The Nintendo Switch 2 has been generating excitement, but with the new system comes an unexpected surprise that has some fans questioning the company’s latest move. While the device offers new features like voice chat, screen sharing, and the ability to overlay your face during gameplay, there’s a catch: you’ll need to pay a subscription fee to access these features once the free trial ends.
Nintendo’s Bold Move: A Paid Subscription for the C Button
At first glance, the Nintendo Switch 2’s C button seems like just another standard feature. But as Nintendo has revealed, this button opens up a world of chat options, much like the Discord platform. It allows players to join group voice chats, share their screens with friends, and even use a camera to display their face on-screen while playing. This is a big step forward for the Switch, making multiplayer experiences smoother and more engaging without relying on third-party apps.
However, this innovative feature comes at a price. After the free trial period ends on March 31, 2026, you’ll be required to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) for an additional cost of $20 per year. Without this subscription, the C button becomes pretty much useless—merely directing you to a subscription advertisement rather than providing any of its promised functionality.
Why Charge for the C Button?
In an interview with Polygon, Nintendo’s Vice President of Player and Product Experience, Bill Trinen, explained the decision. According to Trinen, the C button and its related features are “part of the overall platform experience” and central to the Nintendo Switch 2’s design. However, he also confirmed that to access the chat, screen sharing, and other features, players will need to have an active NSO membership. Trinen’s comments underline the company’s stance that the NSO service is “a critical piece” of the Switch 2 experience, furthering the idea that these tools were always meant to be locked behind a paywall.
A Growing Industry Trend: Paid Multiplayer Features
Nintendo is not the only one making these changes. Both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players are already familiar with paying to access online multiplayer games. However, one major difference remains: while players on those platforms still need to pay for online play, they don’t have to pay extra for basic voice chat or screen-sharing features. Nintendo’s decision to charge for these fundamental communication tools is a surprising shift, considering their inclusion in consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S without additional costs.
Is It Really Worth the Extra Fee?
This move comes at a time when Nintendo is already facing criticism for the prices of its premium games, like the $80 Mario Kart World. Players have called for price reductions, and adding a subscription fee for features that many consider essential to a modern gaming experience seems like a strange decision. While other upcoming Switch 2 games aren’t quite as expensive, the extra cost for NSO may put some players off.
Trinen insists that the C button and its features are integral to the Switch 2 experience, but it remains to be seen if fans will feel the same way. The decision to charge for features that seem like a standard part of any multiplayer platform may push some players toward other consoles that offer more inclusive services without additional costs.
For now, it’s clear that the Nintendo Switch 2 will come with a few extra costs for those wanting to fully enjoy its new multiplayer features. Whether or not the extra $20 per year for NSO is justified remains to be seen, but for fans eager to dive into group chats and share their gameplay with friends, there’s no avoiding the subscription fee.
In the meantime, players can still enjoy the best free games on the market to save a little money while they decide whether the new Switch 2 features are worth the extra cost.
