics involved with the free games subscribers get every month. The company confirmed that these classic games are only playable for a month and becomes unplayable afterwards.
Several consumers are already worried about Nintendo's decisions to delegate some features to a separate smartphone app. Ever since the company confirmed that the Nintendo Switch will rely on the app for matchmaking, users reportedly find it troublesome to navigate two devices when the feature could have just been integrated in the first place. Fans are hoping the company will address some of these concerns before their online service goes live.
