The latest new update for Nintendo Switch Online surprised subscribers of the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch OLED with not two, but three long-awaited features that should have been included in the subscription service at launch. As all Switch Online subscribers know, the subscription service is pretty lackluster when it comes to what it offers compared to PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold, and similar services on PlayStation and Xbox, respectively. This is somewhat tolerable given that it is much cheaper, but there are some things that cannot be justified. For example, until the latest update, there was no way to change the online state.

In addition to that, you can now also view your friend’s code and see which of your friends are online. This may sound like basic features, but they were essential features missing from the subscription service until this week. Nintendo hasn’t said why these features are taking so long, but subscribers are happy to see them finally implemented.

Below, you can view the full and official update notes for the patch:

• The overall design of the app has been updated.
• You can now see which of your friends are online.
• You can change your online status settings.
• You can view your friend’s code.
• Other minor changes have also been implemented.

With Nintendo now making more money than ever from the Nintendo Switch Online with the Expansion Pack, it’s possible that the subscription service will begin to improve and refine, but for now, it remains to be seen if that will actually happen. If that’s the plan, it’s a slow-going plan. And with rumors and leaks emerging about Nintendo’s next console, it’s possible to improve the Switch online as the service will continue to take a back seat.

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