Nintendo has announced that as of September 30, 2024, its Nintendo Switch Online service boasts over 34 million subscribers. This figure was shared by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa during a presentation on the company’s financial results for the second quarter, which also touched on recent shifts within their video game platform business.
This number represents a drop from the over 36 million subscribers reported in September 2022. The company attributes this decline to a lack of new game releases that emphasize online play over the past year. Nonetheless, there’s a silver lining: subscriptions to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack have shown consistent growth since the service was launched in 2021.
To increase the appeal of Nintendo Switch Online, the company recently introduced Nintendo Music. This exclusive music streaming service is available to Nintendo Switch Online members and can be accessed via a smartphone app.
When asked by a shareholder if Nintendo Music would eventually be available to non-subscribers, Furukawa replied:
“Nintendo Switch Online is intended to enrich the Nintendo Switch experience, and that core goal remains the same.
“Nintendo Music is an offering for our Nintendo Switch Online members, enabling them to enjoy Nintendo game music on their smart devices. Game music is a significant element of our content library, and this service aligns with our broader strategy to increase access to Nintendo’s intellectual property. We introduced Nintendo Music to deliver game music to our consumers in a uniquely Nintendo way.
“We believe that as people listen to Nintendo Music and reminisce about their gaming experiences, it may inspire them to revisit those games.
“In turn, we are hopeful that Nintendo Music will serve as an additional incentive for people to keep their Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions.”
