Nintendo Switch Online Surpasses 34 Million Subscribers

As of the end of September 2024, Nintendo has reported that its Nintendo Switch Online service boasts over 34 million subscribers. This update was shared during a recent presentation by Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, as part of the company’s second-quarter financial results and corporate management strategy briefing. The presentation delved into the evolving landscape of Nintendo’s video game platform business.

The current subscriber count reflects a drop from over 36 million in September 2022. Nintendo attributes this decrease to a limited number of new releases focusing on online gameplay over the past year. Despite this decline, subscriptions for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack have steadily grown since its 2021 debut.

To enhance the appeal of Nintendo Switch Online, the latest feature added is Nintendo Music. This exclusive music streaming service is only available to Nintendo Switch Online members and can be accessed through a smartphone app.

During the briefing, a shareholder raised a question regarding the potential reach of Nintendo Music to non-members. Furukawa clarified:

“Nintendo Switch Online is fundamentally designed to enrich the Nintendo Switch experience, and that core mission remains consistent.

“Nintendo Music is specially made for Nintendo Switch Online users to enjoy our game music on their smart devices. Game soundtracks hold significant value in our content library, and we believe this aligns with our strategy to make Nintendo’s intellectual properties more accessible. We’ve launched Nintendo Music to deliver these beloved tunes to our audience in a way that’s distinctly Nintendo.

“Our hope is that, as people listen to Nintendo Music and recall the enjoyment from our games, they’ll be inspired to play those games once more.

“Ultimately, we envision Nintendo Music as an additional incentive for subscribers to keep their Nintendo Switch Online memberships.”