Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) offers a robust suite of services that enhance your gaming experience, allowing you to dive into iconic games from past console generations and enjoy numerous expansions for some of the biggest releases. If you're browsing the Nintendo Store for new Switch games, a subscription can unlock a wealth of additional content and features.
With Nintendo confirming that NSO will transition to the upcoming Switch 2, you can rest assured that these memberships will continue to deliver the same great benefits, including access to retro game libraries, on the new console. To help you choose the right plan, let's explore the two available Nintendo Switch Online membership options and the best deals you can snag when signing up.
Whether you're eager to relive classics like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64, or you're looking to join friends for some Mario Kart online, we'll break down all the Nintendo Switch Online membership plans to guide you in making an informed choice.
Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial? -----------------------------------------------### Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial
0Seven days free, then renewed at a monthly rate of $3.99. No Expansion Pack benefits are included. See it at NintendoNintendo Switch Online offers a seven-day free trial for its basic membership, which provides access to online play for your existing Switch games and a rich selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. You can start your trial directly on your Switch or via the Nintendo Online website by logging into your Nintendo account and navigating to the eShop. Remember, after the trial, your subscription will automatically renew at $3.99 per month. Each Nintendo account is eligible for only one free trial.
How Much Is Nintendo Switch Online?
### Nintendo Switch Online
0Compare plans, prices, and perksSee it at NintendoNintendo offers two distinct Nintendo Switch Online membership plans: Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Both are available as individual or family packages, which impacts the number of accounts that can enjoy the plan's benefits. Let's delve into the offerings, advantages, and costs of each plan.
Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99
This plan grants a Nintendo Switch Online pass to one account, providing:
- Access to online play.
- Full access to the Switch Online NES library.
- Full access to the Switch Online SNES library.
- Full access to the Switch Online Game Boy library.
- Cloud saving.
- Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
- Exclusive offers and discounts.
12-Month Individual Membership### Nintendo Switch Online Gift Card
0$19.99 at Amazon### Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
This plan extends the benefits to up to eight accounts, including:
- Access to online play.
- Full access to the Switch Online NES library.
- Full access to the Switch Online SNES library.
- Full access to the Switch Online Game Boy library.
- Cloud saving.
- Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
- Exclusive offers and discounts.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
This plan offers a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack pass to one account, with:
- Access to online play.
- Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise expansion.
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.
- Full access to the Switch Online N64 library.
- Full access to the Switch Online Game Boy Advance library.
- Full access to the Switch Online SEGA Genesis library.
- Full access to the Switch Online NES library.
- Full access to the Switch Online SNES library.
- Full access to the Switch Online Game Boy library.
- Cloud saving.
- Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
- Exclusive offers and discounts.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
This plan provides the same benefits as the Individual Expansion Pack to up to eight accounts, including:
- Access to online play.
- Mario Kart 8: Booster Course Pass.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise expansion.
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.
- Full access to the Switch Online N64 library.
- Full access to the Switch Online Game Boy Advance library.
- Full access to the Switch Online SEGA Genesis library.
- Full access to the Switch Online NES library.
- Full access to the Switch Online SNES library.
- Full access to the Switch Online Game Boy library.
- Cloud saving.
- Full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
- Exclusive offers and discounts.
Additional Subscription Details
Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - 1 month: $3.99, 3 months: $7.99, 1 year: $19.99
The basic Nintendo Switch Online package is perfect for solo players focused on online multiplayer. It provides full access to Nintendo’s online multiplayer services, allowing you to engage in the online components of your favorite games.
Additional perks include access to the full Switch Online NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, featuring classics like Super Mario Bros. 3, F-ZERO, and Donkey Kong Country. You can play these games offline if you've logged into your account within the last seven days, making it ideal for gaming on the go. However, this tier does not include access to N64, Game Boy Advance, or SEGA Genesis libraries.
You'll also enjoy exclusive deals and discounts, cloud saving for transferring data between Switch consoles, and access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
One key advantage is the flexibility to subscribe month-to-month, saving $27 if you opt for a full year upfront. This is great for occasional players who only need the service for big releases.
Nintendo Switch Online: Family - 1 year: $34.99
The Family plan mirrors the Individual plan but extends the benefits to up to eight accounts. A year-long commitment is required, but it's more cost-effective for households with multiple users compared to individual subscriptions.
You'll gain access to online play for all Nintendo multiplayer titles, along with the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. Additionally, you'll benefit from member-exclusive offers, cloud saving, and full access to the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
This plan is the best value for large households primarily interested in online play without the extra features of the Expansion Pack.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - 1 year: $49.99
Designed for avid Nintendo Switch players, this plan includes all features of the standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription for one account, plus additional emulators and expansion packs. Note that it requires a year-long commitment.
You'll have access to N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, featuring classics like Ocarina of Time, Banjo-Kazooie, Super Mario 64, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Metroid Fusion. Recent additions include more Rare games.
Additionally, you'll enjoy expansions for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2. These expansions are also available for separate purchase if you prefer not to subscribe.
This plan is ideal for players interested in classic games without needing additional hardware. If online multiplayer is your main focus, the standard plan might be more cost-effective.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Family - 1 year: $79.99
Similar to the Individual plan, the Family Expansion Pack extends the N64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis libraries, along with the expansions for Animal Crossing, Splatoon 2, and Mario Kart 8, to up to eight accounts.
It also includes all features from the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan, such as NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries, online multiplayer, cloud saving, and exclusive deals.
This plan is perfect for households where everyone wants access to both the standard Nintendo Switch Online benefits and the Expansion Pack's extras. Keep in mind, though, that the price jump is significant, and the included expansions can be bought separately if that's your primary interest.