The cute social simulator gameAnimal Crossing: New Horizonshas had several seasonal updates since its launch in early 2020. On October 15 with theAnimal Crossing: New HorizonsNintendo Direct, it was revealed that not only would there be a new paid DLC overhaul to the acclaimed title, but that it would be included with the newly announced Switch Online Expansion Pack. However, the final price of the expansion was likely not what everyone was expecting, revealed to be $49.99 for an individual yearly plan and $79.99 for a family plan. As of right now, it will include select Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis titles and shortly after theAnimal Crossing: New HorizonsDLC, which can also be bought individually for $24.99.
Many Nintendo andAnimal Crossingfans are deliberating between purchasing theSwitch Online Expansion Packor simply buying it separately. This choice depends on a number of factors. As of right now, only a small handful of N64 and Genesis titles have been confirmed as well. More titles from each console will be added as the program expands, but for fans who invest a lot of time inAnimal Crossing, it’s debatable whether or not the bundle is worth the price.
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Nintendo Switch Online and Animal Crossing
Nintendo 64 games such asThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of TimeandMario Kart 64are undeniably classics and landmark titles of the generation. There are also about fifteen Sega Genesis games that will also make their way to Nintendo Switch Online, such asEcco The Dolphinand the underrated classicCastlevania: Bloodlines. However, unlike the Nintendo 64, there are many different ways to play Sega Genesis titles outside of emulation or the original hardware. Many Genesis titles are available through the 3DS and Switch eShops in games likeSEGA Genesis Classics.
In regards toAnimal Crossing’s retro days, its first English release was onNintendo GameCubein 2002. Subsequent titles were released on the DS family of devices as well as the Wii and of course, the Switch is home to the most successful game in the franchise,New Horizons. But because of the overall nature ofAnimal Crossing’s gameplay, there’s little reason to return to older titles, except for perhaps nostalgia. Currently, there isn’t a single social simulation game in the launch of N64 and Sega Genesis titles for Switch Online, meaning that gamers who playAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsmay not take part in the kinds of games found in NSO’s catalog, so it feels a bit out of place to bundle them together. Fans of that genre should look elsewhere.
When compared to its competitors ofXbox Game Passand PlayStation Plus, which both offer new and old games as part of the online services, it’s difficult to recommend Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass with its current titles and pricing structure. Hopefully, Nintendo continues to add more old consoles, and adding the paid DLCs of other Switch games would increase the value to its current price point.
The massive jump in price from the standard version to the expansion is the main problem, as Nintendo used to offer a pretty fair deal for what consumers were getting. Much of the value for individuals considering the upgrade depends on whether they have any interest in playing those titles again or for the first time. If a small handful of N64 andSega Genesis gamesis worth as much as theAnimal CrossingDLC then it’s worth it, if not, then either stick with the original plan or just buy theDLC separately.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons’Happy Home ParadiseDLCreleases on November 5 for the Nintendo Switch.
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