Nintendo Switch Online Service Confirmed for Switch 2: Continued Support and Key Updates Announced

Nintendo Switch Online Service Set to Continue on Upcoming Switch 2 Hardware Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Nintendo Switch Online service will be carried over to the highly anticipated Switch 2 console.

The announcement comes as part of Nintendo’s latest financial results Q&A, where company president Shuntaro Furukawa addressed the future of online services for Nintendo hardware.

This move underscores Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to providing a robust online experience for its user base, ensuring continuity and value as the platform evolves. During the recent briefing, Furukawa highlighted that Nintendo Switch Online "will remain accessible to users on Nintendo Switch 2," emphasizing the company's strategy to "maintain a high standard of comprehensive services" for its community.

He detailed that Nintendo is dedicated to enhancing users' enjoyment and satisfaction through steady support and regular content updates across both current and next-generation hardware.

This continuity aims to smooth the transition for existing Switch users and maintain engagement as new hardware is rolled out. In the latest update, Furukawa reported that Switch Online’s membership numbers have remained "stable," holding at approximately 34 million subscribers—the same figure cited in September 2024—following the conclusion of the holiday season.

This stability indicates continued interest and engagement in Nintendo’s online ecosystem, which includes not only multiplayer access but also a growing library of classic titles and exclusive offers. One notable recent development is the now-concluded "Switch Online: Playtest Program," which allowed select users to access unreleased features and content.

Although some aspects of the program were leaked, Furukawa confirmed that Nintendo intends to learn from the initiative and integrate findings to improve future Switch Online offerings.

However, he clarified that there are currently no immediate announcements regarding new features stemming from the program. 2025 has already seen significant enhancements to the Switch Online service, with multiple retro game additions strengthening the available SNES and N64 libraries.

Gamers can also look forward to the release of Wario Land 4 on the Game Boy Advance collection, set to arrive on February 14.

These updates demonstrate Nintendo’s ongoing investment in preserving its legacy catalog while expanding value for subscribers.

Apart from retro games, Switch Online continues to offer global online play, cloud saving for compatible titles, and exclusive deals accessible through the Nintendo eShop. As Nintendo prepares for the Switch 2, industry watchers and long-time users alike are looking to the company for continued innovation in online services.

Nintendo’s clear message—stated by Furukawa—is a commitment to offering comprehensive, user-focused solutions that enhance gaming experiences on both current and next-generation systems. With over 34 million active memberships and fresh content arriving regularly, Nintendo Switch Online stands at the center of Nintendo’s digital strategy for the foreseeable future.

As the company transitions to new hardware, maintaining and improving these services will likely be a cornerstone of Nintendo's ongoing success in the competitive gaming market.

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