While multiplayer access has been available on the Nintendo Switch since its launch, it only transitioned into a paid service around six months ago. During that time, nearly one third of Switch owners have subscribed, with 9.8 million active, non-trial accounts paying out.
Nintendo hasn't had the best track record with online services on past consoles. With that in mind, people were apprehensive about Nintendo Switch Online being a paid experience. However, the cheap pricing seems to have convinced quite a few to sign up.
Nintendo Switch Online provides subscribers with multiplayer access, in addition to a roster of free NES games. Although Tetris 99 has shown that Nintendo is also willing to provide non-NES games for its subscribers too. A Switch Online subscription also provides cloud save backups. Unfortunately, voice/text chat functionality is limited to a smartphone app, rather than being available on the console itself.
Currently, Switch Online costs $19.99 per year, or $3.99 per month. A family plan is also available for $34.99 per year, which allows you to connect up to eight Switch consoles to a single subscription.
KitGuru Says: I still like to hop in to Splatoon 2 every couple of weeks so I am still getting some use out of my Switch Online subscription. How many of you currently own a Switch? Do you pay for Switch Online or have you left it for the time being?