The launch of Nintendo Switch Online this week adds a few new features to the year-old console, including an array of NES games, cloud backups for some titles, and co-operative gaming.

On top of that, those with multiple Nintendo Switch consoles will be able to play their downloaded games on any device as long as they're logged in.

It's not quite simultaneous multi-platform—you can only play a particular game on one console at a time—a la Netflix streaming, but it should be enough to satisfy hardcore Nintendo fans.

As Nintendo outlined on its support page, the first Switch connected to the Nintendo eShop becomes your primary console; any others will be non-primary. If you deactivate the primary console, the next Switch you use to sign in to your Nintendo Account and access the Nintendo eShop becomes the primary.

You can purchase and download software and play your games on a non-primary console, as long as you're connected to the internet. Should your internet cut out, "your game will pause after a certain amount of time; however, once you connect online again, you will be able to resume from the point you left off." Downloadable content can also only be started by the user who purchased it.

So households with multiple Switches (or those that want to play their friend's games on their own consoles) might want to consider shelling out for the subscription.

A year of Nintendo Switch Online is $19.99, three months is $7.99, and one month is $3.99. A family membership costs $34.99 for a year. You can also sign up for a free 7-day trial from the Nintendo eShop.