Nintendo has finally announced the details on the expansion pack for Nintendo Online after months of anticipation. The prices are just as expected. First, the single-user membership will be $49.99 a year. Second, the family plan, which includes up to 8 users, will be $79.99. Both prices are about double what users are paying now for Nintendo Online.
For context, the new upgrade will include the Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis libraries that Nintendo announced back in September. The Nintendo 64 games will come with online play as well. In addition, the new DLC for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Happy Home Paradise will also be part of the expansion pack.
So the question now comes to the consumers? Is this price hike worth it? Arguments are valid on both sides. Like any digital library, you don’t technically own the games. So they can disappear from your library at any time. But the original Nintendo 64 carts don’t offer online. So that’s a bonus. I tend to think of it like this. Xbox Live was $50 for years until they bundled it with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and PlayStation Plus is $60 a year. Both offer online and a digital library of free games. The difference is that both services give newer games to players every month.
I think the expansion price is serviceable, but the pot would be more tempting with free Switch games every month. PlayStation made Fall Guys free for Plus members at release. Maybe Nintendo could do the same?
Whatever side you land on, the service will be available on October 26th. Are you thinking about getting the expansion pack? Let us know below!
