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[Let’s Talk] How long have you been subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online?
This article discusses Nintendo Switch Online, a subscription service launched in 2018 that offers online play, cloud saves, and access to classic games from various Nintendo consoles. It prompts readers to share how long they have been subscribed or what prevents them from joining.
Game History and Preservation
The 'Stop Killing Games' movement is celebrating after The Crew 2 received further support for an offline mode. This development is seen as a victory for game preservation advocates concerned about titles becoming inaccessible when online servers are shut down.
PlayStation consoles will need age verification to use voice chat from this year
Sony Interactive Entertainment is implementing age verification for voice and text chat features on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles to comply with global regulations. Users will need to complete a one-time verification process, likely using a service like Yoti, to continue using communication features, though other services like gaming and the store will remain accessible. This change is expected to roll out across all regions by the end of the year, with Microsoft and Nintendo likely to follow suit.
Nintendo maintenance schedule – April 19, 2026 – DLC and virtual game cards impacted for Switch 2, Switch
Nintendo has announced a maintenance schedule for the week of April 26, 2026, affecting both the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. The downtime will impact the use of downloadable software, including online play and certain network services, as well as actions related to virtual game cards. The maintenance periods are scheduled to be short.
PSN Outage Disrupts Gaming Sessions as Sony Works to Restore Service
The PlayStation Network experienced service disruptions, impacting gamers' ability to connect and play online. Sony is working to restore full functionality, with users reporting gradual service restoration. The outage highlights the gaming community's reliance on always-online connectivity and the social bonds formed through shared online experiences.
PSN Down for Some, Service Mostly Now Restored
The PlayStation Network experienced an outage affecting some users' ability to play online multiplayer games on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles. Service restoration efforts began, and by April 16, 2026, most issues were resolved, though scattered reports of problems persisted. Sony had not officially acknowledged the downtime at the time of the initial reports.
PSN Down Around the World, But Sony Yet to Acknowledge Outage
Players worldwide are reporting widespread PlayStation Network outages, preventing access to multiplayer games on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles. Sony has not yet officially acknowledged the downtime, though reports indicate a significant disruption to online services.
PSN Down for Some, Service Slowly Being Restored
The PlayStation Network experienced widespread outages, affecting PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 owners' ability to play online multiplayer games. Service restoration efforts began approximately 30 minutes after reports of the downtime first surfaced, with gradual improvements expected.
Does Pokemon Champions require Nintendo Switch Online?
Pokemon Champions does not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online battles or use features like Pokemon Home. While the game is free-to-play, the official website indicates that a Nintendo Switch Online membership may be necessary for certain content, possibly including online competitions.
Nintendo maintenance schedule – April 5, 2026 – eShop and Switch Online sessions
Nintendo has announced its maintenance schedule for the week of April 5, 2026. Scheduled downtime will affect the Nintendo eShop and network services for the Nintendo Switch, including Nintendo Switch Online on the Home Menu. Specific times are provided for North America, the UK, and Europe.
Stormgate loses online features at the end of April, offline mode upcoming
Frost Giant Studios announced that Stormgate will lose its online multiplayer features on PC at the end of April due to its multiplayer provider Hathora being acquired. The studio hopes to implement an offline mode and is searching for a partner to restore online functionality in the future.
Stormgate loses online features at the end of April, offline mode upcoming
Frost Giant Studios announced that the online multiplayer features for their real-time strategy game, Stormgate, will be shut down on April 30th due to their multiplayer provider being acquired. The studio hopes to implement an offline mode and is searching for a partner to restore online functionality in the future.
RTS game loses online support as AI company buys out its servers
The real-time strategy game Stormgate has temporarily lost online support after its server provider, Hathora, was acquired by an AI company. The new owners are shutting down Hathora's services at the end of April, forcing Frost Giant Studios to make the game playable offline while they seek a new server solution. The article speculates on the broader impact of AI companies acquiring server infrastructure on the gaming industry.
FC 26 Ultimate Team login error – Unable to connect error cause and potential fix (April 2)
FC 26 players are experiencing a global login error for the Ultimate Team mode on April 2, preventing them from connecting to servers. EA Sports has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix, though no estimated time of arrival has been provided. Players can attempt to reconnect repeatedly, try offline modes like Career Mode, or use the web app while waiting for the servers to be restored.
Nintendo Switch Online now has icons for using GameChat
Nintendo Switch Online is offering a limited-time event featuring new collectible icons for users who engage with GameChat. Players can earn My Nintendo Platinum Points by completing the initial GameChat setup, which can then be redeemed for these icons. A total of thirteen icons are available, each costing 10 Platinum Points, and the offer concludes on April 22, 2026.
Major French consumer group sue Ubisoft over always-online game shutdowns with the backing of Stop Killing Games
A major French consumer group, UFC-Que Choisir, backed by the Stop Killing Games movement, is suing Ubisoft over the shutdown of The Crew's servers. The lawsuit argues that Ubisoft infringed consumer rights by making the game unplayable and questions the practice of selling licenses for games that can later be revoked. This action aims to set a precedent for publishers discontinuing online support for games.
Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat to be paywalled as Mario Kart World gets new update
Nintendo is moving its Switch 2 GameChat feature behind a paywall starting April 1, 2026, requiring a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The company also announced the addition of the Bob-omb Blast mode to Mario Kart World, alongside other balancing changes and bug fixes.
Further Evidence of PSN's Rebrand Uncovered on the PS5 Console
Sony appears to be phasing out the PlayStation Network (PSN) brand, with references to 'PSN' being removed from the PlayStation 5 console settings and the official PlayStation website. This suggests a move towards a unified 'PlayStation account' rather than a distinct PSN identity.
Battlefield Hardline Ends Service and Delisted On Consoles
Electronic Arts has announced that Battlefield Hardline will be delisted from digital storefronts on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 starting May 22nd, with online services for the game on these consoles ending June 22nd. While the single-player mode will remain accessible, the game and its DLC will no longer be purchasable. The PC version of Battlefield Hardline remains unaffected.
2025 PS5 Shooter Shutting Down Multiplayer Already
Rebellion has announced that the multiplayer services for Zombie Army VR, released in June last year for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2, will be shut down within the next week. The developer cited Unity's phased exit from its Multiplay Game Server Hosting Service as the reason for the closure. The game's single-player campaign and trophies will remain unaffected.
