Nintendo announced a new Nintendo Switch Online pricing tier called the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack during its most recent Nintendo Direct presentation. For a fee, Nintendo Switch Online members can upgrade to the Expansion Pack tier and gain access to additional perks such as Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games.
Nintendo did not reveal certain important details about the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion pack at the time, such as how much it costs or when it will be available, but those questions have now been answered.
Nintendo confirmed the release date of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack during the Animal Crossing Nintendo Direct event on October 25. Individual memberships will cost $49.99 for a year, while family plans will cost $79.99.
Current Nintendo Switch Online subscribers who upgrade to the Switch Online Expansion Pack will receive a prorated discount. In addition to the previously revealed benefits, Nintendo revealed a bonus that will be included with the Switch Online Expansion Pack.
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise DLC will be available for free to all Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers beginning November 5. Those who only want the DLC and do not want to sign up for the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack will have to pay $24.99 for it, so for some Switch users, signing up for the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack will likely make more sense.
The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack kicks off its Nintendo 64 lineup with nine games, all of which will have new functionality not found in the original releases. These Nintendo 64 games, for example, will allow players to save whenever they want, just like other Nintendo Switch Online games. The games will also look and perform better than they did in the 1990s, and there will be online multiplayer support.
The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack will also include Sega Genesis games, indicating that Nintendo is attempting to provide fans with significant value for the pricier subscription. However, whether or not Switch owners think the retro games and Animal Crossing paid DLC are worthwhile remains to be seen.
