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Expansion Pack is the paid downloadable add-on to the Nintendo Switch Online service. It grants members exclusive access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, and access to DLC and exclusive features. The add-on service is not separately purchasable.
It launched on October 25, 2021.
Exclusive game library[]
The Expansion Pack service includes access to exclusive new library of games from the Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis systems. As with the NES and SNES services, it does not cycle out games and subscribers can play an unlimited amount of games from selection. New games may be released on a monthly basis.
Sega Genesis[]
- Launched: October 25, 2021
- No. of Games: 51
Aside from Nintendo Classic games, the Sega Genesis catalogue have also been included. Multiplayer supports up to 2 players. There were 15 games to choose from at launch. It is the only third-party app for the service.
Playtest Program[]
Nintendo used Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers to test out a new feature for the Nintendo Switch. It is currently unclear what the playtest is for but, people who signed up for the playtest program will get access to a special app on their Switch for the period of October 23, to November 5, 2024. The program is limited to 10,000 participants from The United States, Japan and Western Europe and the participants had to sign up prior to the announcement on October 9.
DLC Access[]
Expansion Pack members can get access to downloadable content for games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2 all at no additional cost. Members can play while subscribed for the remaining time of the subscription. Past subscribers would then lose access unless subscribed again. Items that are part of the DLC and were brought to the main game are still accessible, however, even without a membership.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise[]
Players create and design new vacation houses on resort islands.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass[]
Additional 48 remastered courses from throughout the Mario Kart series will be added.
Splatoon 2 - Octo Expansion[]
A new exclusive campaign focusing on playable Octolings was added, and they can be used in the base game upon completion.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games[]
Select Nintendo Switch games can be upgraded to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition versions for free, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Pricing[]
The pricing is annual billing, and is available for individuals or multiples (through Family Memberships). Current members of the base Nintendo Switch Online service will receive a "pro-rated" price deduction for the Expansion Pack, depending on the remaining time of the base service. There is currently no monthly option confirmed.
| Country | 1 year | Family (1 year) |
|---|---|---|
| US | $49.99 | $79.99 |
| Canada | $63.99 | $99.99 |
| Japan | ¥4900 | ¥8900 |
| Europe | €39,99 | €69,99 |
| UK | £34.99 | £59.99 |
| Australia | $59.95 | $109.95 |
Reception[]
Following its pricing reveal which the Expansion Pack itself was $10.01 more than the regular Nintendo Switch Online individually, in which the Expansion Pack costs $30 and sums a total of $49.99, the service has been panned by viewers and gamers for it being "expensive". The service's overview trailer has received over 187,214 dislikes since its upload date.[1]
Controversy[]
Upon release, the service has been reported to have technical issues in the Nintendo 64 application. Such issues include input lagging, speed slowdowns, mid-game crashes, frequent unstable connections, and glitches. Additionally, the app was met with backlash for its inabilities and lack of additional features.[2][3]
References[]
- ↑ Random: Uh-Oh, Nintendo's Switch Online 'Expansion Pack - Overview Trailer' Is Generating A Lot Of Dislikes (Nintendo Life) Date: October 17, 2021. Author: Liam Doolan.
- ↑ N64 games on Switch Online seeing player issues and complaints (Nintendo Everything) Date: October 26, 2021.
- ↑ Nintendo Switch Online's N64 Games Need Some Work (Nintendo Life) Date: October 26, 2021. Author: PJ O'Reilly
External links[]
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
- Nintendo 64™ - Nintendo Switch Online
- SEGA Genesis™ - Nintendo Switch Online
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack - Overview Trailer
| Nintendo Switch Online | |
|---|---|
| Games with Phone App service | Splatoon 2 • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe • ARMS • Mario Tennis Aces • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate • Animal Crossing: New Horizons • Nintendo Classics games |
| Exclusive games | Tetris 99 •Super Kirby Clash • F-ZERO 99 • Nintendo Entertainment System • Super Nintendo Entertainment System • Game Boy • Nintendo Classics Defunct: Super Mario Bros. 35 • Pac-Man 99 |
| Expansion Pack | Nintendo 64 (Mature) • Sega Genesis • Game Boy Advance • Nintendo GameCube Happy Home Paradise • Booster Course Pass • Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion |