Nintendo Switch Online Deal Sweetens the Pot for People Looking to Buy a Switch 2, But There's a Catch

Gamers looking to purchase a new Nintendo Switch 2 console have just a few weeks to buy a new console that also includes a free full year membership for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 bundle is only available in two countries, and can only be purchased at specific retailers within those nations.

The bundle arrives amid a busy time for Nintendo. As the Switch 2 entered its ninth month of availability, Nintendo reported that its stock price jumped by 15% following the launch of Pokemon Pokopia. Co-developed by Game Freak and Koei Tecmo, Pokemon Pokopia is a Pokemon-themed life simulator that has taken the gaming world by storm. Due to Pokemon Pokopia being a Switch 2 exclusive title, the game’s launch led to more users purchasing a Switch 2 console to play the game. Along with Pokemon Pokopia, the Switch 2 can also play Resident Evil Requiem, Blue Prince, and other highly-rated titles.

Nintendo is Officially Suing the United States Government

Nintendo files a lawsuit against the United States government following the Supreme Court’s ruling on Trump’s tariffs.

A Free Year of Nintendo Switch Online Comes With Some Caveats

However, some users who are still on the fence about buying a Switch 2 now have the chance to pick up a tempting bundle. A Nintendo Switch 2 bundle that includes Mario Kart World and a one-year subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service is now available exclusively for users in Australia and New Zealand to purchase. The Nintendo Switch 2 bundle is available on the My Nintendo Store and at retailers like Amazon Australia, EB Games, Harvey Norman, and Costco.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)

Despite the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle being reportedly discontinued in North America, it is currently priced at AU$769.95 and NZ$869.95 on the My Nintendo Store. When converted to US dollars, the Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle available in Australia and New Zealand is priced at $550 and $514, respectively, which is slightly higher than its US price tag of $499. Although the Switch 2 bundle includes a year-long Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which is respectively valued at AU$59.95 and NZ$69.95, the offer includes a major caveat for users to consider.

The NSO subscription requires buyers to fill out a claim form between March 10 and April 14 that includes a receipt or tax invoice from the retailer where they bought the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle. The form requires users to include their phone number, along with the receipt number, a copy of said receipt, and the console’s serial number. After filling out the form, a verification process that takes two days to complete will begin. Users will be notified via a text message from the mobile phone number +61 477 100 113 with a digital code that includes one year of NSO. Ergo, the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle sold in Australia and New Zealand is only valid for citizens of either nation. When compared to Switch 2 bundles available across the world that offer some bonuses via an included voucher in the console box, the verification process for the NSO bonus offer in Australia and New Zealand may require some patience.

Switch 2 Buyers Should Act Quickly

Along with online multiplayer access, Nintendo Switch Online also includes access to several Nintendo Classics apps as part of the subscription. These apps grant access to retro Nintendo titles originally launched on different platforms, including the NES, SNES, and the Game Boy. The Expansion Pack upgrade also grants access to more Nintendo Classics apps, such as the Game Boy Advance, GameCube, and the N64. Nintendo Switch Online added three Mario titles for this year’s Mario Day festivities, which are Mario Clash and Mario’s Tennis for the Virtual Boy, and Mario vs. Donkey Kong for the GBA.

Although inventory of the Switch 2 console has not been an issue, the price of Nintendo’s hit console may soon change. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa stated that the company was keeping an eye on the impact that the ongoing DRAM crisis is having on the global economy. Furukawa said that the Switch 2 has so far been unaffected by the DRAM crisis, but stated that a potential price increase was not off the table. Ergo, prospective buyers looking to get a Switch 2 console should probably not wait too much longer.