During their Nintendo Switch reveal, Nintendo's Kimishima detailed the company's plans for an online multiplayer service. The service will allow for all users to play online with friends around the world free starting with the launch of the Nintendo Switch in March. The service will become paid sometime in in Fall 2017. The Switch online service will also pair with a dedicated smartphone app that connects to the Nintendo Switch to help connect with friends in online play.

Starting with the full launch of the Nintendo Switch online service, the smart device app will allow you to invite friends, set play appointments, and chat with friends during online matches. A limited version of the app will be launched in Summer 2017.

Subscribers to Nintendo's new online service will also get to download one NES or SNES game, which will feature newly-added online play, once a month for free. There will also be exclusive deals for paid subscribers that may include discounts on selected content and games.

This is the first time Nintendo has offered a paid subscription-based online service for their home console system. However, Nintendo's new online service will only be for the Nintendo Switch, so Wii U and Nintendo 3DS gamers won't have to worry about paying to play online on those systems. At this time, no information regarding price tiers is available.

You can create a Nintendo Account now to get ready for Nintendo's new online service.