New Subscription Tier Coming to Nintendo Switch Online

A newly revealed subscription tier for Nintendo Switch Online adds Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games for a higher cost.

During the most recent Nintendo Direct, it was announced that the Switch Online subscription service would be expanding in late October. The new tier, currently referred to as Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, adds a couple of extra classic console libraries. Specifically, the Expansion Pack will add an assortment of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games.

Both of the new game libraries look to be starting off fairly strong with a solid assortment of beloved favorites. There are some notable omissions, but given how packed the N64 and Genesis libraries were, it's understandable that Nintendo wouldn't be able to include absolutely everything. Still, Nintendo did say that it's planning to add even more N64 games like Paper Mario and Pokemon Snap in the future. It also mentioned adding more Genesis games, but did not provide examples.

N64 fans who miss playing a bunch of late '90s staples with friends are also in luck, as online multiplayer is also available. According to Nintendo, select N64 games will let you play online with up to four total players. Local multiplayer also is likely, since it's been available for the Switch's SNES and NES libraries, but it wasn't mentioned in the presentation. There was also no mention of online multiplayer for any of the Genesis titles, but since it's available for all the other classic libraries it seems probable.

Nintendo hasn't revealed a price for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack yet, but it has stated it will cost more than the standard subscription. The standard Nintendo Switch Online service will not be changing, and will keep its current price of $1.99 for one month/$7.99 for 90 days/$19.99 for one year.