Switch Online has save data cloud backup and free downloads

Nintendo Switch Online will bring one of the most requested features to the console, save data cloud backup, and this is one of the new announcements made through the official website in the last update. That's not all though, as old-school Nintendo fans will be pleased to hear that the upcoming NES games with online functionality will be free for subscribers too.

As a reminder, Nintendo Switch Online is the membership program announced a few months ago, which will be mandatory to play some online games on the Switch, but the new FAQ states that it won't necessarily be required for all, as "other games will vary".

The payment links to one Nintendo Account, not to one console, so this can be used with any hardware just by signing up with your account. As for the prices, these can be found on Nintendo's website, and are broken down as follows:

1 month (30 days) - £3.49 (€3.99)
3 months (90 days) - £6.99 (€7.99)
12 months (365 days) - £17.99 (€19.99)

It's also worth noting that you can get a 12 month Family Membership too, costing £31.49 (€34.99), meaning up to eight different Nintendo accounts can use the service under one subscription.

Benefits and details of the save data cloud backup will be explained at a later date, as well as the full list of games available to download in the NES library. What we already know, however, is that there will be 20 classic games with online multiplayer modes from September (the start of the service) with more to coming regularly, including:

• Balloon Fight
• Donkey Kong
• Dr. Mario
• Ice Climber
• Mario Bros.
• Soccer
• Super Mario Bros.
• Super Mario Bros. 3
• Tennis
• The Legend of Zelda

What's more is that a Nintendo Switch Online subscription will be mandatory to use the app of the same name for Android and iOS, which is required to chat with friends while playing games like Splatoon 2, and members will also receive special offers on the eShop.

What do you think about the prices and the content?