This article was originally written for TheNintendoVillage.com, a website I founded and ran from 2018 to 2021.

Update: Looks like we may have gotten the wrong end of the stick here. Nintendo Life are reporting that the same messaging crops up on a number of other games. The link in game just takes players to the eShop where they can buy an online subscription. Plus, Tech Radar have received a statement that this is indeed the case. Everyone move along, nothing to see here.

Original Story: Back in the day you used to need two Game Boys and a link cable if you wanted to trade Pokémon with your friends or challenge them to a battle. These days you can do it all over the internet of course, provided you have a Nintendo Switch Online account.

It seems Nintendo are looking to make those online features available for players who haven’t subscribed to their Online service though. Nintendo Soup have spotted an interesting disclaimer at the bottom of the official web page for the games:

“Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for some online features. This game includes an in-game purchase option for users who do not have a membership. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features.”

So for those of you who haven’t subscribed to the Online platform, you may be able to throw a few pennies Nintendo’s way in order to take Sword and Shield online at least. It’s likely a good option for parents of Pokémon fans who don’t want to pay for a subscription, but are happy for their kids to trade with their friends too.

We’ve no idea how much this will cost yet of course, or whether it will be restricted in some way, but it sounds like a decent option to have.

Would you be more likely to opt for this rather than the full Online service? Let us know down in the comments.

Source: Pokemon.com via Nintendo Soup