Is Nintendo Online Membership Worth It? A Comprehensive Analysis

Nintendo has long been a household name in the gaming industry, known for its innovative consoles and beloved franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. With the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, the company entered a new era of gaming, blending the portability of handheld devices with the power of a home console. One of the key features of the Switch is its online service, Nintendo Switch Online (NSO), which was introduced in 2018. But is a Nintendo Online Membership worth it? This article will explore the various aspects of the service, including its features, pricing, and overall value, to help you decide whether it’s a worthwhile investment.

What Is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription-based service that provides access to online multiplayer gaming, a library of classic NES and SNES games, cloud saves, and other exclusive features. It’s designed to enhance the gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch by offering additional content and functionality that isn’t available to non-subscribers.

The service is available in two tiers:

1. Individual Membership: This is the standard tier, offering access to all the core features of NSO.
2. Family Membership: This tier allows up to eight Nintendo accounts to share the benefits of the service, making it a cost-effective option for households with multiple Switch users.

Key Features of Nintendo Switch Online

To determine whether a Nintendo Online Membership is worth it, let’s break down its key features and evaluate their value.

1. Online Multiplayer

One of the primary reasons to subscribe to NSO is to access online multiplayer in games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Splatoon 2, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. For many players, the ability to compete or cooperate with friends and strangers online is a major draw.

• Pros: Online multiplayer adds replayability to games and allows you to connect with a global community of players.
• Cons: Some players argue that Nintendo’s online infrastructure lags behind competitors like Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus, with occasional connectivity issues and limited voice chat options.

2. Classic Game Library

NSO subscribers gain access to a growing library of classic NES and SNES games, including iconic titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, and EarthBound. These games are playable on the Switch with added features like rewind and save states.

• Pros: The classic game library is a nostalgic treat for long-time Nintendo fans and a great way to introduce younger players to retro gaming.
• Cons: The library is limited compared to the vast catalogs of games available on other platforms, and some players may find the selection repetitive over time.

3. Cloud Saves

Cloud saves allow you to back up your game data online, ensuring that your progress is safe even if your Switch is lost, stolen, or damaged.

• Pros: Cloud saves provide peace of mind, especially for players who invest significant time in games with long campaigns or extensive progression systems.
• Cons: Not all games support cloud saves, which can be frustrating for players of titles like Splatoon 2 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

4. Exclusive Offers and Discounts

NSO members receive access to exclusive deals on the Nintendo eShop, including discounts on select games and DLC.

• Pros: These discounts can help offset the cost of the subscription, especially for frequent eShop shoppers.
• Cons: The discounts are often modest and may not apply to the games you’re most interested in.

5. Tetris 99 and Pac-Man 99

NSO subscribers can play Tetris 99 and Pac-Man 99, two battle royale-style games that put a competitive spin on classic arcade gameplay.

• Pros: These games are fun, unique additions to the NSO lineup and provide hours of entertainment.
• Cons: Their appeal may be limited to fans of the original games or those who enjoy competitive multiplayer.

6. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC

As part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier, subscribers gain access to the Happy Home Paradise DLC for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This expansion adds new content and features to the game, including the ability to design vacation homes for villagers.

• Pros: The DLC is a significant addition for Animal Crossing fans and adds substantial value to the Expansion Pack tier.
• Cons: The Expansion Pack is more expensive than the standard NSO membership, and the DLC may not appeal to players who aren’t fans of the game.

7. Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis Games (Expansion Pack Only)

The Expansion Pack tier includes access to a library of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, such as Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Sonic the Hedgehog.

• Pros: These games are beloved classics that add significant value for fans of retro gaming.
• Cons: The library is still relatively small, and some players have reported issues with emulation quality.

Pricing and Value

The cost of a Nintendo Online Membership is a major factor in determining its worth. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:

• Individual Membership: $3.99/month, $7.99/3 months, or $19.99/year
• Family Membership: $34.99/year (up to 8 accounts)
• Expansion Pack (Individual): $49.99/year
• Expansion Pack (Family): $79.99/year

Compared to competitors like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($16.99/month) and PlayStation Plus Essential ($9.99/month), Nintendo’s pricing is relatively affordable, especially for the standard tier. However, the Expansion Pack is significantly more expensive and may not justify its cost for all players.

Who Is Nintendo Online Membership For?

Nintendo Switch Online is best suited for:

1. Casual Gamers: If you enjoy playing Nintendo’s first-party titles and want to experience online multiplayer, NSO is a solid choice.
2. Retro Gaming Enthusiasts: The classic game library and Expansion Pack offerings are a treasure trove for fans of retro gaming.
3. Families: The Family Membership provides excellent value for households with multiple Switch users.
4. Animal Crossing Fans: The inclusion of the Happy Home Paradise DLC makes the Expansion Pack a compelling option for dedicated Animal Crossing players.

Who Might Not Need It?

Nintendo Online Membership may not be worth it for:

1. Solo Players: If you primarily play single-player games and don’t care about online multiplayer, you may not need NSO.
2. Budget-Conscious Gamers: The Expansion Pack’s higher price point may not be justifiable for players on a tight budget.
3. Competitive Gamers: Those who prioritize online gaming may find Nintendo’s online infrastructure lacking compared to other platforms.

Final Verdict: Is Nintendo Online Membership Worth It?

The value of a Nintendo Online Membership ultimately depends on your gaming preferences and habits. For casual gamers, retro enthusiasts, and families, the service offers a range of features that enhance the Nintendo Switch experience. The classic game library, cloud saves, and online multiplayer are particularly appealing, and the Family Membership provides excellent value for households.

However, the Expansion Pack’s higher cost and limited library may not justify the investment for all players. Additionally, Nintendo’s online infrastructure still has room for improvement, which may be a drawback for competitive gamers.

In conclusion, if you’re a Nintendo fan who enjoys online multiplayer, retro gaming, or Animal Crossing, a Nintendo Online Membership is likely worth it. For others, it may be worth considering whether the features align with your gaming needs before subscribing.