Wireless NES Controllers coming to the Switch, for Online subscribers only
Nintendo has announced a new set of Wireless NES controllers for the Nintendo Switch. The pair of controllers even slides into the Nintendo Switch for charging. Nintendo says that you can only use these controllers while they are detached and with the Nintendo Online range of NES games included with the online service – they can’t be used in other games. There’s more provisos as well…
These controllers can only be bought if you’re a subscriber to the Nintendo Online Service, you’re also only allowed to buy one set per account. They’ll set you back $79.95AU and be available to purchase on September 19th. With Nintendo having to check if you’re a subscriber or not (and a trial won’t count) there will have to be a new way to buy these in Australia. Currently, Nintendo Australia has no online store, or web eShop to purchase these through – we’d hope something will be in place before then.
Japan is also getting these controllers, but they are of course Famicom flavoured;
As an exclusive offer for members of #NintendoSwitchOnline, these wireless Nintendo Entertainment System controllers for NES – Nintendo Switch Online can be ordered after the service launches. #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/f4h56moel1
— Nintendo AU NZ (@NintendoAUNZ) September 13, 2018
Nintendo Australia has an eBay Australia store (http://stores.ebay.com.au/nintendoaunz) and a Customer Service phone line for purchasing accessories and replacement parts (https://www.nintendo.com.au/warranty).
“Nintendo Customer Service
Phone: (03) 9730 9822, Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm (EST).
New Zealand customers
Please call: 0800 743 056, Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm, Australian Eastern Standard Time
Service Centre and Spare Parts
Original Nintendo Parts & Accessories can be purchased by contacting Nintendo Customer Service, or alternatively, visiting our parts & service centre, between the operating hours of 09:00am till 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.”
I have ordered Labo pieces and a Wii U GamePad expanded capacity battery via the respective methods above. I have even visited the repairs counter in person and bought something.
Maybe they will ask for your Nintendo ID (eBay, phone or in person) and refund if you don’t provide it/it isn’t active as a paid subscriber.
It isn’t ideal and I wish they had an ecommerce store like the North American one (https://store.nintendo.com/ng3/) and stocked the same items. I also wish we had a Nintendo World Store and theme park in Australia but I guess we aren’t big enough country and market (yet).