What’s new with Nintendo Switch Online on Nintendo Switch 2?

Whether you’re accessing the growing library of classic games or jumping into an online game* with friends, Nintendo Switch Online members can continue to enjoy all the current benefits of their membership on Nintendo Switch 2, launching June 5th.

Let’s take a look at everything new that’s coming to Nintendo Switch Online, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2!

Using GameChat

Nintendo Switch Online members can use GameChat, a new feature that’s exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2*. Start a chat with friends with just the touch of a button and share your game screen to show others what you’re up to.

Not a Nintendo Switch Online member yet? Until the end of March 2026, GameChat can be enjoyed for free with the GameChat Welcome Offer. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.

Nintendo GameCube comes to Nintendo Classics

The growing library of games from previous Nintendo consoles – now renamed as Nintendo Classics** – is expanding to include titles from Nintendo GameCube!

From launch, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members can play The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-ZERO GX and SOULCALIBUR II on Switch 2, with more games coming in the future.

A wireless controller modelled after the original Nintendo GameCube controller will also be available from My Nintendo Store, offering an even more authentic experience.*

New ways to enjoy Nintendo 64 games

You’ll find new features waiting for you in the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics app on Nintendo Switch 2! These include a new CRT filter to add a retro feel to your games, button remapping for each game’s controls, and a Rewind feature in case you want to turn back time and undo a mistake.

Selected upgrade packs at no additional cost

From launch, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members playing on Nintendo Switch 2 will gain access to upgrade packs for both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, allowing them to enjoy the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of these games at no additional cost****.

Changes to the Nintendo Switch Online app

The name of the app will be changed from Nintendo Switch Online to Nintendo Switch App in late May 2025. It’ll continue to offer voice chat when playing supported titles on a Nintendo Switch console*****, as well as game-specific services for titles such as Splatoon 3 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

ZELDA NOTES, a new game-specific service that supports players on their adventures in the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, is also on the way!

On Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll also be able to access your most recent 100 screenshot and video captures via the app, making it easy to share them with others.

Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack both continue to grow, enhancing your gaming experience on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Follow @NintendoUK on X to stay up to date on the latest additions to benefits like Nintendo Classics, Nintendo Music and more!

*To use online services, you must create a Nintendo Account and accept the related agreement. The Nintendo Account Privacy Policy applies. Internet connection and paid Nintendo Switch Online membership required. Mobile phone number registration required to use GameChat. Some online services may not be available in all countries.

**The Nintendo Classics branding comes into effect on April 2nd, 2025. Please note that the individual NES, Super NES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, Nintendo 64 – Mature and Game Boy Advance apps will each continue to display the previous name until their next update.

***Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics can also be played with an original Nintendo GameCube controller via the GameCube Controller Adapter for Wii U.

****You must own either The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch (European version) and have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership to access the respective upgrade packs at no additional cost.

*****Please note that this feature is only compatible with Nintendo Switch. On Nintendo Switch 2, you can enjoy chatting with friends with GameChat while playing either Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games or Nintendo Switch games.