Nintendo Switch's paid online service is launching in full in September

Although the Nintendo Switch online service was meant to launch in 2017, Nintendo pushed it back because it wasn't ready. But now, the Japanese gaming giant has confirmed it's launching, in full, in September this year. 

Like Xbox Live Gold and PlayStation Plus, it's a paid for service that allows you to play online with your friends. Currently that's free, but will change once Nintendo Switch Online goes live. The whole thing is controlled via the smartphone app for Android and iOS. It's actually available right now to download, but it currently only works with Splatoon 2 (and it's not very well so far) but it is technically in beta. 

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The service will cost $3.99/£3.99 or $19.99/£19.99 a year, and for that price you get a few extras on top of online multiplayer support. Anyone who pays the monthly fee will get access to classic games from the Ninty back catalogue, such as Dr. Mario and Super Mario Bros. 3, all updated and compatible with the Switch's control system. They'll even include online leaderboards and multiplayer to bring them even further into the modern era.  

You'll also get discounts on selected digital games and content in the Switch's eShop, but it's not clear how this will work as yet. 

The news follows some impressive sales figure announcements from Nintendo, which state that the Switch has already outsold the Wii U in just 11 months, shifting a whopping 14 million units since launch. 

It's already looking like it's going to be a great year for the Switch too, even if you're only excited for the innovative Nintendo Labo cardboard creation kits. 

Sam Loveridge
Global Editor-in-Chief, GamesRadar+

Sam Loveridge is the Global Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar, and joined the team in August 2017. Sam came to GamesRadar after working at TrustedReviews, Digital Spy, and Fandom, following the completion of an MA in Journalism. In her time, she's also had appearances on The Guardian, BBC, and more. Her experience has seen her cover console and PC games, along with gaming hardware, for a decade, and for GamesRadar, she's in charge of the site's overall direction, managing the team, and making sure it's the best it can be. Her gaming passions lie with weird simulation games, big open-world RPGs, and beautifully crafted indies. She plays across all platforms, and specializes in titles like Pokemon, Assassin's Creed, The Sims, and more. Basically, she loves all games that aren't sports or fighting titles! In her spare time, Sam likes to live like Stardew Valley by cooking and baking, growing vegetables, and enjoying life in the countryside.