Nintendo’s Switch Online service set to launch w/ 20 NES titles including Mario Bros and more

Since the launch of the Switch, everyone has been wondering where Nintendo’s paid online service has been. In the past year and a half since the console’s release, the service had been delayed a few times and Nintendo has said little about what it would entail. Back in February, Nintendo finally confirmed that its online service would be coming by year’s end, and now tonight they’ve unveiled the full scoop of what’s in store. Headlined by 20 NES titles including Mario Bros., Donkey Kong and the Legend of Zelda, Switch Online brings cloud data storage and more.

The most interesting aspect of tonight’s announcement is definitely centered around the 20 NES launch titles. Among the roster of retro games are fan favorites like Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3 and more. All of the games will support online multiplayer, which either takes the form of cooperative play so you can game with your pals or leaderboards to challenge others for the high score. Nintendo has noted that it will continue to roll out new games as time goes on.

The other most-notable feature included in the $20 a year plan is the ability to save data in the cloud, meaning if your console goes under you won’t lose all your hard-earned Zelda or Mario progress. As mentioned in the past, you’ll need the service to play games like Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon 2 online. The service is officially set to launch come September and starts at $4 a month.

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