Nintendo Switch's paid online subscription services is set to go live in September 2018.

The company revealed the news during its financials release, having previously been given a tentative ‘2018’ launch date.

The service is set to cost $3.99 a month ($19.99 a year) and will be required for online play and use of the Switch Online app for smartphones. Currently Nintendo Switch owners can play games online for free.

Special access

Those who subscribe will also get access to a back catalogue of classic Nintendo titles such as Super Mario Bros 3, Balloon Fight and Dr. Mario, some with added leaderboards and multiplayer modes.

Subscribers will also get access to special Nintendo eShop deals, though anyone will be able to access the marketplace itself.

Nintendo’s move to a paid subscription service for online play brings the company in line with competitors like the PS4 and Xbox One, which require subscriptions to PS Plus and Xbox Live to access online features.

The console giant has made a number of announcements on top of its latest financials, including the reveal of a new animated Mario movie in the works and Mario Kart Tour for mobile devices.