Nintendo has unveiled the Expansion Pack for the Nintendo Switch Online plan. There are 3 benefits to upgrading to the Expansion Pack, however, it will cost you more than double what the current Nintendo Switch Online subscription costs.
This is likely part of Nintendo’s plan to make Nintendo Switch Online “more appealing,” however, the price tag may have had the opposite effect.
Nintendo 64
Like how Nintendo Switch Online offers players access to select NES and SNES, The Expansion Pack offers players access to several Nintendo 64 games.
At the moment, the list of games isn’t that large, but more Nintendo 64 games will be made available through the Expansion Pack over time.
As the games are emulated in the Nintendo Switch, players can create suspend points, which allow players to save at any point in the game and continue playing from that same moment.
Furthermore, Nintendo 64 games with multiplayer support can be played with other locally or online for up to 4 players.
Animal Crossing DLC
Players who wish to play the new Animal Crossing DLC, Happy Homes Paradise, can access the content if they have the Expansion Pack. This provides an alternative instead of purchasing the DLC itself.
However, it should be noted that Nintendo has confirmed that if a player were to cancel or otherwise lose the Expansion Pack subscription, they would also lose access to the Animal Crossing DLC.
SEGA Genesis
Finally, the Expansion Pack for Nintendo Switch Online also includes access to SEGA Genesis games.
Like the Nintendo 64 games, players can create suspend points in the SEGA Genesis games. However, they also have the ability to rewind gameplay, allowing players to redo specific moments in their game.
Multiplayer support is also available for up to 2 players.
Furthermore, additional games will be added to SEGA Genesis in the future.
Price
For individual membership, the price will be $49.99 USD for 12 months, which is up from the standard plan, which costs $19.99 for 12 motnhs.
For family membership, the price will be $79.99 USD for 12 months, which is up from the standard plan, which costs $34.99 for 12 months. The family membership can include up to 8 Nintendo Accounts.
The family membership plan is more cost effective if there are two or more players who wish to experience the Expansion Pack.
The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack releases on October 15th, 2021.