What Does a Nintendo Online Membership Do?
A Nintendo Online membership offers a range of benefits for Nintendo Switch users, including online play, cloud saves, and access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games. In this article, we’ll explore the details of what a Nintendo Online membership does and why it’s worth considering.
Online Play
One of the most significant benefits of a Nintendo Online membership is the ability to play games online with friends and other players. This feature is available for a wide range of games, including popular titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon 2. With online play, you can compete against others, collaborate on co-op missions, and enjoy a more social gaming experience.
Cloud Saves
Another important feature of a Nintendo Online membership is cloud saves. This means that your game saves are stored online, allowing you to access them from any Nintendo Switch console. This is particularly useful if you have multiple Switch consoles or if you need to switch between different devices. With cloud saves, you can pick up where you left off on any console, without losing your progress.
Classic NES and Super NES Games
A Nintendo Online membership also gives you access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games. These games are available to play online, and you can even download them to your Switch console for offline play. The library includes a range of iconic titles, such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong.
Exclusive Offers
As a Nintendo Online member, you’ll also receive exclusive offers and discounts on games and merchandise. These offers can include special deals on new releases, discounts on classic games, and even free in-game content. You’ll also receive a monthly newsletter with updates on new games, promotions, and events.
Free Games
Nintendo Online members also receive a selection of free games, which are available to download and play. These games are chosen by Nintendo and are designed to be fun and engaging. You’ll receive a new game every month, and you can keep them forever as long as you maintain your membership.
Pricing and Plans
Nintendo Online memberships are available in two different plans: a monthly plan and an annual plan. The monthly plan costs $4 per month, while the annual plan costs $20 per year. The annual plan is the best value, as it works out to just $1.67 per month.
Benefits for Families
A Nintendo Online membership is also a great option for families. With a family plan, you can create a shared account that can be used by multiple family members. This is particularly useful if you have multiple children who want to play games online together.
Comparison to Other Online Gaming Services
So how does Nintendo Online compare to other online gaming services like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network? Here are a few key differences:
- Cost: Nintendo Online is one of the most affordable online gaming services, with a monthly plan that’s cheaper than Xbox Live and PlayStation Network.
- Games: Nintendo Online has a more limited selection of games than Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, but it includes a range of classic titles that can’t be found on other platforms.
- Features: Nintendo Online includes features like cloud saves and exclusive offers that are unique to the service.
Conclusion
A Nintendo Online membership offers a range of benefits for Nintendo Switch users, including online play, cloud saves, and access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games. With a monthly plan that’s cheaper than Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, and a range of exclusive features and offers, Nintendo Online is a great option for anyone who wants to get the most out of their Nintendo Switch console.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a Nintendo Online membership to play online?: No, you don’t need a Nintendo Online membership to play online. However, a membership is required to access certain online features and games.
- Can I play games online with friends who don’t have a Nintendo Online membership?: Yes, you can play games online with friends who don’t have a Nintendo Online membership. However, they will need to purchase a membership to access certain online features and games.
- Can I cancel my Nintendo Online membership at any time?: Yes, you can cancel your Nintendo Online membership at any time. You’ll need to log in to your Nintendo account and follow the cancellation instructions.
Table: Nintendo Online Membership Plans
| Plan | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $4 per month | Online play, cloud saves, exclusive offers |
| Annual | $20 per year | Online play, cloud saves, exclusive offers, free games |
Table: Classic NES and Super NES Games
| Game | Release Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Bros. | 1985 | Classic platformer starring Mario |
| The Legend of Zelda | 1986 | Classic action-adventure game |
| Donkey Kong | 1981 | Classic arcade game |
Table: Exclusive Offers
| Offer | Description |
|---|---|
| Discounts on new releases | Get discounts on new games and DLC |
| Free in-game content | Receive free in-game items and bonuses |
| Monthly newsletter | Receive a monthly newsletter with updates on new games and promotions |
I hope this article helps you understand what a Nintendo Online membership does and why it’s worth considering.