Nintendo has officially launched the Nintendo eShop for the Switch and Switch 2, along with its subscription service, Nintendo Switch Online, in the Philippines.
This means Filipinos can now purchase digital games for both the Switch and Switch 2 using Philippine Pesos. Though I doubt game prices will be reduced compared to other regions, at the very least, it will be more accessible for Filipinos to purchase digital games.
The big win is that Nintendo Switch Online does look considerably cheaper with its regional pricing.
Nintendo Switch Online Membership Prices in the Philippines
Nintendo Switch Online, the subscription service that allows Switch and Switch 2 owners to play games online and enjoy various benefits, starts at PHP 149 per month, PHP 399 for three months, and PHP 899 for 12 months (equivalent to PHP 74.9 per month).
The service also gives subscribers access to over 200 games from Nintendo's classic libraries, including titles released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), and Game Boy. The service also offers Nintendo Music, allowing players to listen to classic soundtracks from various Nintendo franchises.
Nintendo also offers an Expansion Pack for the service, which adds access to Nintendo Classics games from the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo 64. Nintendo GameCube games are also available through the Expansion Pack, but this feature is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 owners. Sadly, the Expansion Pack is only available through yearly subscriptions.
For those unfamiliar with the service, you can make this subscription even cheaper by opting for a Family membership, which allows you to add up to eight accounts to the plan. So, if you have a few siblings or relatives who also want to subscribe, you can all split the cost. This is what I currently do with my own Switch membership.
This is a pleasant surprise, as I didn't think Nintendo would go as far as officially offering Filipinos their own regional Nintendo eShop. We can now purchase digital games using our own currency and have access to payment options that are readily available in the country.
It's also a welcome change that we can finally use our official Philippine address and no longer need to set our accounts to a different region just to access Nintendo's online store.
About the Author - Carlos Hernandez
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve delivers an incredible single-player campaign, thrilling dogfights, and a phenomenal soundtrack, despite its underwhelming multiplayer.