Perhaps coming as little to no surprise, but Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch Online service will be supported on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. However with the new hardware, comes bringing new and expanded features to the platform. Among the additions is GameChat, a voice chat feature that will be accessible without a membership for a limited time through the GameChat Open-Access period, available until the end of March 2026. After this period, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to continue using the feature.
Also launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 is Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics, a new collection of enhanced GameCube titles available to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. The launch lineup includes:
- F-Zero GX
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- SoulCalibur II
with more titles to be added following launch. These titles will benefit from improved image clarity and higher resolution compared to their original releases on the Nintendo GameCube.
In support of this new library, Nintendo will also offer a dedicated wireless controller based on the original GameCube design. The controller will be available for purchase exclusively by Nintendo Switch Online members.
