Nintendo has revealed the price of the Nintendo Switch Online is a requirement for those who play multiplayer games on the console, and the original subscription was widely considered to offer fair value, but many believe the new service price is simply too much for what's included.
Unlike other gaming subscription services like Xbox Game and PlayStation Plus, Nintendo Switch Online currently offers just a few perks for those who purchase it, but manages to keep prices comparatively low by doing so. The original Switch Online service is priced at $3.99 for one month, $7.99 for three months, and $19.99 for 12 months, with a family subscription also available for multiple Switch devices. Being a subscriber of the base Switch Online grants access to online games and games with multiplayer elements, including Splatoon 2 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The original Switch Online also includes access to some classic NES and SNES titles such as Donkey Kong and Super Mario Kart, along with the ability to buy special Nintendo items such as the SNES controller for Switch.
Unveiled during the latest Animal Crossing-focused Nintendo Direct, Nintendo has confirmed the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack hip will cost $49.99 a year - $30 more than the base Switch Online service. The Expansion Pack includes access to N64 and SEGA Genesis games, as well as the newly-announced Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Happy Home Paradise DLC, but many feel this doesn't justify the cost. Countless Nintendo players have taken to social media to vent their shock and frustration at the price of the service, with some branding it a "joke" and "rip off."
Those who don't play Animal Crossing: New Horizons are particularly upset with the price of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack hip. The New Horizons' Happy Home Paradise DLC, which will be available for purchase outside of the subscription service for $24.99, won't be usable for anyone who doesn't own the game, and many feel this hasn't been ed for in Nintendo's pricing. Nintendo has stated the DLC is included at no extra cost to the player, meaning that even without the DLC, the price would still be $49.99 a year. However, the service still has less value for those who don't own or play the Animal Crossing base game. Lots of social media uses have expressed that they expected the Switch Online expansion to cost $5-$10 more than the base service, and for those who don't play Animal Crossing, the $30 increase can be considered a steep one.
The uproar from social media s regarding Nintendo Direct's reveal could see the company reconsider the price of the service. Gaming companies have previously backtracked on decisions if met with considerable backlash from the players, which could happen with Nintendo. However, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service is due to release in just a few days' time on October 25, which may mean a price reversal isn't possible. As fan anger continues to build, it's hoped Nintendo will address the situation soon.
Source: Twiter/NintendoOfAmerica
