![Nintendo Switch video game console. [Image Source: Sinchen.Lin - Pexels]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/9/11/660x290/b_502x220x82/nintendo-switch-video-game-console-source-sinchenlin-pexels_2094939.jpg "Nintendo Switch video game console. [Image Source: Sinchen.Lin - Pexels]")
After delays and prolonged anticipation, Nintendo has finally revealed the official launch date for the Nintendo Switch console's upcoming paid online service. The service is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, September 18.
Nintendo Direct incoming
Nintendo made the announcement via a tweet on the official Nintendo of America Twitter account this morning (September 12). Along with the launch date, the tweet also revealed that members can sign up for a seven-day trial of the service from the eShop on launch day. More information on the online service will also be included in an upcoming Nintendo Direct broadcast.
#NintendoSwitchOnline memberships will start on 9/18. You can sign-up for a 7-day free trial from Nintendo #eShop at launch! We will introduce more information during the Nintendo Direct on 9/13.https://t.co/74Hzxk9spt pic.twitter.com/EJVFJH6F4I
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 12, 2018
Another tweet revealed that the upcoming Nintendo Direct broadcast is scheduled for tomorrow (September 13) and will provide not only information about the online service but also on upcoming 3DS and Switch titles. Originally, the broadcast was scheduled for September 6 but was rescheduled for September 13. The broadcast will run for approximately 35 minutes, starting at 3PM PT/6PM ET.
The #NintendoDirect presentation originally planned for last week has been rescheduled. Tune in at 23:00 (UK time) on 13/09 for info about upcoming #NintendoSwitch and #3DS titles! It'll last approximately 35 minutes.
— Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) September 12, 2018
👉 https://t.co/i6cJt5zBcj pic.twitter.com/vBas4EXXWb
What is already known
The Nintendo Switch's online service is intended to be a paid subscription model much like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network but far cheaper.
Members can sign up for three options that include a one-month subscription priced at $3.99, a three-month subscription priced at $7.99, and a 12-month subscription that will be $19.99. There will also be exclusive benefits for those who sign up, including 20 NES classics reworked for online play and cloud saves on launch.
Concerns over the service
The news about the Nintendo Switch receiving a paid online service has been met with mixed reception. On one side of the argument, many have praised Nintendo for attempting to provide a service that could compete with XBL and PSN, particularly by making it more affordable than its competitors. However, on the other hand, others have criticized the company for trying to divide the player base with a paid subscription much like the competition has.
Another concern is the voice chat app that can't be installed directly on the base platform, forcing many to rely on a companion device. Another concern is the cloud saves backup feature which is incompatible with certain Video Games -- Nintendo claims that this will prevent the duplication of in-game items.
These bizarre missteps aren't completely abnormal for Nintendo given the company's track record in the gaming industry, however, this could prove to be highly detrimental to the online service when it launches.
