Something Like a Modern System This September
Nintendo has finally dropped some new details about their upcoming online service! There’s some good news and some bad news. Classic games are getting online functionality, for one. They’re still tethering chat functions to that smartphone app, for another. But we’re getting cloud saves! What a wild ride!
First off, the classic games. Nintendo has listed ten titles, with ten more incoming, that will be available as part of the service. These games will have online functions such as multiplayer and voice chat compatibility. Yes, that’s using the smartphone app, but it’s something, at least. So far they’ve announced Balloon Fight, Dr. Mario and Super Mario Bros. 3, alongside Donkey Kong, Ice Climber, The Legend of Zelda, Mario Bros., Soccer, Super Mario Bros. and Tennis.
Nintendo has also confirmed some pricing details. One month will cost $3.99, three months will be $7.99 and a year will cost you $20. Alternately, there’s a family plan for $35 that covers eight different accounts. We’ll get more details, like the next ten classic games, closer to the system’s September launch. Finally, the service also includes cloud saves! Although it’s gated behind a pay wall, it’s still excellent to see Nintendo finally embracing this modern (and utterly necessary) convenience. Online play for certain games is free for the moment, but will also end up locked behind this service once it launches in September.