Nintendo reconfirms that you'll need a Switch Online membership for Pokemon Sword and Shield online features

In the last couple of days, some Pokemon Sword and Shield fans were holding into hope that you would be able to access online features for the game without a Switch Online membership. This was due to some wording on the Pokemon Sword and Shield website, which mentioned "an in-game purchase option for users who do not have a membership." Nintendo has now stepped in to clarify what that blurb means. The following statement comes from a spokesperson for Nintendo of America, as provided to TechRadar.

"As stated on the Game Store pages for the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games at www.nintendo.com, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to use the games’ online features. The games include an in-game option to purchase a Nintendo Switch Online membership for those who do not already have one."