If you're a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch or eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, you're likely already familiar with Nintendo Switch Online. This essential service not only unlocks multiplayer capabilities for enjoying games with friends but also offers a nostalgic journey through over four decades of classic Nintendo titles. From the iconic NES and SNES to the beloved Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and the soon-to-be-added GameCube libraries, Nintendo Switch Online is your gateway to a rich gaming history.
Haven't dipped your toes into Nintendo Switch Online yet? No worries! We're here to guide you through everything you need to know, from activating the free trial to understanding the various subscription tiers and their pricing.
Does Nintendo Switch Online Have a Free Trial?
Absolutely! Nintendo offers a seven-day free trial for Nintendo Switch Online, providing you with access to online play for your Nintendo Switch (and future Nintendo Switch 2 games), cloud backup for your save data, select game soundtracks on Nintendo Music, and a library of over 100 NES, SNES, and Game Boy games.
Nintendo Switch Online Free Trial
Seven days free, then renewed at a monthly rate of $3.99. No Expansion Pack benefits are included. See it at Nintendo. Click the link above to sign up for the free trial. After your trial period ends, you'll be automatically charged for your subscription if it's not canceled.
What Is Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription-based service designed for use with Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. It's your ticket to enjoying online multiplayer and additional features for supported games, along with the convenience of cloud backup for your save data.
But that's not all! Subscribers also gain access to an ever-growing catalog of Nintendo Classics spanning over 40 years. The standard subscription includes a curated collection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, while the Expansion Pack adds titles from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis. For those with a Nintendo Switch 2, the Expansion Pack will also include select GameCube games at launch.
Nintendo Switch Online 12 Month Individual Membership + Expansion Pack eGift Card
$49.88 at Walmart | $49.88 at Target. Alongside the retro game catalog, Nintendo introduced the new Nintendo Music app in late 2024, allowing you to stream and download your favorite tracks from a wide range of franchises, including Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, and more.
How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?
Nintendo Switch Online offers both individual and family plans. Individual plans are priced at $3.99 per month, $7.99 for three months, or $19.99 per year. Family plans, which support up to eight accounts, are available annually for $34.99 per year.
Nintendo Switch Online
Compare plans, prices, and perks. See it at Nintendo. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which includes additional Nintendo Classics and specific game DLC packs, is available as an annual subscription only. It costs $49.99 per year for individual subscribers and $79.99 per year for family memberships.
How to Use Nintendo Switch Online - Available Platforms
Nintendo Switch Online is primarily accessible on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. With the introduction of the Nintendo Music app, its benefits are now also available on mobile devices.
