When did Nintendo Switch Online launch?

Nintendo Switch Online launched on September 19, 2018.

The subscription service introduced paid online multiplayer for Nintendo Switch games after Nintendo had provided online play without a paid membership during the console’s first year. It also included cloud saves for compatible games and access to a growing library of classic Nintendo titles.

The initial classic-game offering focused on Nintendo Entertainment System software. Members could play selected NES games on Switch, often with online multiplayer features added to games that originally had no network mode. The service also provided access to the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone application for certain voice-chat and online features.

Nintendo later expanded the service through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. That higher-priced tier added Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance libraries, among other benefits. The launch date refers to the original membership service, not the later Expansion Pack tier, which began in October 2021.