Nintendo Switch Online Is Now Live! A New Era of Fun, Features, and More

The gaming world just got a major upgrade. As of 18 November 2025, Nintendo Switch Online is officially live, delivering a more connected, more convenient, and feature packed experience for both Nintendo Switch 2 and original Switch players.

With improved online play, an expanded library of classic titles, cloud saves, exclusive apps, and new tools like GameChat and GameShare all fully integrated into the Nintendo eShop, the service marks a fresh new era for Nintendo’s ecosystem.

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A New Level of Online Play

One of the biggest upgrades arriving with Nintendo Switch Online is improved, smoother online gameplay. Whether it’s competitive matches or chill co-op sessions, the service unlocks full online functionality across a huge lineup of supported titles.

Some of the most popular games that support online play include:

• Splatoon 3
• Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons
• Kirby Air Riders (upcoming)

Whether you’re teaming up with friends across the country, battling global players, or trading Pokémon, the entire online experience is much more stable and far easier to manage. And for Nintendo Switch 2 players, the new communication and sharing features add another level of immersion.

Everything from browsing compatible games to managing your subscription can now be handled directly through the Nintendo eShop.

A Massive Expansion of Nintendo Classics

Another major highlight is the newly upgraded Nintendo Classics library. With over 250 retro games available (and more on the way), fans can dive back into Nintendo’s legendary catalog with ease.

Depending on your membership plan, you can access classics from:

• NES
• SNES
• Game Boy
• Game Boy Advance
• Nintendo 64
• Nintendo GameCube (exclusive to Switch 2 with Expansion Pack)

Nintendo has also added modern quality-of-life features like:

• Suspend Points
• Rewind options
• Save states
• Enhanced local & online multiplayer
• “Play While Sharing” co-op support

For anyone who grew up with Super Mario Bros. 3, Donkey Kong Country, or Link’s Awakening, this library feels like a nostalgic time capsule now accessible with a simple subscription via the Nintendo eShop.

Subscriber-Exclusive Games

Nintendo Switch Online also comes with its own lineup of exclusive member-only games built around unique online experiences.

Fan favorites include:

• Tetris 99
• F-Zero 99

These titles blend classic gameplay with modern online competition, making them fun bonuses for subscribers.

Save Data Cloud: Backup Without Worry!

Save Data Cloud is easily one of the most useful additions to the new service. It automatically backs up your saves online so you don’t have to worry about losing progress.

With cloud saves:

• You can recover your data if your console is lost or damaged.
• Your save files can be downloaded on any console you own.
• Switch → Switch 2 save transfers are effortless.

All cloud-save settings can be managed directly from the Nintendo eShop, making it a simple, worry-free part of your gaming routine.

Nintendo GameChat

Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, GameChat completely changes how players communicate online.

Its key features include:

• Instant voice chat with friends using the Joy-Con 2 C Button
• Live screen sharing
• Support for USB-C cameras or the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for face-to-face chats

A nice bonus: GameChat is free until 31 March 2026. After that, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to keep using it.

This feature makes co-op sessions more personal and team-based games more interactive.

Nintendo GameShare

Another major innovation for Switch 2 users is GameShare. With it, you can let friends play supported games with you even if they don’t own the game themselves as long as you’re in a GameChat session.

Important notes:

• Only available on Nintendo Switch 2
• Switch 2 titles cannot be shared to original Switch users

It’s a great way to introduce friends to new games before they decide to buy them on the Nintendo eShop.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Direct 2025: What to Expect & When to Watch

Nintendo Music

Nintendo has finally delivered what fans have been begging for: a dedicated soundtrack app. Nintendo Music, available on smartphones, lets you:

• Stream official game soundtracks
• Download tracks for offline listening
• Explore music from Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, and more

It’s a simple addition, but one that Nintendo fans have wanted for years.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

For players who want everything the service offers, the Expansion Pack adds a ton of value. With it, you get:

• GameCube classics (Switch 2 only)
• Game Boy Advance titles
• Nintendo 64 games
• Paid DLC for:
  
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  • Splatoon 2
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Owners of Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom can also access the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions at no extra cost.

Just like everything else, the Expansion Pack can be activated instantly through the Nintendo eShop.

Membership Plans & Pricing

All plans are available directly from the Nintendo eShop.

Individual Plan

• 1 month: 306 yen
• 3 months: 815 yen
• 12 months: 2,400 yen

Individual Expansion Pack

• 12 months: 4,900 yen

Family Membership (up to 8 accounts)

• Standard: 4,900 yen/year
• Expansion Pack: 8,900 yen/year

For families or groups, the Family plan gives excellent value.

Why the Nintendo eShop Matters More Than Ever

With the launch of the new online service, the Nintendo eShop becomes the central hub for everything. It’s where players can:

• Manage their Nintendo Switch Online membership
• Compare subscription tiers
• Activate trials
• Buy classic or new games
• Download exclusive member-only titles
• Redeem DLC included in the Expansion Pack
• Access game trials and promotions

Since the nintendo eshop ties all these services together, understanding how to navigate it is more important than ever for players joining the new online ecosystem.

Nintendo Online Services Are Evolving

The launch of Nintendo Switch Online marks a huge step in Nintendo’s evolution. With improved online play, hundreds of classic titles, cloud saves, new apps, and modern communication tools, the experience feels more complete and competitive.

From GameChat and GameShare to the Nintendo Music app and fully digital memberships through the nintendo eshop, Nintendo players now have access to a far richer, more connected platform.

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Whether you’re on the original Nintendo Switch or the Nintendo Switch 2, there’s never been a better time to jump into Nintendo Switch Online and explore everything this new digital era has to offer.