Photo by Danny Schleusser / Unsplash
For years, playing Nintendo games in Southeast Asia meant jumping through hoops. Anyone who wanted to buy digital titles had to create overseas accounts, switch regions, or rely on awkward workarounds that never felt like a real solution.
That changes now, as Nintendo finally opens full eShop and Switch Online access in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and nearby regions. Players can purchase games and subscribe to services in local currency, which immediately removes one of the biggest barriers fans have dealt with for far too long.
With this rollout, the eShop finally feels like something built for the region. Games, downloadable content, and free demos are all listed in local pricing, and there are already hundreds of titles available with more arriving regularly. Many of these support online or local co-op play through the “Play while sharing” feature, and quality-of-life tools like Suspend Points and Rewind make gaming easier by letting players pause, retry, or backtrack whenever they choose. It’s the first time the digital Nintendo experience will feel complete for many people.
When Will Nintendo’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals Start?
Games, accessories, and savings arrive early this year as Nintendo opens its holiday sales window ahead of the rush.
Switch Online adds another layer by unlocking global multiplayer for favourites such as Splatoon 3, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Pokémon Legends Z-A, and the upcoming Kirby Air Riders. Subscribers also get access to exclusive titles like Tetris 99 and F-Zero 99, along with classic games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. These older releases help newer players experience Nintendo’s past while giving long-time fans an easy way to revisit the games they grew up with.
Those who want more depth can upgrade to the Switch Online Expansion Pack, which expands the catalogue to include Game Boy Advance and Nintendo 64 titles. On Switch 2, this tier also adds supported GameCube games. Save data is backed up online automatically, which makes progress secure and allows players to pick up where they left off on any console. Moving from the original Switch to the Switch 2 could be far less complicated because of this.
Switch 2 owners receive several extra perks designed specifically for the hardware. GameChat brings built-in voice chatting and screen sharing, which makes multiplayer sessions easier to coordinate. Upgraded versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are included at no extra cost. Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2 unlock DLC through the subscription without requiring extra purchases, adding more value for anyone who upgrades.
Nintendo brings Official App Store for iOS and Android Users
Gamers can now track a few goodies on their app stores
Outside the console, the Nintendo Music app lets subscribers listen to soundtracks from their favourite games from any smartphone. Membership management also feels more streamlined now, as everything from service updates to dedicated titles to event notices can be accessed directly from the Nintendo Switch Online icon on the HOME Menu. Custom icons give players a simple way to personalise their profiles by mixing and matching elements they’ve collected.
Malaysia’s pricing starts at RM13 ($3.15) for a monthly plan, RM33 ($7.95) for three months, and RM89 ($21.42) for a full year. Family plans for up to eight people cost RM169 ($40.67) annually. The Expansion Pack tier is RM179 ($42.85) per year for individual users and RM319 ($76.09) per year for families.
The takeaway
This rollout finally gives Southeast Asian Nintendo fans a seamless digital experience that feels long overdue. With full regional access, smoother online features, and stronger support for the Switch 2 ecosystem, players now have an easier, more complete way to enjoy Nintendo’s games and services without relying on any of the old workarounds.
Nintendo has confirmed that it is working on a virtual reality headset
The company is playing catchup as VR headsets have come a long way in comfort, processing power, and affordability.
November 18, 2025
Link copied!
Copy failed!
