Whether they realize it or not, Nintendo fans have had it good for a long time. Unlike Xbox and PlayStation owners, they`ve never had to pay to play their games online. This free period, like all good things, is coming to an end. With the launch of Nintendo Switch Online in the second half of September, Nintendo will begin charging for online play.As with Xbox Live Gold and PlayStation Plus, anyone who wants to get the most out of their Switch will all but have to subscribe. (Note: this doesn`t affect Wii U or Nintendo 3DS owners; online service for those systems will remain free). And while it`s not ideal having to pay for something you used to get for nothing, you won`t have much of a choice.Buy a Nintendo SwitchPre-order a Nintendo Switch Online subscriptionShop Nintendo Switch gamesHere`s a look at everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch Online.PricingFirst, some good news: Nintendo Switch Online costs significantly less than the competition. While you have to pay $60 for a year`s subscription to Sony and Microsoft`s services, Nintendo only charges $20. You can pre-order a subscription here. Here`s the breakdown of pricing for a single account holder.One month -- $4Three months -- $8One year -- $20If you have multiple people in your house who want their own accounts, you`ll need to spring for the family plan. It costs $35 per year and allows up to eight people to play online.Now let`s take a look at what you get for your money.Online PlayOnce Nintendo Switch goes live, you won`t be able to play games like Mario Tennis Aces, Splatoon 2, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online without a subscription. The same goes for third-party games like the upcoming port of Diablo 3: The Eternal Collection.Nintendo has yet to offer any official word on whether free games like Fortnite will require Nintendo Switch Online once the service goes live. But if you look at the Eshop page for online first-party games like Mario Tennis Aces, you`ll see Nintendo has added a disclai ...
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