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The Nintendo Switch online service is launching on September 18th

The Nintendo Switch online service is launching on September 18th

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Photo by James Bareham / The Verge

The Nintendo Switch’s online service is launching in less than a week. In a tweet today, Nintendo revealed that the service will be available on September 18th, and users will be able to download a seven-day trial from the Switch store before committing to a subscription.

Much like Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network, the Switch’s new service will require users to pay to play certain games online, including notable Nintendo titles like Splatoon 2, Arms, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It’s also the only way for Switch owners to get cloud backup for game saves. To sweeten the deal, subscribers will also get access to online-enabled NES games, which will include 20 titles at launch, such as Super Mario Bros. 3 and The Legend of Zelda. Nintendo says new games will be added “regularly.”

The subscription will cost $3.99 a month, $7.99 for a three-month bundle, or $19.99 for an entire year. There’s also a yearly family option available for $34.99, which provides access for up to seven family members. Nintendo says that it will be providing more details, along with information about upcoming games, during a Nintendo Direct event tomorrow at 6PM ET. You can watch it right here.