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Nintendo Switch Online is Nintendo’s answer to services like Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus, providing gamers not only with online multiplayer capabilities but also a host of other perks. The service showcases a treasure trove of classic games, available through various subscription plans. In 2021, Nintendo raised the bar with the introduction of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, a premium tier offering more substantial benefits.
When Nintendo unveiled the Switch Online + Expansion Pack, it faced backlash for the substantial price hike that came with arguably insufficient content. The basic Nintendo Switch Online plan started at $20 a year, while the Expansion Pack bumped the price up to $50 annually. While still cheaper than some competitors, the price increase was significant. However, since that initial reception, Nintendo has substantially enhanced the service, and it appears that these enhancements are just the beginning.
One of the standout features of the Expansion Pack is its selection of classic games, which significantly enhance what’s available in the base subscription. Admittedly, it’s a bit frustrating that these beloved classics are locked behind a subscription, replacing the previous Virtual Console on the Wii and Wii U. Nonetheless, Nintendo has done a commendable job of bolstering its lineup, much to the delight of retro gaming fans.
Initially, the Expansion Pack included games from the Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis, alongside the NES and SNES titles in the base tier. Since then, Nintendo has expanded the offering to include Game Boy Advance games for the Expansion Pack and Game Boy/Game Boy Color games for the original tier. Plus, they continue to regularly add new titles across these systems. The upcoming Switch 2 will significantly benefit as well, with the eagerly anticipated inclusion of Nintendo GameCube titles set to be a huge draw for owners of the new console.
Nintendo Switch Online isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a gateway to modern multiplayer experiences. Classics like Tetris 99, Super Mario Bros. 35, Pac-Man 99, and F-Zero 99 have found new life with innovative multiplayer features. With the Expansion Pack, Nintendo has sweetened the pot by adding more to the mix. Subscribers to this tier gain access to additional downloadable content from Nintendo’s flagship games. This includes expansions like Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass, and Splatoon 2’s Octo-Expansion DLC. These come packed with extra content, proving a compelling incentive for both seasoned players and newcomers eager to experience the most comprehensive versions of these hits.
Looking forward, the Nintendo Switch 2 presents even more exciting possibilities for the Expansion Pack. Owners can expect exclusive Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Packs, available at no extra cost, with notable inclusions like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Amid concerns over escalating prices for Nintendo Switch 2 games, these upgrades soften the blow by offering more value.
However, there is room for growth, especially in terms of game emulation quality. Early issues with Nintendo 64 games on the service highlight the need for improvement, especially before GameCube games become part of the offering on the Nintendo Switch 2. Regardless, Nintendo’s ongoing efforts to enrich the Expansion Pack make it an increasingly appealing choice for both lifelong fans and those new to the Nintendo experience.
