NES Switch Online’s multiplayer works well, but I won’t use it

Nintendo Switch Online is live, and I gave the company my $20. I get the occasional itch to play Rocket League or Mario Tennis Aces against real people. I want to keep that option. The low price is also right in the meaty part of the impulse-purchase bell curve. And the library of NES games also factored into my decision to spend the cash.

But now that I have these revamped 8-bit games, it’s clear to me that I won’t use their new online features. This service, which has the charming name of Nintendo Entertainment System — Nintendo Switch Online (really), is like a Netflix for old games. You pay your subscription to Nintendo, and then you have access to more than 20 NES classics. If you want Super Mario Bros. 3, River City Ransom, and Pro Wrestling, this is your ticket. But these aren’t the same retro hits as usual.