Nintendo has announced that its online subscription service for the Switch console will go live at some point in 2018.
Nintendo Switch
The gaming giant has confirmed that it will release a smartphone app to supplement the rollout of the exciting new service next year.
As a result of the development, video game fanatics will be able to invite friends and set up gaming sessions on the new platform, while they will also be able to chat to their pals on a second screen.
Nintendo is poised to launch a free, limited version of the app over the summer, and it has been confirmed that Switch games will be available without charge until the full service becomes active in 2018.
By then, though, video game users will be required to pay for membership in order to access online multiplayer functions, with one month's subscription costing US users $3.99.
The technology giant has also confirmed that a three-month deal will cost $7.99, while a year's membership will be available for $19.99.
Anyone who signs up for a subscription will also be afforded the chance to take advantage of eShop deals, which means they will be able to get discounted prices on new games.