3 New NES Games & One Special Edition Added to Nintendo Switch Online

Today gave us the first update to the Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online (that name is ridiculous...let's just stick with NESflix), and three games were added to the service.  There was also a bit of a surprise.


Nintendo had previously announced NES Open, Solomon's Key, and Super Dodge Ball as the titles that were to be added this month, but they also snuck in what they are calling a Special version of The Legend of Zelda.

As you can see below, the Special LoZ kind of just drops you into the game with some equipment you wouldn't normally start out with.


This is basically a New Game Plus save file.  They start you out with all kinds of goodies.

And yes, that Special ribbon hangs out in the corner there the whole time.

This is a good way for people who might find this game too difficult by starting out with nothing.  Nintendo also announced that more Special versions of games are coming in the future.  I am definitely interested to see what is coming next month along with Metroid, Mighty Bomb Jack, and TwinBee.  If I had to guess, I would say a Special version of Metroid is in the works.

Nintendo Switch Online Service Detailed

Nintendo has finally revealed their plans for their paid online service for the Switch!  They have outlined the differences between the paid and free memberships, but most importantly they have told us how much is is going to cost in 2018(and yes, that means it is going to be free for 2017).

When the service launches this year, all users will have access to online multiplayer at no cost.  Once the currently unspecified date in 2018 rolls around, only subscribers will have online access for most games.  The website makes it sound like there will still be games that do not require a subscription, but I'm going to guess those will be few and far between.

Subscribers will also have a smartphone app that will control game invites, voice chat, and regular chat.

Also, much like Sony and Microsoft's services, Nintendo will be offering free classic games, which are going to have newly added online play.  That is fairly exciting news to me!  The first three games that were announced are Super Mario Bros. 3, Balloon Fight, and Dr. Mario.

And now the important part: the price.  I was expecting prices in line with Sony and Microsoft($9.99/month, $59.99/year), but Nintendo will only be charging $3.99/month or $19.99/year.  I think it is fair to say those prices are extremely reasonable.

There is still no word on when the service will start up, but I think it is safe to say the most likely time is when Splatoon 2 is released on July 21.

Source: Nintendo.com

How Nintendo Could Thrive Without EA on the Wii U

The latest rumors floating around are telling us that EA has dropped support for the Nintendo Wii U to focus on the PlayStation 4 and NextBox.  For me, this is not a big deal.  There aren't many games from EA I am ever interested in.  In fact, the only three titles from EA that I ever look forward to are Madden, NHL, and Tiger Woods.  So, while it stinks that I will not be getting any more of those games in the foreseeable future, it actually gave me a great idea for how Nintendo could not only survive this easily, but actually turn it into something great.

I can give you the solution in three words: Nintendo Sports League.