Beginning September 18, 2024, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to participate in co-op and competitive online features for many first- and third-party Nintendo Switch games, including Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Other free-to-play games like Rocket League can be played without a paid Switch membership. Nintendo Online is only needed for multiplayer over the internet, however.