All articles tagged with #switch online
Nintendo released its August 2026 maintenance schedule, adding an extra one-hour window that impacts Switch Online for Switch‑to‑Switch transfers and save data cloud, with downtime planned for Aug 17–18 and an additional Aug 18 window dedicated to transferring save data between Switch models and the Save Data Cloud.
Super Mario Sunshine is coming to Switch 2 as part of Switch Online + Expansion Pack’s GameCube library on August 13, with potential graphical upgrades; the game’s polarizing design—spraying water to clean up messes and the talking FLUDD—continues to spark debate, as fans weigh the appeal of a remaster or full remake while Nintendo stacks more GameCube titles (including Pokémon Colosseum) into the Switch 2 lineup.
Nintendo is running a US limited-time promo: buy or redeem a 12-month Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership (individual or family) before July 28, 2026 to get one additional free month; existing members can also trigger it by renewing or adding another year, and upgrading to Expansion Pack qualifies. The bonus is applied within 3 business days. Australia is offering a separate deal of two extra months. The service provides online play, GameChat, and access to retro libraries like Donkey Kong 64 and even Nintendo Music.
Capcom says there are no plans to bring the GameCube version of Resident Evil Code Veronica X to Nintendo Switch Online's Expansion Pack, even as a remake of Resident Evil Veronica is planned for the Switch 2 in 2027; Nintendo's Switch Online GameCube library currently features several titles, and mature games may require a separate app.
Dataminer LuigiBlood claims Nintendo is preparing a 'challenges' feature for NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles on Switch Online, potentially tied to Switch 2. Updated app versions (NES 9.0.0, SNES 6.0.0, Game Boy 4.0.0) are visible but the features aren’t live yet, suggesting the plan is in the works and could be used to incentivize subscriptions. No official confirmation yet.
Nintendo Life reports a limited-time ‘DK Challenge’ kicking off June 10 across Nintendo Switch Online titles, with Donkey Kong challenges and a DK Bananza mode that award digital challenge cards. A Mario-themed Emerald Rush DLC crossover adds exclusive outfits and Power-Up Blocks on DK Island. The event runs until September 1, with waves June 9–30, July 14–21, August 4–11, and August 25–September 1, accessible from the Switch Online home page. Some content is tied to the Emerald Rush DLC for outfits, while base NSO entries cover the core DK challenges.
Nintendo has announced a full, free trial of Ball x Pit for Nintendo Switch Online members in Europe, running until June 1, 2026; download the base game at no cost, and the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack is also free to enhance the experience.
Tetris 99 is kicking off its 54th Maximus Cup from May 29 to June 1, 2026 to celebrate Yoshi and the Mysterious Book on Switch 2, with 100 event points unlocking a special Yoshi-themed theme featuring new art, music, and Tetrimino designs; you’ll need a Nintendo Account with Switch Online, and there’s an in-store North America demo for Yoshi’s game.
Nirvanna the Band updates its Wii Shop Wednesday jingle to only mention games available on Nintendo Switch Online, trimming lines for titles not on NSO. The edit highlights how NSO’s catalog differs from the old Virtual Console, noting some games remain purchasable elsewhere (eShop) while others aren’t included in NSO, and references the band’s ongoing projects.
Nintendo Music’s Special Release adds 10 tracks from Star Fox for Switch 2, delivering about 30 minutes of orchestral music (including Title Theme, Opening Theme, Corneria) and is available early to Switch Online members; tracks preview the upcoming game ahead of its June 25, 2026 release, with composers Koji Kondo and Hajime Wakai. The service also offers the Lylat Wars soundtrack (39 tracks) and the N64 Star Fox via Switch Online’s Nintendo Classics.
A guide to entering EarthBound (2026) says don’t start with EarthBound Beginnings: it’s grindy and vague; play EarthBound first (Switch Online includes both EarthBound and EarthBound Beginnings), then, if you want the trilogy, tackle Mother 3 via a fan translation or a reproduction cart since there’s no official English release. Note the naming: Beginnings is Mother, EarthBound is Mother 2, and Mother 3 never released officially in English.
Tetris 99 is hosting a Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream crossover from May 1–4, 2026. Players with an active Switch Online membership can earn 100 points to unlock a Tomodachi Life-themed theme featuring art, music, and Tetrimino designs. The event coincides with the Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream release and follows a small update to the game, with additional Switch Online icons and tracks already added.
Nintendo Music for Switch Online's mobile app added ten tracks from Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream for the Switch as a special release (22 minutes total); Nintendo notes there will be no new tracks next week. The update arrives alongside other celebrations, including an Animal Crossing soundtrack release and new Switch Online icons.
Six new Nintendo-themed Custom Designs (including a Game Boy standee and Famicom tee) are now available in Animal Crossing: New Horizons via the Custom Designs Portal on Nintendo's official island Ninten. With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, players can earn in-game items at the island hotel souvenir shop and even play a classic Nintendo game on compatible systems. The Nintendo island can be visited with Dream Address DA-6382-1459-4417.
Pokémon Pokopia on Nintendo Switch 2 now lets players visit the developer’s Cloud Island by entering code PXQC G03S, as long as they have an active Switch Online membership and the Mysterious Goggles purchased with Life Coins; the island visit may contain spoilers, and there’s also an ongoing More Spores for Hoppip event plus a Ditto rug available via Mystery Gift.