https://www.cnet.com/news/nintendo-switch-online-everything-we-know-so-far/ > Despite being one of the world's most recognizable gaming companies, Nintendo has never quite mastered online multiplayer. The company's game consoles have been hampered by friend codes, confusing (or absent) voice chat systems and inconsistent performance for years. Still, fans often forgave the company. After all, unlike Microsoft and Sony's services, it was free. It's hard to argue with free. > That excuse disappears in about a week. Nintendo is getting ready for the full launch of the Nintendo Switch Online service, which places most of the console's online multiplayer behind a paid membership paywall.