Switch 2’s Exclusive Online Features You Can’t Miss!

Summary

  • Nintendo Switch Online will soon offer several features exclusive to the Switch 2.
  • The new offerings include access to a limited catalog of GameCube titles, as well as free upgrade packs for the Switch 2 Editions of select games.
  • NSO will also offer GameChat, which will be free for Switch 2 owners until March 31, 2026.

In the upcoming version of Nintendo Switch Online, dubbed Switch 2, you’ll find some special, exclusive features. Among them is access to an array of select games originally from the GameCube library. Nintendo has underscored these distinctive qualities during a recent product event, aiming to generate excitement for their upcoming console.

On April 2, the initial Nintendo Direct specifically centered around the Switch 2 was broadcasted, disclosing numerous fresh details about the gadget. Subsequently, two Nintendo Treehouse: Live events occurred on April 3 and 4, where they demonstrated a multitude of games set to launch with the Switch 2, along with some previously unknown console specifications.

On April 4th, certain unique features for the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) that are exclusive to the Nintendo Switch were showcased. One of these features is access to a variety of games originally from the GameCube console, such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Kirby Air Rider, Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Luigi’s Mansion, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, and Super Mario Strikers. While not all these games will be available immediately, they are expected to be added to the NSO catalog by the end of 2025. It is worth noting that access to the GameCube library is an exclusive benefit for subscribers of the NSO + Expansion Pack tier of the service.

Switch 2-Exclusive NSO Features

  • GameChat (NSO)
  • GameCube Games (NSO + Expansion Pack)
  • Select Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade packs (NSO + Expansion Pack)

When two individuals purchase an NSO + Expansion Pack subscription, they will gain access to upgrade packs for certain Switch 2 Edition games. As of now, the complete list of these upgrades is yet to be revealed, but Nintendo has hinted at some of them, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Additionally, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, Mario Party Jamboree, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A are planned to receive Switch 2 edition enhancements.

As a future gamer, I’m pumped about the exclusive GameChat feature on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console. This bad boy is linked to the C button and lets up to 12 of us chat while gaming, regardless of what game we’re each playing! It offers voice chat along with screen sharing, and it works seamlessly whether you’re in handheld or docked mode.

The cool thing is that GameChat will integrate with the console’s built-in parental controls. However, the specifics about how customizable those settings will be remain a mystery for now.

Unlike the other two Switch 2-exclusive Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) features, GameChat is set for an extended free trial period. This means that Switch 2 users can enjoy it for free from the console’s launch on June 5, 20XX, all the way until March 31, 2026. However, after this date, a basic NSO membership will be needed to continue using GameChat, with prices starting at $19.99 per year.

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2025-04-05 20:34