In the second half of 2018, Nintendo launched the Nintendo Switch Online Service, a subscription service that allows Nintendo Switch owners to play online multiplayer games with their friends and offers free NES games each month. With the initial launch out the door, Nintendo is reportedly looking to expand the service for core users.

A new report from Japanese publication Nikkei claims that Nintendo is working on a premium version of the Nintendo Switch Online service to launch in 2019. This premium version is said to include additional benefits which are targeted at Nintendo enthusiasts, core Nintendo Switch online users, and those who are willing to spend more money on games. The report from the publication says that this more expensive version of the online subscription will include new services, but it doesn't elaborate on what these extra services may be.

NES on Switch

Details on the service may be vague at the moment, but fans are already putting together wishlists of what they would like to see improved. The number one suggestion on most people's lists is improved voice chat. When the Nintendo Switch Online service launched, many agreed that one of its major flaws it the decision to feature voice chat in a separate app. There is also no text chat system. When chat functions on PC, PS4, and Xbox One are relatively accessible, it makes Nintendo's failure with player communication even more glaring.

Some will also be hoping for an expansion of the cloud save system. Other than the fact that cloud saves are not kept when someone ends their Nintendo Switch Online subscription, another issue is that not all games are supported with cloud saves. This means that for some games - including popular Nintendo Switch titles such as FIFA 19 and Dark Souls: Remastered - players are just unable to benefit from one of modern gaming's most useful features.

Another factor that many are wondering about is the price. One of the biggest selling points of the Nintendo Switch Online service is that it costs less than PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live. While the Nikkei report suggests that the new, premium service will cost more money, core Switch fans will be hoping that it doesn't take advantage of their loyalty. There could potentially be a mutiny if Nintendo charges extra for features that people feel should be included in the basic version.

Source: Nikkei