Nintendo has always been behind the times when it comes to online services. Given how long Xbox Live has been around, it’s a bit embarrassing that it’s taken this long for the Big N to even come up with a comparable service — and some may even say it’s not comparable to what Microsoft came up with over a decade ago, as it doesn’t even feature in-controller voice chat.

But last week, they finally unveiled Nintendo Switch Online details for their system. The response…wasn’t fantastic. Sure, we got some free NES games that came with it, but there was nothing there that really that justified the extra $20 a year for the service. All the same, fans were anxious to get this service underway, as it would finally allow Nintendo to take its first step into a brave, new world.

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One problem. It’s now September 18, the day they said they were to launch the service, and it hasn’t launched yet. So what’s the deal? According to Nintendo of America, that’s due to some scheduled maintenance that will occur 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on September 18, 2018. Once maintenance is completed on the eShop, then users will be able to purchase Nintendo Switch Online, which is available for $19.99/year, along with other options.

In the meantime, maybe can indulge in those last free hours you can play games like Mario Kart 8 and Rocket League online. $19.99/year is, by no means, a wallet-buster, but after spending years playing online for free, it could be an unwelcome added expense to longtime gamers.

Will you be purchasing Nintendo Switch Online? Let us know down below!

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SOURCE: IGN