Would I need internet connection to unlock the game on the 20th?

[Antonio]

Title says it all, tbh.

 

[VillageDuck]

Physical: no
Digital: yes

 

[Neechan]

Basically what VillageDuck said, if you have a physical, no need for internet, but you will if you go digital since you are downloading it from Nintendo.

 

[JKDOS]

I think he meant regarding preload. ^^

 

[tajikey]

Yes, you will, even if you pre-load. Your system will ping Nintendo on the day of release, which will unlock the game for which you've already paid. If you're going to be out and about, you can set up a hot spot on your phone, then connect your Switch to that (one option, I suppose).

 

[Antonio]

I think he meant regarding preload. ^^

I was but I think they are aware. Thank guys!

 

[lexxi5416]

ya for digital but even if you got physical wouldn't u wanna play with friends?

 

[dizzy bone]

If you click the icon after it’s downloaded it says it will check online whether you can play or not yet (unlocks on midnight release presumably) so yes it would need Internet to unlock!

 

[Khaelis]

If you click the icon after it?s downloaded it says it will check online whether you can play or not yet (unlocks on midnight release presumably) so yes it would need Internet to unlock!

Yeah, you need to be online for the software to check if it can be unlocked for use, to download the title key which in turn allows you to play the game.

Basically, the easiest way to explain pre-loads is you're purchasing the game, but not the 'license' to play it right away. That gets delivered to you the day the game is released via an Internet connection.

 

[jefflomacy]

Yes. The key to decrypt the game will not be distributed until the 20th, and if you are not online, you cannot receive the key. It is not as simple as the software checking if it can be used. The software is currently on your Switch encrypted by a 128-bit or larger key. This private key will not be distributed until launch day.

 

[oath2order]

Digital needs online, yes.