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

Take a look at what’s coming to Nintendo Switch Online, exclusively for 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 the Nintendo Switch™ 2 system, launching June 5.

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

Using GameChat

Not a Nintendo Switch Online member yet? Until the end of March 2026, GameChat can be enjoyed without a Nintendo Switch Online membership during the GameChat Open-Access Period. Afterwards, a membership will be required.

Nintendo GameCube comes to Nintendo Classics

The Nintendo Switch Online library of classic games—now renamed as Nintendo Classics—is expanding to include a collection of titles from Nintendo GameCube™!

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will soon be able to play The Legend of Zelda™: The Wind Waker, F-ZERO™ GX, and SOULCALIBUR II on Nintendo Switch 2, with more games coming in the future. Some games include fun in-game options, like a retro screen filter and widescreen gameplay.

A wireless controller modelled after the original Nintendo GameCube controller will also be available to Nintendo Switch Online members from My Nintendo Store, offering an optional and even more authentic experience to Nintendo Switch 2 owners.**

Selected upgrade packs at no additional cost

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members playing on Nintendo Switch 2 will soon gain access to upgrade packs for both the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom games, allowing them to enjoy the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of these games at no additional cost. Note: you must have either The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch to use the respective upgrade pack.

Changes to the Nintendo Switch Online app

The Nintendo Switch Online smart device app*** will be soon renamed to the Nintendo Switch app. It’ll continue to offer voice chat when playing supported titles on a Nintendo Switch system, as well as game-specific services for titles such as Splatoon™ 3 and Animal Crossing™: New Horizons. On Nintendo Switch 2, you can enjoy chatting with friends with GameChat while playing Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games or compatible Nintendo Switch games (app not required).

The updated app will also include ZELDA NOTES, a new game-specific service that supports players on their adventures in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.

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

Be sure to check back here to stay up to date on the latest additions to Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, like Nintendo Classics, Nintendo Music, and more!

Along with this update, the Nintendo Switch app will be available to use by anyone with a Nintendo Account, regardless of Nintendo Switch Online membership status.