After years of waiting, Nintendo fans in Malaysia will finally gain access to the official Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch Online services starting November 18. The rollout will also include Singapore and Thailand, marking a major step in expanding Nintendo’s digital ecosystem across Southeast Asia.
With the launch of Nintendo eShop, Malaysian players will soon be able to purchase and download games, downloadable content (DLC), and Nintendo Switch Online memberships directly through local accounts, a first for the region.
Previously, players had to create Japanese or U.S. accounts and rely on prepaid cards or foreign payment methods to access digital titles.
Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch Online will unlock the platform’s full multiplayer capabilities, letting players enjoy online battles and co-op play, back up game progress via Save Data Cloud, and access a library of classic games from past Nintendo consoles. These services will support both the current Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2, which launched in mid-2025.
Nintendo said that specific content and pricing details for both services will be announced closer to launch, though we are eager to see how local pricing will compare to other markets.
To put things in perspective: Nintendo eShop is launching locally 14 years after its original release, and Switch Online is following seven years after its global debut.
Nintendo strengthens its foothold in Malaysia
This upcoming launch builds on Nintendo’s renewed push into the Malaysian market. In October 2023, Convergent Distribution was appointed as the official distributor for Nintendo Switch consoles and games in Malaysia, taking over from Singapore-based Maxsoft.
Convergent also manages the Nintendo Official Stores on Lazada and Shopee, and operates an Authorised Nintendo Service Centre at the Amoda Building in Kuala Lumpur, giving local gamers official channels for warranty and repair for the first time.
Together, these developments mark the most complete official presence Nintendo has had in Malaysia, spanning hardware, software, after-sales support, and now online services.
How it compares with PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live
For years, PlayStation has dominated the console gaming landscape in Malaysia, with an established retail and digital presence. However, its subscription service has become increasingly costly.
The PlayStation Plus tiers currently start at RM35/month or RM285/year for the Essential plan, RM55/month or RM490/year for Extra, and RM65/month or RM575/year for Deluxe.
By comparison, Xbox remains a niche platform in the local market. While consoles are available via grey imports, Microsoft has not officially launched the Xbox platform or Xbox Live services in Malaysia. This means Nintendo now edges out Microsoft in officially supporting local players.
As for subscription pricing, Nintendo has yet to reveal its Malaysian rates. But based on Nintendo’s pricing strategy, it won’t be cheap. According to my gut, Switch Online could land around or above PlayStation’s tiers.
And if Nintendo somehow undercuts PlayStation, Chief Chapree will spend his hard-earned money on a Switch 2, overpriced accessories and all.
Looking ahead
Nintendo’s expansion across Southeast Asia continues, with plans to eventually launch eShop and Switch Online in the Philippines. No timeline has been confirmed yet, but the move indicates a clear effort to bring the full Nintendo experience to more players in the region.
For now, Malaysian gamers can look forward to November 18, when Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch Online finally go live locally, bringing official digital purchases, cloud saves, and online play to Malaysian accounts for the first time.
November 18 2025: The day Malaysia finally joins the Nintendo Online era, 7 years late
News Reports PH
0 Comments